Hunting around Spokane

[MHutch]

Hey guys,
  I just moved to Spokane from Kansas and I would really like to do some hunting around the area.  I'm going to college at Gonzaga and I have met a few guys who hunt but most of us don't really know much about the area.  I personally would really like to do some grouse hunting since we don't have any grouse back home but I really have no idea where to go, how to get access to land, etc.  I do have a truck so I can drive but I just don't know where to go.  Is there a lot of public land or do most people get access to private land?  And how hard is it to get access to private land around here?  Because I know that back home in Kansas almost all of the good hunting is on private land and it is very hard to get access if you don't know anyone, knocking on doors rarely works.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
  Matt

[Straight Shooter]

I hunt private land but, there is plenty of public land (and grouse) within a reasonable drive of downtown Spokane.  Study the regs, get some BLM maps, and start beating the bushes.  Stevens Co. and Mt Spokane (need a permit to hunt IEPC property) are good places to start.

Good luck,

SS

[GoldTip]

Head up the backside of Mica peak, plenty of grouse up there.  If you use the access road, (gated) it is Inland paper company land, just need a permit which you can get when you purchase your hunting license at White Elephant.  Walk that gated road up towards the Air Force tower and take any road off it leading to the right and you will be OK as far as being on essentially public land and good grouse hunting to boot.  A lot of people use four wheelers up there (legally) to access the ground, so it may get frustrating when you walk in, but you could always mtn bike in as well.  Good close, easy access from GU.  Welcome to Spokane.

[carpsniperg2]

this is a great place we were just up there moose hunting the first part of the month her is the link it shows all there property on there map and you can hunt birds,small game,big game i think a year pass is like 40 or so or you can do day pass for i think 10 is what we paid here it is we saw alot of grouse while we were up there for a whole 1 day lol http://www.iepco.com/environment_news.htm

[SpokaneSlayer]

There is a ton of public land around.  I've used the GoHunt mapping feature on the WDFW website a ton.  It takes a bit of work to figure out where exactly some of the properties are.  I used google maps in conjunction and can usually work out how to get to a particular plot by comparing how the road looks on the map.  PM me if you want and I can give you some more details.

[MHutch]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I really appreciate it.  Good to know there is public land around.  I figure I'll probably just look at the map, pick some places to scout around, and see what I can find.  As far as private land, though, is the hunting generally a lot better on private land?  And is it hard to get access? 

Thanks,
  Matt

[Straight Shooter]

Right now, I would concentrate on public land.  There are plenty of birds, and other game, available to you on public land.  I'm surprised that a some members actually gave you good info.    Most members usually keep hunting spots to themselves... then chastise you for asking.    Getting access to private land can be tough.  Luckily, I was invited into a hunting party.  Knocking on doors is a good start.  You can also look for farms that are having coyote problems and offer to help them out... that could lead to other hunting opportunities.  You can also offer manual labor for land access.  Sometimes, it take quite a while to build a relationship with land owners.

[surfj9009]

I appreciate those who did share the good information for the new guys. I am a new hunter, lived in Spokane my whole life. I am constantly trying to find out good places to hunt.

I would agree that IEP Co. land is a good start, and it's not that far.

[shoot-em-dead]

private land can be tough but there is lots of public land around. I would reccomend going to wholesale sports and getting a gmu map or two

[wannabhntr]

Just found a nice piece of DNR land up in Elk. Jumped three grouse five minutes from the truck. PM me and i can attempt to give you directions.
It is rather late in the season, but you can go to the Spokane Valley WDFW office and get names and numbers of local land owners that are granting access. Most are more more than likely done giving permission for this year though.

[T-Bone]

For grouse, buy a map of the Colville National Forest.

For other hunting info., visit the WDFW Region One Office in Spokane Valley and internet scout on the WDFW website. Lots of good public land info. at the BLM Office in Spokane, too.

Tom