Beginner at this

[Oneshot1Kill]

So, i've been a hunter since i was 4 and lately i've been kinda warming up to the thought of starting to photograph it. I mean, i've seen some amazing things out in the woods. Only problem is i have a cheap 50 dollar camera with practically no zoom or anything, so what kinda of camera do you think i should get? I know a guy who will sell me a new Cannon Rebel for a couple hundred off, should i get that? Also, what's some cool critters in our home state of Washington? I was thinking about taking a trip this summer and photographing all the endangered species i could find as well as some cool places. I know it's a lot to ask but does anyone know anywhere also that's just amazing? Such as some waterfalls(Already know a few. Okay, a lot, but still). Thanks to anyone and happy hunting/whatever it is you do in the woods.

[270Shooter]

I personally think waterfowl pphotography is the most interesting, because there are some many different spieces and you never know what you might find on any day

[JackOfAllTrades]

When I start something like this I usually go for what's the most difficult.  Okay.. Earning NRA Expert classification for standard pistol with iron sights instead of using a red dot scope. -tough but doable.  So, why stop there? I'd jump in with both feet and want to photograph some of the most difficult.

Cats! Weazles! Fox! WOLVES! Bears and cubs up close.

OK.. Nobody said I was the brightest star in the sky.   So a bettter choics would be to start with any game you can see and learn your camera (the new one you buy), then ramp up from there to more difficult critters. And it doesn't have to be wild game. Farm critters this spring. Young foals and filly's. Lambs and chicks. Puppies. 

-Steve

[boneaddict]

Honestly Glacier park in Montana is a great place to start.  Lots of wildlife, and the scenery is unreal.  If you want to stay in Washington, there is something in every corner.  The cross state hi-way over into the Methow.

[billythekidrock]

One thing to remember is that the camera is only a small part of the equation. An expensive one won't help much if you can't compose a photo.

I have seen some great photos with "$50 cameras". That being said, if you can get a deal on the Rebel then go for it.

[Tom Reichner]

There is a ton of wildlife here in WA.  A lot of it is not very easy to photograph, but the subjects are there if you're willing to work 'em.  A friend of mine over on the west side is an avid bird photographer.  Almost all of his images are shot right here in WA, and he has a website that you can take a look at to get some ideas of the photographic opportunities available here in our state.  His site is:  http://www.rlkimages.com/photos/

I also do a lot of my shooting here in WA, although I also travel to the nearby states of CA, MT, as well as the Yelowstone / Teton area in WY.  My site is:   http://www.tomreichner.com/
Feel free to take a look, and if you see anything there that you'd particularly like to pursue, just send me an email or give me a call and I'd be glad to tell you whatever you'd like to know about shooting that species.  

Don't rush into buying a camera - take your time so you don't wish you'd gotten something different.  There is a wealth of information on the internet, and a lot of people who are glad to give sound advice.

I would recommend going  to the zoo or to a place like Northwest Trek to practice shooting live subjects.  At places like that, you have "models" to shoot all day long, and you can get far more learning & practice in than you'd ever be able to do with wild subjects.  By doing this, you'll be much better prepared for the moment when that "once in a lifetime" opportunity with a Grizzly bear, Bobcat, etc presents itself.  Ducks at a local park can be excellent practice, too.  

[wapiti hunter2]

You might check out the photography section in huntfishwa.com.  There are several excellent tutorials by popeshawnpaul.  Also go to you local library and check out everything you can on outdoor, wildlife and landscape photography.  Before you plunk down the big dollars read as much as you can.  there are tons of suggestions on this site too.  Search through the photography treads going back for at lest a year.  There are some goodones on what new equipment, lenses, bodies to buy and what is most important.   

[GregE]

Lots of good advice given.  The key for me is familiarity with your equipment so when opportunity shots appear you can grab them without much preparation.

Enjoy the journey.