Where can I hunt? New hunter only a little bit stupid.

[skagit1]

Hey
I am new to hunting. I do not have any friends or family that hunt. I live in Skagit County and I would like to start out by hunting small game, specifically grouse and rabbits but coyotes and squirrels too. I have been to GoHunt, and have seen the WDFW Wildlife Areas maps(seem to be waterfowl oriented). I have looked at the GMU maps also. I see lots of state land on the GMU maps, but I do not know if it can be hunted. What about DNR land? More specifically, there are a ton of logging roads off of Lake Cavanaugh Rd and Granstrom Rd. Can you hunt out there? Is there any significance to the gates predominantly being yellow? Does yellow designate anything?

I would hunt with rimfire, air rifle, or shotgun. Yes, I have read the hunting regs. Yes, I have completed hunter safety. I can use a bike to cover distance behind locked gates.

I am a cautious person and do not want to break any laws nor trespass.
Anyway, if someone could give me some help I would really appreciate it. Doesn't need to be a good spot, just get me started.

THANKS

[Jburke]

Well, I don't know specifics for that area but most state owned land is open for hunting, if it's not it is almost always posted.  Also to make things more confusing, most timber companies allow hunting on thier land as well.  The rules for each companies land may vary and you would have to check with each for their rules.  A bike will get you farther than most people will walk and will help a lot.  For small game a 22 or shotgun will work just fine.  If you know anyone that hunts in that general area I would suggest asking to tag along for a day to get an idea of what's out there.

[skagit1]

Jburke: Thanks for the reply. I am going to leave the guns at home for a while and just start scouting land. Hopefully I can look up the local Hunter'sEd instructors and get some help from them.

[Bob33]

You're on the right track. In general, you can hunt everywhere except where you can't.  That sounds silly, but it's essentially true.  Considerations:

(1) Is the area you wish to hunt open for the species you wish to hunt, when you wish to hunt?  Take grouse, for example.  Page 112 of the Big Game regulations indicates the season is open statewide from September 1 through December 31.   Also note there are daily legal shooting hours; they are different for Eastern versus Western Washington, and they are different for big game versus waterfowl and upland birds.

Big game species like deer are more complicated. Lake Cavanaugh is in GMU 437.  For deer you must specify your hunting method when purchasing a transport tag (modern firearm, muzzleloader, or archery).  Assume you purchased a Modern transport tag.  Page 17 lists the dates and GMUs for the general deer season. In Western Washington the first general season in GMU 437 is Oct 16-31, and a legal deer is 2 point minimum.

(2) Is the land restricted?  Some areas such as National Parks prohibit all hunting.  Some areas have "no shooting" zones.  Some areas are "firearm restricted" which means you cannot use centerfire rifles.  If in doubt, ask a local WDFW enforcement or police officer.

(3) Is the land privately owned?  If so, you need the owner's permission first or you will be trespassing.  Almost all government owned lands (DNR, Forest Service, BLM. WDFW) are open to hunting unless explicitly noted otherwise.

(4) Is your hunting method legal?  As noted previously make sure your hunting method matches your transport tag if appropriate, like with deer.  Make sure you are not in a “firearm restricted” area if you plan to use a centerfire rifle.  You mention rimfires: they are not legal for big game.  Air rifles are not legal for any hunting, although some officers do not enforce that vigorously.  If you’re hunting waterfowl, you need a shotgun capable of holding three or fewer shells, and you must use non-toxic shot.

Don’t expect hunting to be 100 percent successful in terms of killing something.  Many hunters go all season without shooting something.  That’s OK: have fun.  Above all, be safe.  Be 100 percent certain of your target, and what’s beyond it before lifting your gun to aim.  Watch out for others that may not be as safe.  Make sure you have all the legal documents you need to hunt (license, transport tag, waterfowl stamps, etc.)

Do a lot of scouting if possible.  Meet as many locals as you can, and ask them about hunting in their areas.  

[Kain]

Skagit1, welcome to the site and to hunting.  

You will need to pass hunters safety to be able to buy a license but sounds like you are on the right track for finding areas to hunt.  Once you find some good areas read the regulations.  they are free at most sporting goods stores and stores that sell licenses.
 http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00766/wdfw00766.pdf

You are running into some trouble already with some of the things you mentioned.  
1 Air rifles are not legal for hunting game animals.  You will need to learn which animals are considered "game".  
2 There are only two types of squirrels that can be hunted in this state.  The eastern grey and the fox squirrels, all the others are protected.  Make sure you learn how to identify them.

Lots to learn but its not too difficult and someone on here is always willing to help if you have a question.  While you are waiting to pass hunters ed get some camo and a camera and start finding areas to hunt.  

[BlackRidge]

Aren't state-parks more prone to restrict hunting than national?

[Bob33]

Aren't state-parks more prone to restrict hunting than national?

National parks in Washington are 100% restricted.  I don't know of any state parks that allow hunting either.

[hoosier85]

welcome to the site and the sport of hunting.

[Bob33]

Update on state parks: hunting indeed appears to be prohibited.

http://www.parks.wa.gov/rules/
Please do not harm wild plants or animals. Feeding of wildlife is strictly prohibited.
Wildlife, plants and all park buildings, signs and tables and other structures are protected; removal or damage of any kind is prohibited.

[Wapiti4570]

Skagit1,

Welcome!

I would suggest that only a stupid person wouldn't ask questions. It is wise to educate yourself!
The yellow gated roads on the NW side of the Granstrom road are mostly DNR land and lead up to Coyote Ridge. Unless you see any signs, you are good to go. That open timber with grass and ferns holds quite a bit of game. This area was recently closed to all motorized vehicles, including the main gate to Coyote Ridge so a bicycle, horse or afoot is perfect. Good luck and I may see you up there.

[DaveR]

Skagit1..Hello, and welcome.  First I have 2 questions. Why would you want to scout without your gun? Thats when you will see everything you want to shoot.   
 
Next..There is some mighty fine duck hunting in the bays, and fields in your area. Also some public hunting.
Don't you care for waterfowl?

Grouse is going to close up soon, but rabbits are open for a while yet. Walk the rds, and ditches, and you will find some bunnies. Many of the logging roads around the Skagit, sauk, stilly, and surrounding hillls will hold game.