Turkey hunting in SW washington

[jsharptooth91]

Hey all, I am looking to so some turkey hunting this year. It will be my first hunt. I see on the map from WDFW site, where they distribute them turkeys. I live in Vancouver, so somewheres close would be nice.

I just dont know where the public land is around this area.

Where can i find a more detailed map of each area?

Are they national forest areas?

[Jason]

Might be tough for people to give up their info when they don't know you.

Maybe start out by telling us about yourself.

[jsharptooth91]

Fair enough.

Been living here in the wonderful PNW for ~ 11 yrs now. Just got my career on track and looking for some fun outdoors activity's.
I enjoy hiking, fishing, and looking to get into some hunting. Mainly looking to be in the outdoors, tired of being inside all the time.

All tho, this is my first year going salmon fishing. I can wait until some of this rain to let up. I'm wanting to catch some springers.

I have never been turkey hunting. Mainly been reading up on. I would love to take my 10 yr old, but I dont think she can sit still long enough...

The map area are a little difficult to interpertate. Area like GMU 388. Where is this and what dose it mean?

[pianoman9701]

I live in Vancouver as well and am going out to Skamania and Klickitat to hunt. A lot of it is private land and I'll go talk to landowners when I go scouting in a week or two.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Fair enough.

Been living here in the wonderful PNW for ~ 11 yrs now. Just got my career on track and looking for some fun outdoors activity's.
I enjoy hiking, fishing, and looking to get into some hunting. Mainly looking to be in the outdoors, tired of being inside all the time.

All tho, this is my first year going salmon fishing. I can wait until some of this rain to let up. I'm wanting to catch some springers.

I have never been turkey hunting. Mainly been reading up on. I would love to take my 10 yr old, but I dont think she can sit still long enough...

The map area are a little difficult to interpertate. Area like GMU 388. Where is this and what dose it mean?

Wow!, I would suggest heading east for turkeys, pretty steep learning curve hunting easterns,
according to what I see from your post, you have little to no experience hunting (?)
I almost gave up on Turkey hunting about 14 years ago .
After looking from Menlo east to The Bald Hills, Boistfort north to Olympia, 3 years of hunting hard for them in SW Washington, average 3 days a week during season, and only seeing 3 Toms, 1 near Pe Ell, and 2 in someones yard (Johnson Creek Winery)
I took a trip to Kettle Falls, saw 12 before even getting to camp !!.
If you just like taking l-o-n-g walks behind gates, in the hopes of just finding sign, then by all means go for it !
But if you actually want to see and hear Turkeys, head east ! 
P.S. although I do like taking walks with my daughters (8 and 5) no real pressure to be quiet, or sit still until I do locate some sign......

[turkeydancer]

 
I agree with SSB that you should start with some talkative Klickitat Merriams.  Or even make the trip to NE Washington to start.   

[one more]

That's just what I would have written.  Hunting on the wet side for Eastern birds for a few more years than you and only seeing one hen in the woods, hearing one gobbler then a shotgun and no more gobbles, My daughter and I finally went East.  We contacted Fish & Wildlife to get info on general areas to look.  I knocked on several doors and got permission and finally we got turkeys.

We took my 6 year old grandson out one morning and he sat quiet for more than an hour.  It helps if kids are warm and comfortable with good clothes, boots, socks, and a soft seat.  He's older now and after he takes the Hunter Safety course he'll be packing, too.
 
Klickitat is good, but spray your clothes for ticks.

Yes, I will still try to find a place on the wet side, but I won't spend all season near home.
Diane