Newbie Needs Info

[smit3413]

Hi everyone. I went deer hunting once when I was like 10 years old and I don't really remember much other than I got skunked and frozen solid. I know how to shoot rifles and have been bird hunting several times with shotguns. Lived on property and messed around with my .22 a lot.

Anyway, my wife and I want to get into deer hunting and I have no idea where to start. I mean, I am a complete beginner here. What are the steps we should take and where should we go hunting? Thanks!

[gaddy]

pike place market

[bearpaw]

First sign up for a hunters ed class so you can purchase licenses. Then I am sure you can get plenty of help here on the forum about where to go, perhaps someone will even invite you along. Also try checking out or posting in the hunting swaps board:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/board,26.0.html

welcome to the forum... 

[bearpaw]

Find everything you need to know about hunter ed here, schedules, etc:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/index.html

[bobcat]

A hunter education class, and then try to find an experienced hunter to help get you started. Possibly consider going on a guided hunt for your first time. You also need to decide if you want to hunt the modern firearm season, archery, or muzzleloader. They all have different seasons, which you will learn about in your hunter education class. The least difficult deer hunting will be on private lands in eastern Washington. Try to find a landowner that will let you hunt (not easy) or find landowners who will let you hunt for a small "trespass" fee.

[smit3413]

Thanks but do I really need to take a hunter's ed class even though I took one as a kid?

[bobcat]

No, I guess not. If you have proof that you took the class. That is if you were born after Jan. 1 1972. If you were born before that, then you aren't required to take the class. It would still be a good way to become more knowledgeable- the hunter ed course is not just about safety anymore.

[smit3413]

No, I guess not. If you have proof that you took the class. That is if you were born after Jan. 1 1972. If you were born before that, then you aren't required to take the class. It would still be a good way to become more knowledgeable- the hunter ed course is not just about safety anymore.

It'd probably be good for me and a requirement for my wife, so I think I'll do that. Thanks everyone.

[gaddy]

Smit, please dont get offended at my attempt at humor. i think its great that you & your wife would like to get into hunting. the classes are a great way to start & if you took one as a kid has your wife? any way you might learn something new & meet some people in your same situation. maybe meet some people to help get you started.
have you decided on a weapon choice? so many oppertunities open to you & adventures to be had. you might also talk to friends about your interest. it never ceases to amaise me how many people actually hunt but untill the subject comes up you would never know.
Good luck.

[bearpaw]

No, I guess not. If you have proof that you took the class. That is if you were born after Jan. 1 1972. If you were born before that, then you aren't required to take the class. It would still be a good way to become more knowledgeable- the hunter ed course is not just about safety anymore.

It'd probably be good for me and a requirement for my wife, so I think I'll do that. Thanks everyone.

When you and your wife are set to go, or if it's just you in the event she is unable to get in a class, post in this topic again or message me. There are plenty of public land areas to hunt that won't cost you anything. There are also timber lands around the state that are open to hunting. Some of those charge or are closed to hunting, but not all of them, many are open to public hunting, especially if you are willing to walk in. There is plenty of open lands on the eastside if you don't think you will like hunting on the westside.

[bobcat]

I forgot to ask- are you wanting to go this year?

[smit3413]

I am very familiar with the national forest up above Tonasket and Orville. I eventually want to bow hunt but thought rifle hunting would be easier to get into to start. I'm probably pretty late for this year I expect. Thanks for the help everyone.

[bobcat]

Well that's just as good an area to hunt as anywhere. If you want more time to hunt, one thing you could do is you could bow hunt, and have your wife rifle hunt.  That way you could experience both seasons. That is if you have the time/money to spread the hunting out over three months. Otherwise, you could just start out rifle hunting and get it all done in the 9 day season.