Some Whidbey Island discussion and feedback

[h20hunter]

So, brother in law has hunted a bit this year for local area (Snoho County) blacktail during modern. We pretty much have one weekend left in this area and I'm thinking of making a hail mary trip over to Whidbey. I've got a single shot H&R 20 Gauge that is scoped, dialed in, and ready to go. Here is kind of what I'm thinking. Maybe give me some feedback, suggestions, or stear me clear if I'm obviously way off. The goal is simply to fill a tag. Doe, buck, spike, meat hunting here.

The first chunk of public land that looks like it is easy to find after looking at GoHunt and Google Earth is just west of Coupeville. Now, let me get a few posts and pics up before feedback.

[h20hunter]

Wait.......working on more of the post.

[h20hunter]

Now....south of Coupevill looks like some easy acess but close to the main drag and I would think tough to stay on public land.

[h20hunter]

Now....the third area looks to be the state park. I don't remember seeing no hunting posted but would be a bit concerened about park goers. The goal is to fill a tag. This is the third area I was considering.

[h20hunter]

Okay.....bring on the feedback.

[frogman]

One of the locations is the airport it look appears.  I do not think you can hunt that.  I am no expert (am a pilot) but I would call the airport manager and find out if that is okay.  (NRA)

[h20hunter]

I agree....looks like there MAY be a small strip between the south end and the road that runs east west.

[losdaddy7]

The first area is fort ebey state park and the Kettles county park (I think thats the name).  There is only a small area where you can hunt from what I understand and it is between the highway and the state park, but that may have changed.  My folks and granparents own property surrounding these areas.  They are somewhat high use for recreational bikers and walkers this time of year.  I wouldnt recommend those areas.  The last page is south whidbey state park, cant hunt there.  The middle appears to be between the Navy airstrip  and highway, not much areas there either.  Whidbey is tough, you really need to know someone with land.  There are a few other  pockets of public land (dnr)areas between coupeville and freeland.  If you can find the DNR land maps online or go to Island county tax parcel viewer you might be able to find them. 
All that being said, I wouldn't waste your time on the Island hunt unless you can get on private land.

[RB]

  My folks live in Coupeville on 5 acres and have deer all around them but none of us can shoot them due to the neighbors being so close also quite a few people on the island frown on killing "their" deer call the game dept they will tell you the same thing unless you have a large parcel of private land don't even bother going to the isalnd 

[h20hunter]

Not what I wanted to hear but good feedback....keep it coming. Helpfull so far at least from stopping me from wasting to much time.

[Armadillo]

I wish I could make a trip out to cypress Is. That would be cool! 

[h20hunter]

Correct me here if I'm missing something but I don't see the cypress area specified in the regs.

[h20hunter]

From GoHunt

[buckfvr]

In the early 70's, when I was stationed at Whidbey, you could hunt the Coupeville air strip, but only on certain days and time frames, and of course now I think you have to go to the main gate and get a permit, maybe even watch a video......

Whidbey is a tough one......if you dont know someone who can show you good access, maybe some private land,  on the small amounts of public land, Id bet youd run into other hunters....none of the public spots are large enough for an all day hunt, unless you sit a stand or blind.

[Stilly bay]

wow....you just paved the way and drew a map for all the lazy ass internet hunters that think hunting the islands are a slam dunk just because you can harvest any deer.  I know what you posted isn't exactly top secret, but dude remember C-post?