New to Lewis

[Worldhunter]

Hi,

I am about to be stationed in FT Lewis, and had a few questions for the members. 

1) Where is a good area not to far from base that is also not to far from good hunting grounds? I am currently looking for a place to rent, and this is one of my biggest determining factors (don't tell my wife - ha ha).
2) What season in WA should I apply for that gives me the best odds for success (ie date/rut, terrain, hunter density etc). Rifle, muzzle loader, or archery? I own all three and do not have a preference of one over the other.

I really appreciate any input.  I am from Idaho and have been stuck in the south or deployed for the last six years - cannot wait to get back in the north west.

Very respectfully, 

CJ-

[madmack76]

your allready there hunt the base some big bucks there.

[bobcat]

I'd go as far south as you can, but stay close to I-5, so your commute isn't too bad. Check into the Lacey or Olympia area. From there you can go west towards Aberdeen or south towards Portland for your hunting. The further you get from Tacoma and Seattle, the better off you will be. You can get into good hunting in a half hour to an hour drive from Lacey.

Whether to hunt archery, muzzleloader, or rifle seasons really just depends on your schedule and when you want to hunt. Archery season will give you most of September to hunt, plus the late season which runs from the day before Thanksgiving to December 31st. Rifle season will give you almost 3 weeks in October, and then 4 days in November. Muzzleloader gets a 9 day early season and a 3 week late season.

There's really no way to say which one is better, it just really depends on what you prefer. You can also apply for the multi-season deer permit, and then you don't have to choose, you can hunt all three seasons.

[Bob33]

Modern, muzzleloader, and archery hunters have comparable success rates for the most part.

[deerslyr]

If your only going to hunt the west side id stick with rifle for deer and archery for elk. Some good deer hunting can be had on the base for deer during the rut.

[Worldhunter]

Gentleman,

Thank you for all the informative responses! I will not be out for anther month but this definitely helps!  Looks like I may head a little farther south from base. 

[wraithen]

Pros and Cons to Lacey/Olympia and north along the highway. No matter which direction you go on I-5, you will be in some horrible traffic every single day both to and from work. You also have direct access to I-5 and the stores everywhere. If you live on the other side (think spanaway/graham and roy/mckenna/yelm) You have far less traffic, but you have a longer trip to just about everywhere. It's a big tradeoff either way. As far as hunting, nearly everything is on the JBLM range and you can hunt there. I know for a fact there's tons of bear and deer there. I've heard elk occasionally pass through but not often enough for most people to even try. It would also help to know what you are using to hunt. Using a center fire rifle is hard to do sometimes outside of big game season, but everything else is usually highly supported most of the year. There are also some large bass in the middle of lewis lake, as well as some fun fishing in the rivers nearby the base. There is also crabbing in the sound in the summer and squidding in the winter. If you can get over the drizzle most days of the year, there are tons of things to do here. Welcome!