Decent Inexpensive West side Guide?

[mr user]

I would suggest not hunting alone. It's not a good idea for anyone even with a lot of experience. I know a lot of us do and probably get some of our best hunting in but there's so many things to learn and so many things can go south in a heartbeat! Buy yourself a survival book and read it cover to cover and also a good book on hunting. Scott Haugen and Boyd Iverson both have some good books out that will point you in the right direction as far as methods of hunting go for blacktails. Always be prepared; it can be a lifesaver.

I wasn't planning on hunting alone.  I'm probably going to get a non-hunter family member to tag along and assist me.  From the stories I've heard, it sounds way to easy to get in a very bad position very quickly when your not experienced.

[Chesapeake]

Probably one of the safest places you'll ever be in your life is in the woods alone. If you're brave enough to drive in Seattle area traffic alone, walking through the woods shouldnt be a concern. Your odds of getting killed by another human in an urban area are far greater than you or an animal killing you in the woods.

Thats not to say dont be prepared and let folks know where you'll be and when you'll be back. A SPOT or some type of PLB is good also. Map and compass are very helpfull.

It would probably be best to hook up with a hunter for your first big game kill. There is alot that goes into hunting, field dressing, meat care, ect..... Its good to have someone walk you through it the first time. It could be a bit overwhelming for someone new to the deal to be standing over a dead deer down in the bottom of a canyon and trying to figure out what to do. It could also be a bit stressfull to shoot your first deer and have it run off and need tracking, when you've never tracked anything before.

Ask around, maybe someone in your area would be willing to take you under their wing. Its alot to ask of a guy to give up alot of his hunting time to teach you the ropes though. Maybe someone you work with hunts?









 

[bearpaw]

Post in the Hunting Partners board that you are looking for a hunting partner: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?board=26.0

[mr user]

Probably one of the safest places you'll ever be in your life is in the woods alone. If you're brave enough to drive in Seattle area traffic alone, walking through the woods shouldnt be a concern. Your odds of getting killed by another human in an urban area are far greater than you or an animal killing you in the woods.

Thats not to say dont be prepared and let folks know where you'll be and when you'll be back. A SPOT or some type of PLB is good also. Map and compass are very helpfull.

It would probably be best to hook up with a hunter for your first big game kill. There is alot that goes into hunting, field dressing, meat care, ect..... Its good to have someone walk you through it the first time. It could be a bit overwhelming for someone new to the deal to be standing over a dead deer down in the bottom of a canyon and trying to figure out what to do. It could also be a bit stressfull to shoot your first deer and have it run off and need tracking, when you've never tracked anything before.

Ask around, maybe someone in your area would be willing to take you under their wing. Its alot to ask of a guy to give up alot of his hunting time to teach you the ropes though. Maybe someone you work with hunts?

I dont work, I'm in high school!  And theres not much opportunity to hunt with kids i know since about 10 out of 2400 kids hunt.  And because I'm only 15 I dont think my parents will let me hunt with someone off this site that they don't know anything about. 

[h20hunter]

Sounds like you are going to have to do it on the cheap. Get out this summer for some hikes with a buddy or a gal. Scout it out and start somewhere...anywhere. Then, when it comes time to hunt make a gamplan, leave it with your folks and a buddy and get out there. If you down something get it cleaned out then call in help. Be safe doing it, keep your folks informed, stick with your plan, and see how it goes.

[bearpaw]

Are you able to hunt as a youth hunter this fall and would you be happy hunting for a doe if you could?

[h20hunter]

There ya go! Yummy tender doe. I'd jump all over that User.

[mr user]

Are you able to hunt as a youth hunter this fall and would you be happy hunting for a doe if you could?

I'd be happy hunting doe, and I'm also able to hunt as a youth hunter in the fall.

[Holg3107]

I think Bearpaw may have some ideas in mind for you  but if not PM me and I may be able to help get you pointed in the right direction as to a few places to do some scouting. When it gets closer to season if you need someone to tag along with you (I archery hunt but am more than willing to spend a few days in the field with you) and would be happy to discuss and meet with your parents ahead of time. PM me and we can try and work out a few details.

[Alaska316]

When I am trying to learn a  new area. I call and talk to the wildlife biologist. They are full of helpful info. And often times, will give you names and numbers of land owners. I get on google earth and get my trusty topo map out. I figure out where I might want to start scouting. I do searches on sites like this one. Its not alot of work. Just takes time. And when you bag an Animal it feels just that much better. Good luck and ask as many questions as you can. Remember, the hunt doesn't start when in the woods.

[washelkhunter]

Wifey got fed up worrying with me always going out alone so for X-mas three years back she got me a SPOT plb. Now its, bye honey, see you when you get home.

[Guy]

If you can arrange to hunt with Dale (Bearpaw) you should seriously consider it. 

I'm pretty sure you'll be treating your family to a meal of wonderful whitetail backstraps next fall...

Guy

[Widgeondeke]

Mr user........ever heard of c-post?

That's wrong.

[mr user]

Thank you for the input!  I will definetly be using it.  So what is C-post?

[RB]

Thank you for the input!  I will definetly be using it.  So what is C-post?

It is a fictional hunting spot some jackwagons made up. There actually is a road named C-post just outside of Oso on Highway 530, but it dead ends at a trailhead to Myrtle Lake. There used to be a clear cut in there about 25 years ago and the road went all the way to the top of the ridge, but it was decomissioned in the 90's. So pay no attention to the C-post references best of luck this season!