New to WA early season scouting..

[janttihunter]

So im new to the area and started scouting a few weeks ago ( I know its early but i am literally starting from scratch) Im planning on hunting Muzzleloader..I found a spot out in GMU 510 that has allot of sign but also allot of cougar tracks and scat...I was also looking at 627 but have no idea where to start.. Im from the Northeast so this is a whole new game...Blacktail, huge amounts of land to cover, things in the woods that want to eat me jk lol...Any advice would be awesome. I know the woods are crowded here and the last thing you guys want is another person in your GMU but im willing to put in the work on my own just need a place to start.

Thanks!!!

[briancorneal]

Try the game harvest reports from the wdfw site.  Lots of good info.  Also do some online scouting with satellite imagery from google earth, google maps, etc

[janttihunter]

Ok good idea thanks for the help man!

[AKBowman]

Woods are only crowded in a select few places. Its easy to get away from people especially if you are hunting muzzy. Uses google earth and find areas that have some good rotational logging, areas with a few different age classes of forest growth. Look for bencches on mountain sides or benches along large ridges are really good, especially if they are within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of a clear cut. Scout the edges of the different growths of trees and you should find decent trails to set up on. Cant scout enough for these damn BT'S, they are tough but if you scout good you should have a great shot at getting one.

[RoyBoy]

are you meat hunting for a doe or are you hoping for a buck? pm me for more local spots. 

[janttihunter]

Thanks for the advice AKBowman! THis is the stuff I need to know!!