Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: kitw on November 24, 2013, 11:40:44 AM

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Title: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: kitw on November 24, 2013, 11:40:44 AM

Has anyone ML hunted for deer in this area? Is it open to big game hunting? Thanks

Title: Re: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: kerrdog on November 25, 2013, 07:31:06 AM

I hope not. It's right by my house. :bdid: You can hunt birds (yucks and pheasant) with a shotgun. Steel only.  No Rifles.  Lot's of guys down there; hear the shotguns every morning.

Me and my buddy went there because it's so close.  Game warden checked us for paperwork and Lead; only time I've had to deal with a warden (or whatever they call themselves).  It's almost walking distance and I've never been back to hunt. But I take the kids there to shoot their bows.

It's a pheasant release site, and I've seen lot's of guy down there with dogs trying to get one. 

Title: Re: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: h2ofowlr on November 25, 2013, 07:40:49 AM

Yes, you can hunt it with a muzzleloader, archery or shotgun.  I know the rules state no lead or toxic shot, so you may have to look at a copper bullet or non-toxic one.  Given it says shot.  I just use the Hevi-metal shells in the shotgun during modern typically. 
One thing to pay special attention to is that they transferred the Columbia whitetail and those are protected.  They transferred them to the Ridgefield refuge and whitetail typically don't range to far, but you never know.  It's a short distance as a crow flies.

Title: Re: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: kerrdog on November 26, 2013, 06:31:57 AM

I could swore I saw a sign down there that said no centerfire rifles; maybe that's just one part? :dunno:  I'm gonna check it out, because I'd love to have a place close by to shoot my muzzleloader, since I only ever shoot five shots, and done.

Anyone deer hunt there?  I see deer around the neighborhood, mostly around Salmon Creek. 

Title: Re: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 26, 2013, 07:14:39 AM

Call the Region 5 office and ask them if you can and if you need non-toxic projectiles. I'm not at all sure you can use a ML there.

Title: Re: Deer hunting in Shillapoo Wildlife Area, Vancouver, WA
Post by: kerrdog on December 29, 2013, 08:35:23 AM

OK, I looked at this a little closer.  I was hoping to find a closer (and free) place to shoot our muzzleloaders.  All the shillapoo areas are closed to pistol and rifle due to county rules.  Archery and shotguns are permitted.