Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: NWhammering on March 22, 2014, 03:03:53 PM

Title: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: NWhammering on March 22, 2014, 03:03:53 PM: Hello all.

I am moving to the Maple Valley, WA area come August when my enlistment ends. I really like the DIY backcountry bowhunting. I was curious if anyone could point me to a general area. I'm looking to hunt mainly elk, but deer as well. I would like to find an area where I can hunt and camp out, while not running into lots of hikers or other hunters. I don't mind if I run into a few. I do know it's almost impossible not to. I am not looking for anyone's "honey holes", secret spots, or even a specific part of an area. Anything general, like a GMU or county will help. I just need somewhere to get started so I can do my own hiking, camping, and scouting. Any tips are very welcome!

Thank you!
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: X-Force on March 22, 2014, 03:33:58 PM: it really depends on if you want to hunt west side or east side, spike or branch antler bulls. lots of good info on here just takes some searching.
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: NWhammering on March 22, 2014, 03:42:16 PM: Quote from: X-Force on March 22, 2014, 03:33:58 PM
it really depends on if you want to hunt west side or east side, spike or branch antler bulls. lots of good info on here just takes some searching.

Thanks! Ill do some searching. Anywhere in the state works for me. I would like to fill my freezer first, trophy last.
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 25, 2014, 08:25:43 PM: If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state. Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side. Thank you for your service!
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: Tbob on April 11, 2014, 04:22:41 PM: Head south on 1-5 a ways and then head east.. Anything west of the Pacific Crest Trail is considered "west side". We use the PCT to access some pretty cool remote areaa..Just make sure you're west of the trail and you're money.. William O or the Goat Rocks are some cool areas.. Deer/elk and some good fishing up in some of those lakes too! Good luck and be safe out there! PM me if you want any more info..
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: Jonathan_S on April 11, 2014, 04:38:18 PM: Do some searches on here and you'll get more general area than you can stand. Pretty much anything that says National Forest on it on the map on that side is a good starting place.
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: Bullkllr on April 11, 2014, 04:38:47 PM: Quote from: BLRman on March 25, 2014, 08:25:43 PM
If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state. Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side. Thank you for your service!

That's funny, I was going to say by far the best chance for success is for a spike in the Yakima units...especially where the guys from Selah hunt :chuckle:
Title: Re: General backcountry hunting area
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 13, 2014, 12:31:51 AM: Quote from: Bullkllr on April 11, 2014, 04:38:47 PM
Quote from: BLRman on March 25, 2014, 08:25:43 PM
If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state. Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side. Thank you for your service!

That's funny, I was going to say by far the best chance for success is for a spike in the Yakima units...especially where the guys from Selah hunt :chuckle:
:yike: Didn't you hear? Indians killed em all! No more elk left 8)