Post by: j_casteel on September 22, 2014, 07:06:51 AM
I recently moved up here from Oklahoma and I'm quickly learning that hunting/fishing regulations are a lot different than back home. I know from doing some research that I'm too late to try to go do any hunting this season, but I would like to get some info so that I can hopefully be completely prepared for next season.
I live in Vancouver, WA and work in Portland. I have no idea where the "country" is around here to even begin searching for public hunting lands. I have stared at the "GoHunt" map for hours trying to figure it out, but it is so much more complicated than I am use to. If I'm understanding the info I have gathered, I can hunt in the National Forests, most of the public land is actually on the East side of the state, Whitetail are on the East side of the state, there are different regulations for each GMU, and I can't buy a license and tag for each season but rather it's a "lottery" of sorts where you have to apply?
Coming from Oklahoma this is all new to me. Back there I could go to nearly any store and buy my license and all my tags for the season in one stop. I could drive ~30 min to an hour in any direction and be at public lands, bow season was from Oct. 1 to Jan. 15 with the other seasons running throughout that same time. We could buy buck and doe tags for each season.
I'm still confused on where I can actually go hunt, and how to go about it. Where to park, walk-in, scout, etc. I know I will probably have to drive further away from Vancouver to hunt, which I don't mind. I'm looking for some help as to how to get started. Are there signs that state public hunting land? Signs that state no hunting? Maps for public land that is less complicated than the "GoHunt" map?
I know I sound really dumb and/or needy but I'm just completely new to the area, and the regulations. I grew up in Oklahoma and knew everything like the back of my hand down there. Here though, I'm like a deer caught in headlights. I don't know anyone around here that hunts to help me out either.
Lastly, and this could really help me, could yall recommend some bow and/or hunting shops in or around the Vancouver area.
Thanks,
j_casteel
Post by: 270Shooter on September 22, 2014, 07:18:53 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2014, 07:25:45 AM
Post by: Jolten on September 22, 2014, 07:28:08 AM
Post by: boneaddict on September 22, 2014, 07:28:38 AM
As much as folks put down what there is to hunt here in washington, it is fairly unique in the variety of animals available and the different terrains. You can be hunting a blacktail in a rainforest, drive two hours and be hunting a muledeer in the desert, drive 4 more hours and be hunting whitetail in the thick of it. That is just deer.
Good luck with your research. Welcome to the forum. You are in the right place to figure it all out.
Post by: j_casteel on September 22, 2014, 08:04:41 AM
I'll answer some of the questions:
I'm really only familiar with Whitetail deer (not sure of any Blacktail or Mule in Oklahoma)
I like to hunt with bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle.
I would like to deer hunt (no specific at the moment, but only familiar with Whitetail)
I also like to hunt small game, and some upland as well as dabbling in some waterfowl and turkey.
I would like to possibly do some Elk and Bear hunting in the future, but for now I'm learning the area and rules.
I took hunter safety course over 20yrs ago.
Thanks
Post by: rover758 on September 22, 2014, 08:19:49 AM
I moved up here from Oklahoma so can appreciate the shell shock of hunting. The last season I hunted down there I got a "double" (buck and doe walking together and got them both) as well as another one with my bow. Welcome to the land of permit drawing. No blacktail in Oklahoma but with your expereince whitetail hunting you should do fine. Just think thicker woods and shorter shots. I'll say right off you need to get a taste of elk hunting. You'll be hooked.
This forum has a lot of information and the search feature works pretty well for researching information. If you feel like a drive, head over the the Fish & Wildlife department over in Washougal. It seem to me I bought a couple maps from them and they were pretty good for helping me learn some of the areas to hunt down there.
I think boneaddict hit the nail on the head ... the variety of hunting here is fantastic even though the rules and regulations will spin your head around.
Send me a PM if you're looking for any specific info. I will say most my deer hunting is limited to North of Spokane and my elk hunting in the Nile/Nachese area.
Oh ... and we haven't even started on the fishing here! :IBCOOL:
Fish & Wildlife Department
391 Steelhead Rd, Washougal, WA 98671
(360) 837-3131
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 22, 2014, 08:29:26 AM
Blacktail and mule deer are dumber than whitetail and if you find one, it'll jump up, run and stop to look back. Nearly every single time. They don't do the whitetail thing where they smell you and run into the next county (this of course is a generalization).
If you want to hunt blacktails on the west (wet side) be aware that they only come out at night (generalization) and they love it when the weather is the worst. You will get wet. The hard part is finding them, shooting them after that is pretty easy. Fewer people hunt them so you're more likely to be alone in the woods.
Mule deer are on the east side, also dumb, challenging part about mule deer hunting is usually the rugged terrain (usually up high in mountain ish areas). Nice part is you aren't as likely to get wet hunting mule deer. Bad part is that everyone hunts them, especially in modern season, so your biggest challenge is finding a place away from people.
Whitetail you will have to travel further for. I don't have as much experience with them because the best ways of hunting them dont interest me as much (stand hunting). Sure you could walk around for whitetails, but in this state they're often where its thick (or can be) and you don't really have a prayer then because they're better than you. It doesn't seem like most places I've been have the densities that I'd prefer to spend my day in a stand waiting for one to walk by, but people do it.
Pick a weapon, its the only one you can use in that respective season, unless you apply, are drawn and purchase the multi season tag as previously mentioned. For this year you're hosed as applications have already passed. If hunting blacktail, rifle is a decent call because you get to hunt the rut and there aren't that many rifle hunters. If hunting mule deer, I'd avoid rifle unless you love people. I'd avoid whitetail because I personally don't like them and they're too far away and I don't like hunting them (this is all from my point of view).
Buy a bear tag, they're virtually everywhere. I see far more bears in my "deer spot" than I do deer. Kind of depends on where you're at, but you'll almost certainly see bears when hunting deer on the west side, but really they're all over the state.
If you choose muzzleloader, keep in mind that there are a lot of restrictions in the northwest (no 209 primers, primer must be exposed to the elements, no scopes).
National forest, DNR, timber companies are generally all open to hunting. Timber companies have started charging for access in the last couple of years, so watch out for that. DNR (State Land) requires a "Discover Pass" again, as of the last couple of years. Most areas are now "walk in only" especially on the west side, so keep that in mind.
That should be good to get you started. Elk are like deer for rules, (pick one weapon and stick with it unless drawn for special multi season permit), with one exception, you have to select east or west side of the state and stick with it. Generally speaking the west side of the state allows harvest of bulls 3pt or better without a special permit (generally smaller "bush racks") and the east side of the state allows spike and cow hunting (no bulls without special permit), and the racks are much larger over there, partially due to the "Rocky Mountain Elk versus Roosevelt Elk" difference. These are not hard and fast elk rules, but some broad generalizations.
Post by: nwwanderer on September 22, 2014, 09:00:20 AM
Post by: j_casteel on September 23, 2014, 06:43:43 AM
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located at.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 23, 2014, 08:48:03 AM
Not sure how many whitetails there are around Ellensburg. Also, try the go hunt app on WDFW's website for some public land and GMU information.
Good luck.
Post by: HillSlick on September 25, 2014, 08:37:06 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: elkoholic1 on September 25, 2014, 08:57:16 AM
Post by: Vulcan on September 25, 2014, 09:50:09 AM
Post by: Special T on September 25, 2014, 01:05:07 PM
It applies to Black tail but aslo to mule deer to some extent. this guy hunts near the area you live.
http://www.amazon.com/Blacktail-Trophy-Tactics-Boyd-Iverson/dp/0963040510/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411675366&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Byod+Iverson+blacktail+trophy+tactics (http://www.amazon.com/Blacktail-Trophy-Tactics-Boyd-Iverson/dp/0963040510/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411675366&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Byod+Iverson+blacktail+trophy+tactics)
Post by: 724wd on September 25, 2014, 02:31:08 PM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located at.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Yes, you can go to the store (sporting good store) and buy licenses and tags. You are only allowed to purchase one deer tag per year (unless you're drawn for a 2nd, for which the deadline has passed.) No shooting multiple deer like in other areas of the country. The multiseason permit allows you to hunt your one deer with archery, muzzleloader, and modern rifle, but still only one deer. if you shoot a deer in early archery, you're done. :hello:
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
Post by: ELKBURGER on September 25, 2014, 03:16:05 PM
You are in the right place. Lots of good advice and folks to help you through the red tape. Keep asking questions, you'll be on critters here in no time!
Post by: j_casteel on September 29, 2014, 07:04:26 PM
Welcome! Take I-5 north and take battle ground exit, take a left at the intersection of Main Street and 503, follow 503 north and you'll find it pretty easily my man
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks....I live right off 503/117th
Post by: j_casteel on September 29, 2014, 07:07:11 PM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located at.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Yes, you can go to the store (sporting good store) and buy licenses and tags. You are only allowed to purchase one deer tag per year (unless you're drawn for a 2nd, for which the deadline has passed.) No shooting multiple deer like in other areas of the country. The multiseason permit allows you to hunt your one deer with archery, muzzleloader, and modern rifle, but still only one deer. if you shoot a deer in early archery, you're done. :hello:
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
that stinks...back in Oklahoma you could get 5 to 6 deer per year if you hunted the extra doe days in December.
Post by: j_casteel on September 29, 2014, 07:09:37 PM
Boyd Iverson Blacktail trophy tactics. READ THIS BOOK!
It applies to Black tail but aslo to mule deer to some extent. this guy hunts near the area you live.
http://www.amazon.com/Blacktail-Trophy-Tactics-Boyd-Iverson/dp/0963040510/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411675366&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Byod+Iverson+blacktail+trophy+tactics (http://www.amazon.com/Blacktail-Trophy-Tactics-Boyd-Iverson/dp/0963040510/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411675366&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Byod+Iverson+blacktail+trophy+tactics)
cool, thanks!
Post by: coyotecrazy on September 29, 2014, 07:17:12 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 29, 2014, 07:18:40 PM
:hello: welcome to the PNW!!
:yeah: :hello:
Post by: Bean Counter on September 29, 2014, 07:19:49 PM
Lastly, and this could really help me, could yall recommend some bow and/or hunting shops in or around the Vancouver area.
I believe Cory at xXx Archery is in that neck of the woods. He's awesome and on this forum.
Post by: HillSlick on September 29, 2014, 07:39:29 PM
Welcome! Take I-5 north and take battle ground exit, take a left at the intersection of Main Street and 503, follow 503 north and you'll find it pretty easily my man
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks....I live right off 503/117th
Sweet, I used to live off of 389th just before you hit Amboy off of 503
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: hughjorgan on September 29, 2014, 07:42:20 PM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located.
If you have a gps you might want to invest in getting a chip for it from http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com) it will help you delineate all the public and private land throughout the whole state.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
Post by: j_casteel on September 29, 2014, 08:47:50 PM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located.
If you have a gps you might want to invest in getting a chip for it from http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com) it will help you delineate all the public and private land throughout the whole state.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
will any gps unit work?
Post by: Hunting7mm on September 29, 2014, 08:59:04 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on September 29, 2014, 09:10:24 PM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located.
If you have a gps you might want to invest in getting a chip for it from http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com) it will help you delineate all the public and private land throughout the whole state.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
will any gps unit work?
Your gps must be able to use a SD Card or mini SD card. Not any gps is compatible. Here is a link to units that will work with their chip http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/gps-compatibility (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/gps-compatibility)
If you don't have a GPS that is compatible you can get it on your smart phone....
http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/store/hunt-mobile-apps (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/store/hunt-mobile-apps)
Nice tool to have to figuring out new areas.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 30, 2014, 05:39:32 AM
Awesome info guys...
So it seems like I really need to get my hands on some maps of BLM, DNR, WDFW, etc lands. Make some calls to them as well and figure out where the public lands are located.
If you have a gps you might want to invest in getting a chip for it from http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com) it will help you delineate all the public and private land throughout the whole state.
If I want to hunt for bear, elk, and blacktail then I'm located on the correct side of the mountains. I will need to travel over the mountains to the East side to hunt for Whitetails specifically. (Wife has family in Ellensburg so if there is any public land around that area then that may not be a bad idea)
I can pretty much go to any of the National Forests, DNR, BLM, etc lands park then scout, and hunt. BUT I need to study the rules of the specific GMU that location may be located in.
I CAN'T go to the store and buy a hunting license to do general hunting (small game, upland, etc.) and then buy my bow, muzzle-loader, and rifle tags for deer season. I need to actually specify what animal and what weapon? If I were to buy multiseason, will that cover me for everything during deer right? I can get a deer each season as well right? Of course I would have to specify when buying my tag what species I'm hunting i'm sure.
Limitations on muzzle-loader prevent me from using my TC, and I will have to use my older rifle. (Open primer & iron sites)
I moved here in March so I guess I'm technically a resident this month. (for hunting license purposes)
LOL, and all this is just for big game. I still need to learn small game, upland, turkey, etc. THEN start learning the fishing rules, areas, etc.
I guess in a couple years I may be able to join yall out in the woods or on the water once I learn everything. :tup:
will any gps unit work?
Your gps must be able to use a SD Card or mini SD card. Not any gps is compatible. Here is a link to units that will work with their chip http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/gps-compatibility (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/gps-compatibility)
If you don't have a GPS that is compatible you can get it on your smart phone....
http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/store/hunt-mobile-apps (http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/store/hunt-mobile-apps)
Nice tool to have to figuring out new areas.
This is not completely accurate. If you own a Garmin with big enough internal storage and it has a USB which enables synching, you can download Garmin's free mapping program (Basecamp) to your desktop, and then download OnXMaps to the desktop and put it on your handheld device. The OnXMaps download and accompanying compatibility with the handheld cost a total of $110. Other GPSs may have this capability, too. :dunno: I found their customer service very helpful on the phone. You might call them to find out what they have for your GPS.
Post by: j_casteel on September 30, 2014, 09:25:16 AM
Post by: police women of America on September 30, 2014, 01:09:38 PM
i know all the laws and regulations if you just send me a message on this site i can tell you some.
Post by: j_casteel on September 30, 2014, 05:01:12 PM
You should really start with Hunters-ed. Its not just teaching you the go figures of hunting but it teaches you the laws, buying license and tags, ect. Buying licenses and tags are not a lottery (unless hunting moose, mountain goat, ect.) you can buy them almost anywhere big 5, cabela's, WalMart (i think), and the list goes on.
i know all the laws and regulations if you just send me a message on this site i can tell you some.
yeah, i took hunters ed back home in Oklahoma around 20yrs ago, but maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to attend one here.
thanks,
j
Post by: Special T on October 01, 2014, 03:06:03 PM
Hook up with one of th emembers here and have a cold one over the regs, or with some one cfrom Chinook archery club, Archery World, or some one from Vancouver rifle club about modern rules. :twocents:
Post by: j_casteel on October 01, 2014, 03:46:32 PM
Hunters ED is just safty for the most part. Not much in the realm of what the rules are in this state.
Hook up with one of th emembers here and have a cold one over the regs, or with some one cfrom Chinook archery club, Archery World, or some one from Vancouver rifle club about modern rules. :twocents:
Thanks for the info...not a bad idea.
Post by: Curly on October 01, 2014, 03:59:21 PM
Post by: j_casteel on October 01, 2014, 07:07:50 PM
Here's an idea: I know the guys from WFW [Washington for Wildlife] down in Region 5 (I think that is the region anyway) used to meet up somewhere down in or near Vancouver to discuss WFW issues. I don't know if they still have meetings, but if they do maybe you could meet up with them and maybe join in the discussion. :twocents:
Thanks....
Yeah, Pianoman has offered to help me out. I think one day next week I'm gonna give him a call and maybe bs some with him. Not sure who all else in the area.