Post by: WAnoob on February 07, 2015, 09:46:38 PM
I'm new to the forum as well and have been using the "search" function :). But I just would please like to be pointed in a general direction before I start planning a hunt. I have no preference hunting in the Eastern or Western part of the state, preferably Eastern part of the state due to the terrain if possible. Just to clarify so I'm not offensive I am not looking for any honey holes, just general areas and public land regulation information.
Thanks,
Randy
Post by: JimmyHoffa on February 07, 2015, 10:08:42 PM
You can get an OTC tag for your weapon choice and side of the state choice. (modern, archery, muzzy--eastside, westside)
Once you have an OTC tag you can apply for special permits to 'enhance' your tag. (multi, quality bull, bull, antlerless, etc)
'
Post by: jackelope on February 07, 2015, 10:09:08 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on February 07, 2015, 10:40:03 PM
Post by: WAnoob on February 08, 2015, 08:16:23 PM
Post by: benhuntin on February 08, 2015, 08:21:45 PM
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Post by: Bob33 on February 08, 2015, 08:44:28 PM
For elk, everyone must have a tag to hunt. Tags are purchased OTC. Permits are awarded via drawings. They allow special hunting privileges. The best permits have low draw odds: some under one percent.
If you do not draw a permit you can hunt the general seasons. They are usually crowded but with some effort you can greatly diminish the competition.
The permit drawings occur in the April-May time frame.
This site is a good resource for any questions you may have.
Post by: WAnoob on February 08, 2015, 08:58:28 PM
That's why I joined the forum, I've been lurking for a couple months and seems like a great site.
Post by: Wose on February 09, 2015, 08:54:07 AM
If you haven't had a chance to look at it, you may want to download the "Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules Pamphlet" from here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/] [url]http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ (http://[url)[/url]
That's for last year, as the new one isn't out yet, but it will give you the gist of things.
If you decide you want to start fishing, good luck. Everytime I sit down to read the fishing rules I get a migraine.
Post by: WAnoob on February 09, 2015, 01:15:59 PM
Post by: pilebuck on February 09, 2015, 01:26:57 PM
Post by: Wose on February 09, 2015, 04:22:17 PM
I just actually picked up some reg books for hunting and fishing today at Fred Meyers, I share your pain... :bash:
Yeah.
Coming from Alaska, you may be a little disappointed in the hunting here. But if you do get something, it's quite the accomplishment.
I came from Kentucky, where you could kill up to 4 deer a year, and you could hunt all the different weapons choices. You can actually kill an unlimited number of does in a year in some zones. Of course there was very little public land in KY. Here there is lots of public land, but much more restrictive hunting.
Stuff you might want to look out for:
1) Check your residency requirement. I think it's 60 days? Make sure you get you establish legal residency (driver's license or whatever) far enough in advance so you don't' have to make a choice between buying out of state licenses, or not hunting. The out of state fees will probably require selling a kidney.
2) If you are younger than a certain age ( I believe born after January 1972, check for sure) you have to have a hunters safety card. You can do most of the coursework online (in your sleep) and go to a single field day event to get the card. They fill up quick close to hunting season so I'd start soon if you need it.
Good luck and welcome to Washington.
David
Post by: WAnoob on February 09, 2015, 09:11:11 PM
The hunting definitely seems different down here. I've been eager to shoot an elk for sometime now. Do you know if a Alaska Hunter Ed card would suffice? I'm almost 27 and would hate to have to pay for another one but I would if need be. I already got a drivers license and residency established I'm glad to hear that it may only take 60 days for resident licenses as the out of state ones for elk run near $500 I believe. Alaska hunting did vary though, like blacktail hunting on Kodiak Island the season was 2 or 3 months if I remember correctly and you could shoot any deer for a total of three. But some areas for moose hunting they had the brow tine or size requirements so high for some areas it was very rare to see any of that size in that specific area, But this is mostly due to overhunting from the early 80's to the late 90's. I remember my dad telling me about sheep hunting in Alaska back in the 70's were you could basically walk a few miles and bag a nice full curl ram and now its to the point where you have to fly in remote locations and walk for 20+ miles just to hopefully get a crack at a full curl or just see a sub par legal one.
Randy
Post by: Eli346 on February 10, 2015, 06:55:07 PM