Post by: bigmike86 on January 21, 2016, 08:15:12 AM
Again, I am only planning on hunting the legal GMU land (not proposing anything illegal), just worried about camping off legal hunting grounds but still in same national forest.
Thanks
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 21, 2016, 08:25:44 AM
Post by: bobcat on January 21, 2016, 08:25:54 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 21, 2016, 08:40:35 AM
It shouldn't be a problem. That same scenario is very common during the modern firearm high hunt. People camp outside the wilderness boundary and hike in every morning. When I used to do it I would leave my rifle unloaded until I got into the wilderness.
Even while hiking in, My firearms are loaded. Grouse, Kitty and Bear seasons are usually open bordering the high hunt units so 'hunting' while getting to the open land for 'deer hunting' still isn't a problem. In years past, when I had to cross a finger of National park to get to an open bear area, (clearly marked), I'd unload for that section of the ridge.
-Steve
Post by: bobcat on January 21, 2016, 08:44:47 AM
Post by: bigmike86 on January 21, 2016, 10:47:00 AM
I'll contact WDFW and see what they have to say. It'll probably come down to me being able to convince them that I am telling the truth, i.e. not doing shady stuff!
Post by: westsidehntr on January 21, 2016, 11:02:43 AM
I plan on bowhunting and the GMU that's not early archery will be in a high buck hunt season, I guess if I get a multiseason tag it'll be a moot point, but if not then I will have to be careful I guess.
I'll contact WDFW and see what they have to say. It'll probably come down to me being able to convince them that I am telling the truth, i.e. not doing shady stuff!
Isn't the high buck also open for archery?
Post by: Timberstalker on January 21, 2016, 11:08:15 AM
You are camping in the Closed GMU, not hunting in it.
I believe your concern is a good one, but you shouldn't be worried about it. :tup:
Post by: bigmike86 on January 21, 2016, 11:59:08 AM
I plan on bowhunting and the GMU that's not early archery will be in a high buck hunt season, I guess if I get a multiseason tag it'll be a moot point, but if not then I will have to be careful I guess.
I'll contact WDFW and see what they have to say. It'll probably come down to me being able to convince them that I am telling the truth, i.e. not doing shady stuff!
Isn't the high buck also open for archery?
IDK, high buck hunts are only listed under the Firearms and Muzzleloader pages in the regs, so I assumed you had to have one of those licenses to hunt it, regardless of whether or not you use archery tackle.
Post by: UBA on January 21, 2016, 12:25:53 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 21, 2016, 12:36:45 PM
BTW, your first high hunt...don't take it too seriously, not saying you're not capable but it will look vastly different during spring and summer up until that first day of season. It's just something you'll have to see firsthand.
Good luck :tup:
Post by: Bob33 on January 21, 2016, 12:46:24 PM
I'll contact WDFW and see what they have to say. It'll probably come down to me being able to convince them that I am telling the truth, i.e. not doing shady stuff!Unless you're sneaking around with an arrow knocked in the closed GMU, I can't imagine anyone questioning you. I wouldn't hesitate to camp in the closed GMU in this scenario but would use common sense.
All WDFW will tell you is that it depends on the circumstances at the time.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on January 21, 2016, 12:50:57 PM
Post by: bigmike86 on January 21, 2016, 02:39:57 PM
Jonathon_S - Totally understand this and thanks for the heads up. I'll have plans B and C on standby in case it looks different than I think once the season actually starts
Post by: Alpine Mojo on January 22, 2016, 02:23:51 AM
Post by: bigmike86 on January 22, 2016, 03:47:39 AM
If you are camping where it is legal to camp. and hunting where it is legal to hunt, it is a very simple answer.
I wish I felt that way. Although I have never dealt with a Washington game warden, all my encounters here in Georgia have been negative. Every time I've been checked the guys were rude and made me feel like I was doing something wrong even though I wasn't. I'm sure it's because they deal with a lot of A-holes down here in GA, but I still have never had a positive encounter with one. And if there's three things that piss me off its being made to feel unwelcomed on the soil that I bled for, persecuted by a uniform/gun empowered jerk that I risked my neck for, and kept from hunting the animals the God put on this earth for man to have dominion over. AHHHHH!!!!!!!
OK Rant complete. I promise I'm not an entitled brat, I follow the rules and don't expect special treatment. Just thought I could vent to this like-minded peer group.
Cheers, thanks for the advice!
-Mike
Post by: follow maggie on January 22, 2016, 10:21:50 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 22, 2016, 12:35:10 PM
OK Rant complete. I promise I'm not an entitled brat, I follow the rules and don't expect special treatment. Just thought I could vent to this like-minded peer group.
Cheers, thanks for the advice!
-Mike
Your rant is quite alright. Preaching to the choir though sir.
Most of the WDFW officers I've encountered have been pretty cool. They ask questions while doing their jobs. Some have different tactics to get those that have broken the law to make a mistake with a bad answer. If you're on the level, not breaking the law, I've had great experiences with them. Save for one National Forest service (Okanogan or Methow ranger district- I dunno and don't care) law officer, (not a WDFW game warden), that disarmed my son and I because he 'thought' I'd committed a crime. It took all of two minutes to prove that I had not. But yes, the tactics of hiding in the woods waiting to ambush you as you return to your vehicle then cast a barrage of questions at you that make a tired hunter rethink why you're even in the woods.... Yeah, those guys are out there. They're ashats... But, if you're camping on the edge just outside just about any of the high hunt units. You won't likely see them. They don't stray far from their vehicles.
-Steve