Post by: Tjkride on June 24, 2017, 08:14:27 AM
Im getting stationed at Fort Lewis at the end of July. I have never hunted the North west or Washington and had some questions about preferred equipment. Does everyone prefer brush rifles or flatter shooting bolt guns? Common calibers up there for ammo availibility or preferred calibers. How does the terrain differ? I hunt most everything, deer, bear, upland birds, small game, and waterfowl, but have only done so on the easterly side of the country. Thank you in advance, and I apologize if I posted in the wrong area of the site.
Post by: fatslinger on June 24, 2017, 08:28:22 AM
Post by: Tjkride on June 24, 2017, 08:31:22 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on June 24, 2017, 08:55:27 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 24, 2017, 09:30:29 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on June 24, 2017, 09:33:50 AM
I'd go stainless bolt action, caliber depends on game. If deer and elk, plain ole 30-06 is a great all around.
That's a great choice for all around, whether you are busting brush or sitting over an open view. You'll want decent rain gear, too.
Terrain varies from high mountainous backcountry, deep, steep, and brush choked, reproduction and clearcuts, to rolling prairy in the east, to coastal rain forest.
Post by: Bofire on June 24, 2017, 09:36:21 AM
Carl
Post by: Tjkride on June 24, 2017, 10:23:15 AM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on June 24, 2017, 11:37:23 AM
Post by: Tjkride on June 24, 2017, 11:53:58 AM
Post by: fish vacuum on June 24, 2017, 04:47:02 PM
Post by: ELKBURGER on June 24, 2017, 07:53:35 PM
Post by: Tjkride on June 25, 2017, 04:55:26 PM
Post by: wadu1 on June 25, 2017, 05:39:52 PM
Post by: JDHasty on June 25, 2017, 07:25:00 PM
Plenty right on JBLM, but I bet you do travel more than a couple hours. There is just so much available once you get started you will meet someone who wants to take a road trip to central WA.
JBLM regs can be a PITA, but it has excellent blacktail & black bear habitat. Sometimes elk too, but don't count on them being there when/where you can hunt them.
Post by: slm9s on June 25, 2017, 07:47:14 PM
If you have that many firearms, you probably have a rifle that will work. My opinion is an elk rifle starts at 270. Legal minimum for deer is 24 caliber. Not much varmint hunting on the west side (other than coyotes), allegedly there is some on the east side - though I've never experienced it.
Post by: huntingfool7 on June 25, 2017, 07:57:23 PM
Post by: JDHasty on June 25, 2017, 08:53:03 PM
Welcome.
If you have that many firearms, you probably have a rifle that will work. My opinion is an elk rifle starts at 270. Legal minimum for deer is 24 caliber. Not much varmint hunting on the west side (other than coyotes), allegedly there is some on the east side - though I've never experienced it.
Yes grey diggers and rockchucks throughout central and eastern WA. But they are in pockets, not distributed evenly.
Post by: Bigapplediams73 on June 25, 2017, 10:49:05 PM
Post by: jay.sharkbait on June 26, 2017, 05:42:13 AM
And there are pleanty of opportunities in Wa State.
Post by: jackmaster on June 26, 2017, 06:42:19 AM
Post by: lastmk8 on June 26, 2017, 07:21:41 AM
Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our great country. If you're planning on hunting the west side of the Cascades (the Wetside), a large percentage of your encounters will be at under 100yds and many under 50. East side, lots of open country and opportunities at longer shots. I've never hunted JBLM but know there's lots of wildlife in there. Get your hunter education requirements sorted out right away. If you don't physically have a hunter ed card from your home state, you'll need to get a copy before you get a license (unless there's some kind of waiver for active duty).
I'll second the Hunter Safety issue also. If born after 1 Jan 1972 you are required to have a completed Hunter Safety Certificate, from any state. Problem in Washington is the classes fill up quick, most may already be full for this season. There is a Military waiver to some degree. You can complete the course on-line (a very good course I might add) and then you only have to go complete the range portion of the course to complete the requirements. Now, if you are active duty military or retired you can have that field portion of the course waived. There is some paperwork you have to send in to prove your military status but it is quick and simple. The on-line course will take two or three days depending on how much free time you have, the actual course is five days of instruction at about four hours a day.
Welcome to Washington, hunting here and understanding our regulations is an event in and of itself, but I can tell you without doubt, the first time you mix it up with the majestic Wapiti, you will be hooked, barbless or not...... yea, had to take a shot a fishing regulations also, wait until you look at those!!!!! hahaha..
Post by: JDHasty on June 26, 2017, 08:11:26 AM
Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our great country. If you're planning on hunting the west side of the Cascades (the Wetside), a large percentage of your encounters will be at under 100yds and many under 50. East side, lots of open country and opportunities at longer shots. I've never hunted JBLM but know there's lots of wildlife in there. Get your hunter education requirements sorted out right away. If you don't physically have a hunter ed card from your home state, you'll need to get a copy before you get a license (unless there's some kind of waiver for active duty).
I'll second the Hunter Safety issue also. If born after 1 Jan 1972 you are required to have a completed Hunter Safety Certificate, from any state. Problem in Washington is the classes fill up quick, most may already be full for this season. There is a Military waiver to some degree. You can complete the course on-line (a very good course I might add) and then you only have to go complete the range portion of the course to complete the requirements. Now, if you are active duty military or retired you can have that field portion of the course waived. There is some paperwork you have to send in to prove your military status but it is quick and simple. The on-line course will take two or three days depending on how much free time you have, the actual course is five days of instruction at about four hours a day.
Welcome to Washington, hunting here and understanding our regulations is an event in and of itself, but I can tell you without doubt, the first time you mix it up with the majestic Wapiti, you will be hooked, barbless or not...... yea, had to take a shot a fishing regulations also, wait until you look at those!!!!! hahaha..
Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club should have spaces available.
Post by: Tjkride on June 26, 2017, 08:33:53 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 26, 2017, 08:48:55 AM
Post by: jackmaster on June 26, 2017, 08:56:50 AM
I was 11b for 5 years and then one little incident with an improperly set up claymore and blown apart shoulder the Army says you have to be medically discharged, but my wife is active so to Lewis we go. I would hunt big apple as long as he doesn't eat all my sons crayons. I apprexiate all the info guys. I have hunting licenses and safety cards from several other states so I should meet quals to get my Washington license. I dont do much with veteran programs because to honest I am embarrassed of being injured by one of my own people at 25 and being medically discharged.nothing to be ashamed of, well unless you were incgarge of the dipdunk s training :chuckle: and also some of the biggest blacktail in Washington live on ft Lewis right above the MOUT city
Post by: lastmk8 on June 26, 2017, 09:06:56 AM
I was 11b for 5 years and then one little incident with an improperly set up claymore and blown apart shoulder the Army says you have to be medically discharged, but my wife is active so to Lewis we go. I would hunt big apple as long as he doesn't eat all my sons crayons. I apprexiate all the info guys. I have hunting licenses and safety cards from several other states so I should meet quals to get my Washington license. I dont do much with veteran programs because to honest I am embarrassed of being injured by one of my own people at 25 and being medically discharged.
Have to agree with Pianoman on this one, as a Veteran the programs associated with your service are both entitled and EARNED, already paid for by your decision to service. There are a number of "programs" that you should consider taking advantage of while living in Washington. Remember first these are not handouts, they exist because you stroked that check and signed for it with up to and including your life. Handouts don't include a counter-signature, yours was bought and paid for.
Send me a PM when you have time and I'll give you some information regarding some "Veteran Benefits" you will enjoy while living, hunting and fishing in the state of Washington and some will expand to many other states as well.
Thanks again for your service,... .even if it was Army.... GO NAVY!! just kidding,... a little.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on June 26, 2017, 09:14:06 AM
Your embarrassment is misplaced, IMHO (I'm really not very humble though). Take full advantage of ALL veteran benefits. You wrote a blank check to your government and to all of us. The amount of that check was high in the price you paid. Never feel bad about experiencing a benefit for your service and sacrifice.
:yeah:
Post by: Mudman on June 26, 2017, 09:15:21 AM
If you can hear the football games at Yelm HS you are in the right spot.Good one! Have they started building those 5 acre lots yet Jay? Nice lil bull! :tup:
And there are pleanty of opportunities in Wa State.
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on June 26, 2017, 10:46:25 AM
Post by: Duckgtr on June 26, 2017, 11:30:32 AM
Post by: JDHasty on June 26, 2017, 11:45:26 AM
Just want to Thank You and your wife. And let you know that there are some monster blacktails on FLMB I grew up right next to the far east part of the base and have seen some real real nice bucks less than a mile from my old hse. That section was my play ground growing up. PM me for more info
No trail cameras allowed on the installation, and then hoping the area or areas you want to hunt are open that day is the big issue. But that doesn't make it impossible to do well on blacktails on JBLM. You have to be flexible though.
Post by: Duckgtr on June 26, 2017, 11:50:52 AM
Just want to Thank You and your wife. And let you know that there are some monster blacktails on FLMB I grew up right next to the far east part of the base and have seen some real real nice bucks less than a mile from my old hse. That section was my play ground growing up. PM me for more info
No trail cameras allowed on the installation, and then hoping the area or areas you want to hunt are open that day is the big issue. But that doesn't make it impossible to do well on blacktails on JBLM. You have to be flexible though.
The check in and out procedure is way easier than Camp Pendleton, here you just have to call.
Post by: Tjkride on June 27, 2017, 10:06:14 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 27, 2017, 10:12:16 AM
Once I get up there and settled I will PM some of you guys, I really appreciate the help and information. Im like this site alot.
We'll fix that for you. :chuckle: