Post by: masonkarr90 on August 08, 2018, 11:28:35 PM
I am moving to Washington State in July to recruit for the Navy in My wife's hometown of Vancouver and I have a few questions. I have never hunted public land in the west before and I am wondering how it works. Is there designated units or areas and is there a permit required? If i want to hunt for elk or mule deer what is the process to getting a tag? Do i get a tag issued when i purchase my license or do i have to enter a draw to land an elk tag? I am from Texas so all of this is new to me. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Post by: bkaech on August 08, 2018, 11:43:36 PM
When you buy a license you can buy tags for whichever animals you want to hunt. Both deer and elk you have to chose your weapon choice when you buy the tag. For elk you have to also chose west or east side of the state. From there you have to check the hunting regs for dates and regulations for whatever GMU (game management unit) you want to hunt it.
Post by: bearpaw on August 08, 2018, 11:55:42 PM
Hunter Ed from any state is required if born after Jan 1, 1972. If you had hunter ed in texas you just need the number.
For elk and deer you will need to specify if you want to hunt archery, rifle, or muzzlelloader when buying the tag and can only hunt the weapon seasons you choose.
With elk you also have to specify western or eastern Washington and can only hunt that respective part of the state that you choose.
To Go Hunting
Nothing other than a hunting license is required on US Forest service lands. To hunt state lands you will need a Discover Pass ($I think it's $35). To hunt most lands in western WA owned by timber companies you must buy a pass from that company if they are available. Probably the best thing you could do is get a subscription to Onx maps, that shows property ownership all over the state. They have an option for your computer and/or smart phone. If hunting USFS lands, get a map for the forest you will be hunting so you know which roads are open for travel.
Onx Maps: https://www.onxmaps.com/
Hunting regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/
GMU Map: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/gmu/2017-2018_gmus.pdf
The state is divided up by Game Management Units (GMU's), look in the regulations to see which GMU's are open to general season tags that you buy over the counter.
Some GMU's are only open to draw permits and a few units and all Indian rservations and Parks are closed, you will know when you look in the seasons and regulations which gmu's are open to hunting. Study maps to determine which GMU you want to hunt and double check the regulations, or ask in this topic which gmu you want to hunt and someone will probably advise if it's open to general season hunting.
Post by: Mfowl on August 08, 2018, 11:59:01 PM
Post by: bearpaw on August 09, 2018, 12:03:19 AM
Zoom In As Needed: https://www.google.com/maps/@47.212097,-121.3789431,440297m/data=!3m1!1e3
Post by: boneaddict on August 09, 2018, 06:14:56 AM
Post by: Widgeondeke on August 09, 2018, 06:24:02 AM
Being a veteran or active duty, another great source for info or finding guys to hunt/fish/scout,, etc with is The Fallen Outdoors. Look em up on facebook.
Thank you for your service brother :salute:
Post by: Odell on August 09, 2018, 06:45:05 AM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on August 09, 2018, 06:51:20 AM
Post by: 4fletch on August 09, 2018, 09:12:35 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 09, 2018, 09:27:29 AM
Post by: yakimanoob on August 09, 2018, 11:58:00 AM
Post by: JWEBB on August 09, 2018, 09:50:11 PM
Post by: jagermiester on August 09, 2018, 10:04:26 PM
Post by: nwwanderer on August 10, 2018, 07:01:24 AM
Post by: masonkarr90 on August 18, 2018, 02:44:14 PM
Post by: Crunchy on August 18, 2018, 02:57:12 PM