New washington hunter

[Clint]

I am from Texas and new to hunting public land I live in Hansville and am looking at hunting Olympic forest if anyone could offer some info in getting started it would be great. I have gone to the ranger station in quilcine and asked about hunting in the area and they looked at me like I was stupid. I am not looking for anyones honey hole just some good safe legal advice on getting started in the Pacific Northwest

[kkc66]

hay  clint, its verry brushy   on the pen.  you need to drive in on the loging roads if the gates are open then find a clear cut fist thing a watch it, the walk behinded your locked gates blacktail hunting  is not easy

[billythekidrock]

Welcome to the site.

I think the Ranger station was the wrong place to ask about hunting. 

Post a little about yourself, some hunting stories and some pics and I am sure you will get some good info in return.

[Timmybob]

Clint,
   I am somewhat new to hunting all together (Been at it just a few years now). What I would suggest is drive ANY road out there. When you see a gated logging rd. Park your rig (do not block the gate though) and start walking...Look for clear cuts and trails. Also when walking any of these roads, do so slowly and quietly. I come across game all the time just slinking along the road quietly on my way to my spot/spots. Alot of time I will stop for a quick break to just catch my breath and wipe the sweat off my head and I will hear foot steps or something will even walk right out of the wood work right in front of you. Last year I was taking a 5 minute breather just standing in the middle of an old skid rd and a fawn walked out of the thick stuff right in front of me and walked right into me. No kidding. I held my arm out with my bow and it knocked the arrow right off of my rest. You should have seen the look on its face when it realized that I was NOT a tree...Good luck man and have fun..

[GrainfedMuley]

Ever thaught of the east side of the state?

[WDFW-SUX]

Sam's ridge matheny unit 

[elkkiller]

What are you looking to hunt? bear, deer , elk, ?

[jrebel]

Dusk and Dawn... OH yeah, don't let the rain scare you that is the all time best weather to hunt black tail in.   

[Clint]

First of all thanks for all the feed back. I am looking at hunting deer and Elk. From what I understand Black tail this side of I-5. Hunting public land is an unusual concept to me. i have done a little scouting (more like bird watching) and it almost feels like I am trespassing in Texas if you go walking around in the woods without written permission you may not walk out. I typically hunt modern firearm .270 this seem to be a pretty universal round but I am wondering if maybe a 30-30 would be better suited for the terrain. Again thanks for all the feedback keep it coming I am all ears.

[bobcat]

I don't think you can do better than the 270. For elk a little more power could help in certain situations but for deer I'd say the 270 is ideal. I certainly wouldn't take a 30/30 over the 270. You never know when you're going to get an opportunity at 250 to 300 yards and with a 30/30 in your hands you'd have to pass up the shot.

For deer I think the area you're looking at should be as good as any, but for elk you'll want to go somewhere else. The Olympic Game Management Unit (621) is closed to elk hunting except by special permit. Look into southwest Washington or on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula for Roosevelt elk, or for Rocky Mtn elk check out the Yakima region.

[billythekidrock]

I agree with bobcat on the .270. A 30-30 can be great it tight places, but if you have a farther shot you will be out of luck. A scoped .270 with iron sights and see through mounts would be perfect.

For elk you would be better off with a larger caliber.

[h2ofowlr]

Don't worry if you grow webbed feet in the Olympic Penisula.  I think it's normal.  I would carry the shotgun with slugs/ buck shot for when you do a push through the thick or a rifle w/ good scope for the clear cuts.
A side note: Washington doesn't allow loaded guns in rigs or open containers, that's a Texas thing.

[ladydi25348]

This will be my first time hunting this year.  I now own a 30-06 with a scope and have the 'special permit' to take a doe in GMU 516, Packwood.  Don't know where the best area would be - that looks like a hugh area!

[MADMAX]

Packwood should be a slam dunk for a doe tag.

[MADMAX]

Clint
A word of advice for hunting across the Hood canal bridge on the Peninsula, if you park and walk in at the gates , leave nothing of value in your rig, plenty of thiefs around here.
Recommend you go east of the Cascades for better hunting, there are plenty of animals on both sides of the Mts though.