Author Topic: Washington State deer hunting locations?  (Read 4675 times)

MJP

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Washington State deer hunting locations?
« on: October 09, 2014, 12:56:06 PM »
Recently(last month or so) I've started to try to get into deer hunting - this is from a starting point of having done a lot of hiking/backpacking but never firing a gun or knowing any avid hunters. I've done my hunters safety course, gone out target shooting a couple times, researched hunting/processing techniques, etc.

I've also done some basic land scouting online of some National Forest land and am planning on heading out this weekend to try my luck. I know online google maps/GoHunt research isn't a replacement for boots on the ground, but I'm kinda strapped for time as the MF season is upon us.

Reaching out to see if anyone has any tips/suggestions for good public land areas? Also, probably more of a long shot, but if anyone has access to private land that would work as well - of course I'd willing to pitch in and help with any tasks around the property and/or share meat.

In general, seeing as I'm pretty new to this, any general deer hunting tips would be appreciated as well. I'm just looking to learn more, get outside, and hopefully have a chance at getting a freezer full of meat! Feel free to reply here or PM.

Thanks!

Timmmy

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Re: Washington State deer hunting locations?
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2014, 03:16:17 PM »
I'm a long ways away from you so I can't provide specific advice but I just wanted to tell you to be patient.  Don't expect to get a deer on your first trip out.  Don't even expect to see any.  Go outside and enjoy the fresh air, the sights and sounds of the woods.

Good luck! 

Venison is my favorite meat.  I'm had the product of my last hunt for lunch today(Squirrel stew). Do the processing yourself if you do get one.  It's not that hard and saves a ton of money. 

Siobhan

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Re: Washington State deer hunting locations?
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2014, 03:52:01 PM »
I'll second Timmmy.....we've been hunting for 5 years...total deer/elk so far...2.  Could have gotten one last year if it had showed up 10 minutes earlier, but the huge buck decided to show just as twilight set in, which is the official end of hunting time in our state.    Since I am a geo dork I'll drop this link for Washington here http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/maps/county/mpl/mplco.htm and http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects/index.html (which ties into go hunt).  Lastly I'm not sure if you have it in Washington, but in CO we had to look out for areas where Chronic Wasting disease had been reported.

Tips, are you bow or rifle hunting?

MJP

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Re: Washington State deer hunting locations?
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2014, 12:59:40 PM »
Thanks for the responses. The map link was particularly helpful in finding places to go(rifle hunting btw).

I ended up hunting both weekend nights - didn't have much luck, but it was still exciting and I enjoyed myself. I'll be out again this coming weekend.

Bob W

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Re: Washington State deer hunting locations?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2014, 01:23:17 PM »
Your best deer will generally be found within walking distance of suburban areas.   The woods offer them little comfort.   

I'm in MidMissouri and we can't get rid of them fast enough.   What is the bag limit in Wash?   

I also concur to process them yourself.  It is expensive to have them butchered professionally.   I have thought about restarting deer hunting solely as a method to fill the freezer but the time value equation is soundly against that.   Plus I don't like sitting around in the cold in the woods. 

Good luck

johnintaiwan

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Re: Washington State deer hunting locations?
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2014, 09:33:00 PM »
Growing up hunting deer on public land in oregon my father and I got a deer exactly one time in out 10+ seasons. And that deer was spotted as we were taking our boots off at the truck to go home. In all likelihood it will be hiking with an extra few pounds of gun on your back. But even still, the chance of coming across a deer make it a lot of fun. I miss those days. Good Luck!