Hey Reddit,

I wanted to share my hunting journey and see if there are others here who might be in a similar situation or looking to collaborate.

For the past four years, my brother and I have been learning how to hunt on our own—I'm 37, and he's 41, with some mobility challenges due to his disability. It's been a steep learning curve, and honestly, we’ve had our fair share of struggles, but this year I finally got my first deer! I also found an area that seems to hold a lot of Blacktail, which is exciting.

I reached out to a fellow hunter here (who prefers to remain anonymous) and we’ve had some great conversations about the area I’m scouting. He helped confirm that I was on the right track by sharing insights, signs to look for, and comparing the terrain. While I know a lot of hunters keep their areas to themselves, this guy was generous with his knowledge and it really made a difference. The goal wasn’t to take his spot but to learn from it and apply it to finding success on my own.

When it comes to Elk hunting, however, it’s been a different story. I've tried reaching out to other hunters about areas I’m looking at—specifically around Packwood—but every conversation seems to get shut down quickly. I spent a whole week this year trying to catch the Elk moving from the hills into Packwood, but they were already gone before I could even get started. I then moved around to different public lands, from Packwood to Randle, Mossy Rock, the Olympic Peninsula, and Capital State Forest. I set up a blind for my brother and even ventured out on foot to try and get behind areas where the “road hunters” weren’t, but still no luck.

I know there must be others out there in the same boat—maybe you're learning the ropes like we are, or you’ve been hunting for years but are struggling to find consistent success. Either way, I thought I’d reach out and see if we could start a group of hunters who want to share knowledge, compare experiences, and maybe even learn about hunting different animals.

For me, getting my first deer this year was a huge step, and while Elk has been elusive, I’m determined to figure it out. I know there are other hunters out there with similar stories, whether you're still working on your first harvest or have more experience and tips to share.

If enough of us are interested, I’d like to propose creating two groups—one for the West side of Washington (where I’m based) and one for the East side. This could be a place for us to swap stories, tips, locations, and maybe even plan scouting trips or hunting seasons together.

Let me know if you're interested or if you've had similar experiences—let's learn together and support each other as we hunt our way to success.

I've been driving out to hunting locations on public land and sleeping there overnight to get an early start and to catch deer early. However, I've had a bunch of resentment build up due to truck hunters that prowl around early in the morning and all day scaring everything off, blowing my spots in valleys and otherwise (Western WA).

I haven't had much luck and it seems everyone and their grandma does drive-by hunting, so maybe I am the problem? Should I learn from this and do the same? I'm arriving after dark and not starting a campfire, just going to sleep basically, but maybe this scares off all game in a mile radius the night before?

What do y'all think?

When I was younger I went deer hunting with my uncle a handful of times. I never went as much as I’d hoped, but as an adult I moved to Tacoma and want to get into it as an adult hobby. Any suggestions? Should I go a guided hunt? How do I get started beyond licenses and permits.

Evening folks!

Getting into bow-hunting here, and am looking around for lands to hunt on. I've only hunted private lands as a falconer previously, so this is a pretty new experience to me. I'm hoping to try hunting some public land now. Based on all my research, it seems that most government owned land here is alright for hunting unless otherwise posted. I noticed one spot along an abandoned train track up here in Whatcom county that is owned by WDFW according to OnX. Just this random chunk of woodland that I can't find any info about online. Do you guys think I am good to try hunting this area for small game? I assume this is public land but am new to this whole thing so I figured I'd ask you guys. Thanks a ton.

Here is the land in question. Is there a way that I can tell if its public or not?

Anyone seeing signs of whitetail rut starting in eastern WA?

Been trying to stalk white tail but somehow keep running into fresh piles of forbidden chocolate eggs. I've heard deer and moose don't mix well, but I can't confirm that. Am I just looking in the wrong areas? I've been out in colville national forests and now tried around mount Spokane but again less signs of deer and more moose signs. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or just getting skunked.

Does anyone know if WA has a tower shoot for pheasant?

I googled but could not find anything.

Hey guys, I just recently moved from MI to western WA last year. I’ve put a few hundred miles on my car, and probably walked 30+miles over the last week or so throughout Elbe hills, capitol forest, and some surrounding federal land, and I’ve only flushed 4 grouse, all in capitol, and way too far to get a shot off. My elevation has varied from 800ft up to 3,500ft, walked creek beds, old logging roads, and just flat out bushwhacking. I’ve thought about heading north to US-2, or west to the Olympics, but I haven’t had enough time off to get myself up there. I don’t expect to get anyone’s hidden gem spots, as I know I keep my best trout runs to myself. But any tips on how I can get myself on some birds (or bunnies) within a few hours of the Tacoma area would be greatly appreciated!

How is the season going for everyone? Has anyone had any success? I spent 3 days out in GMU 654 and the only elk I saw was 1 herd on private property on the way to go hunting.

Anyone running cell cameras? Other than locking them up, any tips on how to spread them around an area to figure out what's going on? I've got 3 I want to set up in a large area with good sign.

Does anyone know if the state land that the shooting pit outside of suncrest is huntable or just recreational target shooting?

This is my first year getting in the hunt on my own and for myself and have a really hard time seeing much of anything this year I live in eastern Washington and was wondering if anyone had land out here in the Cheney airway heights area that i could come hunt id even be willing to work on the property to help with whatever for the opportunity for a spot that isn't super highly pressured

New to the area, have been getting out as much as I can solo! Mainly been hunting grouse and deer with my muzzleloader, but am going to start getting out for upland and ducks more. Will be hunting the late muzzy season, missed a deer during the early season unfortunately. Have decoys and what not, no dog. Just would be nice to have people to hunt with in the area! Have a couple good spots figured out

With ballots set to be mailed out in less than a week, the Conservation Coalition wants to emphasize the significant impact the Governor has on hunting and fishing issues in Washington State. While we typically focus on Commission and Legislative matters, we recognize how large of a role this position has historically played in shaping wildlife management decisions through appointments, budget allocations, legislation and other executive actions. Governor Inslee's time in office provides an unfortunate example of the detrimental effects that poor leadership can afflict on hunting and fishing opportunity and science based wildlife management. Inslee was a key player in restricting Second Amendment rights in Washington State. Through his terms he demonstrated close ties and commitment to preservationist, anti-hunting NGOs. Inslee positioned a former animal rights lobbyist as the Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Resources, and appointed multiple anti-hunting WDFW commissioners. These appointments have led to the decrease in opportunity for stakeholders, including the cessation of one of our most beloved hunts, and the mismanagement of wildlife.

On multiple occasions, Inslee overstepped and used his influence to dictate the outcomes wolf related issues following demands from extremist groups. Most recently he sent a letter to the commission asking them keep wolves listed as endangered, despite WDFW’s expert recommendations for down-listing. Following the votes he celebrated the unscientific decisions to maintain wolves’ status and to lessen cougar hunting opportunity. With the Commission at risk of dissolving and becoming a cabinet agency led with less oversight it is vital that we elect a leader that prioritizes traditions and opportunity, and is willing to put department science first. It's essential to review the history and stances on hunting and fishing related issues of the candidates on the ballot, because the results will reflect in wildlife management related issues over the next several terms.

We've researched both candidates' positions and records to help inform your decision. Regardless of the election outcome on November 5th, the Coalition will remain committed to making whatever the political atmosphere may be is work for stakeholders and the successful conservation of wildlife. We are dedicated to fighting for hunters from all political backgrounds. Vote and make your voice heard this November!

https://preview.redd.it/3l9kxx6phixd1.jpg?width=540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2dfe37565cec197c0a76c33e0ece581d24b51b8e

Hi everybody, I'm one of the few drawn to hunt GMU 653, modern firearm for bull elk. I don't have much access to clear cuts because of the new Muckleshoot permit and was wondering if anybody has some tips or experience hunting this unit. I've seen a lot of good sign and a fair amount of cows so far but no bulls. Any help would be much appreciated!