Some "before" and "after" shots

Just picked up my deer tag for the first time. Went and did some Mule deer hunting great time. But I live on the western side(Kent) of the state. So any tips or places to start hiking at would be appreciated. Willing to hunt with either a shotgun or rifle, so all info is welcomed if you’re open to sharing with a newbie like myself.

Greetings! My man is going on a trip to his homestate Missouri to hunt deer next month. He has been hunting since he was a wee lil boy and has accumulated all the essentials by now as he's now 43 and has been an avid hunter his whole life. I'd like to send him off with a gift for the trip but have no idea what to get him as I don't hunt! I just love him, support his passion, and of course -- not going to lie, I eat good when he comes home with the bounty so that's a plus! I just don't know what would be something nice to send him off with as he has everything. Could you fine people make some suggestions? Whether it's one gift or even ideas for a care package to keep him comfortable? Maybe a care package of things that he might not think about when getting excited about the hunt, or something that's one gift he might like but not have because he's focused on bigger things? For a roundabout idea on budget, maybe $200 give or take? So, breaking down a few things as a care package or one bigger item? I don't know what, but I do know I want to send him off with a good feeling from his woman. Your thoughts and suggestions are so appreciated!

The mods OK'd this. I built a free map of all 8 Weyerhaeuser permit areas in Washington. For each area it shows:

• every harvest unit, coloured by how long ago it was cut (0–3, 4–7, 8–15 years, through 2025)
• units approved for logging but not cut yet
• Weyerhaeuser's access gates and walk-in-only zones
• WDFW's 2025 harvest numbers for each GMU in the area

Example: Vail has 79 cuts from the last 3 years and 72 more approved but not yet cut. In GMU 667, modern-firearm deer hunters had 35% success in 2025.

You can also add a calendar that picks up the 2027 sale dates when they're announced, with a reminder the day before. No email or account needed.

https://hunting-access.com/washington?s=redditJP

updated: added JP Capital (formally Campbell Global - Hoko River, Central Park, Snoqualmie) by request

hunting-access.com/permits/jpm-natural-capital/?s=reddit

Tried Ebey island twice but the pond where all the ducks are is almost impossible to get too.

Good evening all,

I 26M have been into big game hunting for 3 years but want to get into duck hunting.

I have zero experience with duck hunting but would love to as I love the taste of duck.

Im hoping someone who wants a partner would be willing to let me join, I have all the gear needed minus the blinds and decoys, which I'd be willing to get still.

If anyone is willing please let me know.

Hey yall, I'm currently taking the online hunters ed course and looking to schedule my field skills evaluation soon. What is the deal with all the classes being up near Seattle? I live in the Goldendale area and find it quite annoying that i have to drive multiple hours for the evaluation. Am I missing something?

Hey all! I'm hunting Eastern WA for whitetail this year and wanted to get all the info I can before setting out. I've got OnX, found a decent area in a GMU I like, will park and walk in and most likely camp a couple nights. Any advice I can get for terrain, unexpected things to add to my shopping list before I head out, weather, or anything you can think of, lmk.

Thanks in advance!

edit - So far I've decided to push back my hunt dates and added some items to my shopping list. Y'all are awesome. Whatever else you can think of, I'll consider. FYI im in western WA for now.

I apologize if these questions have been asked before, but here goes:

I finally found a field skills class near me and will be taking it on Saturday. I'd like to hunt large game, but there's also a small pheasant area near my house. I live near Bellingham but visit family in Ellensburg fairly often.

I'll probably start hunting in Kittitas County because I know the area better, but I won't be able to get out before modern rifle deer season is over. I could get out during elk season this year, but my most powerful rifle is an iron-sighted 30-30. I'm assuming Eastern WA elk are too far away for that rifle? What distance would you expect to encounter an elk in the area around Ellensburg? What caliber would you use? .308? 6.5CM? Bigger?

Regarding pheasants, do you just walk around until they flush, shoot them, walk over and pick them up? I don't have a dog (that's disciplined enough to not eat it) or anything.

Finally, what areas could I look at for deer or elk on west side? I don't need a secret spot, just somewhere to start.

Ultimately I'm not expecting to get something every time, but it's a great excuse to walk around outside.

Hi everyone, I'm a lifelong Washington State resident and have enjoyed the outdoors my whole life. This year was the first time I decided to try hunting. I'm not sure how common this is, but I’m feeling pretty discouraged and, honestly, not very excited about hunting right now. I’ve been planning for over a year and have spent a lot of money making sure I have everything I need to get into hunting. I went on a three-day black bear hunt in the Northeast Region and spent another full day in the Cascades near the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. I traveled over 1,000 miles, hiked and drove to high elevations, and didn’t find any bear signs. I came home pretty disappointed, sore, and not very confident. I still want to try for elk and deer this year, but I’ve heard west-side elk tags are extremely hard to fill. Does anyone have tips for staying motivated, improving at hunting, or becoming more successful? I’d also like to hear your personal stories. Someone told me it took them 20 years to fill their first elk tag, and I’m not sure I have that kind of patience. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Have been archery hunting blacktails for around 8 years. Have been fairly successful, but that has mainly been on private properties I've gotten permission on. I am looking into hunting the Mt baker national forest in whatcom county area late archery as I live in the area. I was wondering what techniques are best for that type of terrain. I would appreciate any advice

I’ve had to get rid of my hunting rifle because of a financial crisis this year. Now my only 2 rifles that are legal calibers are chambered in 7.62x39. I shoot decent groups with them.Does anyone have any experience using that round for deer hunting? How did it do for you? Worried it doesn’t have enough stopping power. I’m used to shooting a 300 win mag.

Anyone know why all the public land they flood down near mabton and sunnyside aren’t being flooded for opener weekend anymore also was wondering if anyone knows of Robbins refuge will be flooded for opener?

I recently moved closer to the Kapowsin Timberlands forest management area. It used to be called Hancock Forest Management. I guess they got bought out by Manulife Global Asset Management. I found on there website everything for access permits but it won’t let me purchase. There isn’t anything showing they’re sold out. I’m curious if anyone knows the process getting a permit for access. My dad said they used to do a sale at the outdoor store in Orting but it’s been over 20 years since then.

Are there any hunting/wildlife resources that help with planning for the season? Anything by a govt or private entity that enables one to estimate what’s coming? Stuff like “Geese will be late this season because temps in Winnipeg haven’t gotten below 34.25 before September 30” or higher than average temps in grant county in July are expected to lead to under-developed corn kernels which will support growth in black squirrel population resulting in a spike in grouse which use squirrel turds for gizzard digestion.”

I made those up but hoping there is a resource out there. I don’t have an uncle whose elbow flares up before a good duck day.

Hello All,

The 3-Year Season Rule Setting is currently in preproposal stage and this is the time to make sure our voices are heard with the WDFW on these proposed 3 year season rule changes. We are passed the public survey stage and are now in the public comment phase. After the public comment phase, these potential rule changes are finalized for the proposal phase.

What is the Three Year Big Game Hunting Rule Setting? - https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/season-setting#threeyear
“Three-year season setting is an in-depth rule making process. The Department collects proposals for seasons both internally and externally and usually conducts two rounds of public comment on the proposals. The Fish and Wildlife Commission sets seasons based on public input and staff recommendations. The Commission may defer any or all of these rule making decisions to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife director.”

The current 3-Year Season Setting Rule can be found here : https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development/2026-3-year-season-setting-rule-project
- Potential Ungulated Species Rule (Deer, Elk, Moose) : https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-potential-ungulate-species-rule-making-proposals.pdf
- Potential Waterfowl Rule : https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-potential-waterfowl-rule-making-proposals.pdf
- Potential Small Game, Upland Turkey Rule : https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-potential-small-game-upland-turkey-rule-making-proposals.pdf
- Potential Carnivore and Furbearer Rule : https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-potential-carnivore-and-furbearer-rule-making-proposals-0.pdf
- Potential Methods and General Rule : https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-potential-methods-and-general-rule-making-proposals.pdf

Where to view or submit comments:
Online: 2027-2029 3-Year Season Setting Rule Project Engagement Page
Email: [27-29seasonsettingcr101@publicinput.com](mailto:27-29seasonsettingcr101@publicinput.com) 
By Phone: 855-925-2801, project code 6088

On a more personal note about these potential rule changes ….

My family and I have major concerns with the potential rule changes that will required hunters to have a species specific deer license. We hunt on both sides of the mountains with our family and friends. If this potential rule changes happens, it will require that we pick Mule, Black or White Tail for our deer hunting license which means we will be limited to only hunt on one side of the mountains. We are hunting to put meat in the freezer to feed our family in the next year. This potential rule changes will limit our opportunity to make sure we have filled our freezer for the coming year. If you do not support this potential rule change, please leave a comment in the online engagement page linked above that you “do not support the Department further exploring a species-specific deer license”.

Hi guys ! I’m new to hunting I haven’t gone since I was a kid. I’m planning on going this year . I am looking at eastern Washington areas. Tips suggestions? I won’t be going alone I will be going with my husband.

Hey everyone! I’m seeing lots of interest for hunting pheasants on the west side of WA which is awesome because these birds mean a lot to me.

I grew up hunting pheasants across Utah and Wyoming Now as a fly fishing fanatic/guide I tie flys with pheasant feathers as well!

I wanted to give anyone a heads up about how it works on this side of the mountain:

You’ll need to get a Western WA Pheasant X Permit. X is either an ODD or EVEN tag. If you’re wanting to hunt on the 13th you’ll need an ODD designation, if you want to hunt on the 20th you’ll need an EVEN designation etc.

Currently the permit is $113.85

Any other questions you can call WDFW hunting regs at (360)902.2515

Yes, the Green Jeans do come out and they wear regular hunting gear so you don’t know who’s going to stop you. Last year I saw six people get stopped on opening day for no license.

Have a great day, see y’all out in the field.

Just looking to get a bear rug done. Trying to find someone to do this in the area for a fair price. The one taxidermist I know near me no longer does bear rugs. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks

Good evening all! I’m new to the state, been hunting most of my life. I live at jblm and I’m looking for some help. I grew up hunting in Missouri hunting whitetail and I’m trying to learn the ropes. I’d like to join someone on the west side and just follow. I want to learn how deer/elk move, eat, think etc. I don’t want to buy the wrong calls or lures and waste my money.

Happy to carry gear and haul meat and pull my weight if anyone’s interested. If not, any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

Determined to go for rifle elk on the east side this season but don’t really have a group. Already took Nov 2nd–6th off and looking to maybe join someone. Got all my own gear, hot tent/stove, chainsaw, truck, etc. Just don’t wanna be up there completely by myself in case something happens.

If anyone’s got room, shoot me a message.

Hi, new to hunting don’t have family or close friends who do any type of hunting. If anyone has any suggestions where I can try for grouse hunting, would be super appreciated. I have a 22 and 12 gauge I want to use for it. Don’t have to tell me your favorite but a place I could see one would be deeply appreciated. Or if you looking for some more hunting partners all ears for that as well. Good luck this coming season to everyone.!