[shocktroop]

Hello all. Well, I'm about to move up there from Texas, looks like I'm going to be moving to the shelton area. Can anybody tell me the scoop on hunting....I think I'm good to go for duck hunting, but what about all the other critters out there? Is it a pain to find land to hunt on, what about bigger game like deer and elk...do you have to enter a lotto system? Is it hard to hunt these? I'm searching like crazy on the net and every info I find is pretty vague. I would like to hear from real folks who hunt the area, and thier opinion on what it takes to get out there and do some good. Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[Alex Langbell]

Shocktroop,

Shelton is great area to chase around all sorts of critters. You can go hunt bears toward the coast and Olympic penisula. Lots and lots of deer and some awesome Roosevelt Elk hunting as well. Last time I hunted that area, archery was over the counter tag, not sure about modern firearm, but you can find out here http://wdfw.wa.gov/ If you like seafood there's a lot around. Some of the best salmon/steelhead rivers in Washington will be in your back yard. You'll be fairly close to the ocean, to do some Razor Clam digging. Lots of Oyster and clam beds in the Sound. Salmon fishing and bottom fishing in the sound.

You will be able to do a lot of outdoors stuff, just make sure you have some good rain gear.

 

[athomeruddy]

this state is great for hunting, you'll like it. Public land is a bit of a pain, its tough to find public spots not packed with people, but a lot of scouting and it can be done! Welcome

 

[tsimp8903]

Shocktroop,
if you are coming up from Texas, you are going to love the hunting in Washington. I will tell you this right now though, get over to the central and eastern parts of Wash. If you are willing to work a little bit, there are some huge bucks out there for the taking. There are some 30"-40" out by a tiny little eastern Wash. town called Khalotus. It is well known to hold some of the biggest mule deer in the US. Hunt along, the snake river in the rolling hills, and you won't be dissapointed. Get out and talk to the farmers. Most of them are great people and are more than willing to let you hunt. Just remember to thank them and they will welcome you back time and time again. You can hunt Rosevelt Elk there on the west side, and Rockies in central, north, northeast, and southeast washington.
As for ducks and geese, the best area is down around the Moses Lake area, and farther down around the Tri-Cities. Like people have said before, public land can be crowded sometimes, but get out and do your homework, and you will be fine. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask any questions.

Ty Simpson

 

[DuckQuacker2]

Welcome to Washington - I too am a Texas transplant. When the hunting is good it is real good. But like the rest of the postings you have - you will have to do your homework. Finding a spot to hunt is the easy part, finding a GOOD hunting spot is a little more difficult. Eastern Washington is known for its great duck and goose hunting. This year will be my first time over there to see for myself. Best of luck to you and welcome to Washington!