Washington Hunting

Latest Featured Hunting Articles

Every year thousands of hunters across the continent book outfitted hunts. Some are booked in their home state or province; others require considerable travel by air. For those with the means, exotic trips abroad are a unique privilege. But regardless of where a hunter goes, the research, booking and travel aspects are imminent. Simple or complex, logistics are a part of the game. I've seen it more than once with first time traveling sportsmen.

Nonresident's Guide to Western Hunting

A not-so concise look at the opportunities available to those who have decided to come out West for an elk, deer or antelope hunt and don't know where to start. This won't address bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or moose as those are typically once-in-a-lifetime hunts. This is also designed for DIY hunters, not for those looking for private land or outfitted hunts, as there are various other aspects regarding transferable tags that could also be addressed.

Building a Big Game Hunter

Teaching Children to Love the Outdoors Across the nation, there is a concern about declines in the number of hunters. In addition to a significant drop in license and tax revenues, there are worries that the decline could eventually change the relationship between humans and wildlife.

Still-Hunting: The Woodsman's Dance

Though it's certainly no Swan Lake, in a very real sense, still-hunting is the dance of the woodsman. Done properly, it is choreographed and precise. It's planned out so that every movement combines agility, grace, and stealth, so that each step, head turn, and pause serves an artful purpose - to collect venison.

Staying Alive While Hunting the Wide Open West

I grew up hunting in the Midwest where a half-hour hike from the road was considered remote and wilderness was any 500-acre section with a single farm house. Getting lost was never a concern, even in an era before cell phones and GPS units. When I was 29 I moved my family to the West. Big game hunting suddenly became a much more serious pursuit, not because I became a more avid hunter, but because I realized that a mistake in the Rocky Mountains or the Western deserts could prove fatal.

Planning Your Outfitted Hunt

So you've saved your money and your significant other has granted permission to book a hunt. Perhaps it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal, or maybe you're one of the lucky ones that gets to do it every year. Regardless of your circumstance, a daunting decision remains... choosing an outfitter.

Planning Your First Western Hunt

The rangefinder read 202 yards. That was far longer than any shot this Kentucky boy had ever taken at an animal, but it was a shot that I had practiced routinely in the weeks leading up to this hunt. I slowly slipped into a sitting position and rested my Sako .308 across the shooting sticks. As I steadied the crosshairs of the Simmons scope just behind the front shoulder, I took a deep breath to settle my nerves. With the bark of the Sako, I watched as my first Wyoming antelope fell in his tracks.

Elk Hunting High-Pressure Areas

A great deal of elk hunting here in Wyoming, and other states, is done not only on public land, but is also on lands where the hunter can simply buy a tag over the counter and head off into the mountains. Consequently these areas typically have a tremendous amount of hunting pressure and require different tactics if the hunter is to score consistently.

Elk Hunting Basics - A Guide to Hunting and Calling Elk

Truly one of the most sporting species, from their guttural bugles to their aggressive rutting behaviors, elk are simply an awesome animal to hunt. If you've ever interacted with a dominant bull, you know what I'm talking about. When a bull screams within earshot, it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! But not every individual will come in on a string. Finesse and strategy are the name of the game with elk. Know when to speak, when to keep quiet, and which call to use when and you're on your way to a close encounter. Call too much and you may as well head back to camp.

Thinking about Bowhunting? Here's How To Get Started

It's probably safe to say that most of us began hunting with a rifle. As our skills evolve, we look for ways to rediscover the challenge. Inevitably we turn to bowhunting. But its not as simple as just picking up a bow and hitting the woods. A learning curve exists. As with any activity, there are right and wrong ways to get started. Suffice it to say, if you're thinking about bowhunting, here are a few tips to help put you on the right track.

Recent Headlines

Washington Man Caught in the Act of Poaching

Washington DFW Considers Changes to Deer Hunts in GMU 117 and 121

Washington Hunter's Access to Land Gets Boost from Permit Fees

Washington DFW Needs Volunteers for Elk Hunt

Washington Removes 10 Bears From Town

Washington FWC Adopts New Wildlife Damage Rules

Washington Special Hunt Apps Due May 26th

Washington Special Hunt Permits With More Options

Washington FWC Approve Hunting Rules

Smokers Butts are Littering Beaches

Photos & Stories

16 Point Washington Whitetail	Elk Scouting, Calling and Hunting	From Coyotes to Crows	2007 Washington Archery Buck	Dave's Washington Moose
Washington Blacktail Buck	First Elk Bow Hunt	Washington State Blacktail Buck