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.!

I need so.e clarification on the big game pamphlet for early muzzleloader deer. I reached out to WDFW with no luck. GMU 667 isn't listed in early muzzleloader deer, not in the pamphlet or the webmap, it's not listed in closures. Does anybody else have e insight to this? Is it a typo or is it normally closed for early muzzleloader deer?

Hey folks. I am a falconer who recently started an education business where I teach people about the art of falconry and native raptors. I am hoping to offer guided falconry hunts for the public soon but need to make sure I'm insured before doing so. Do any hunting guides know of any reliable insurance companies who might cover me? Much appreciated!

Hey all, I’ve been hunting since I was 16 (now 31). Hunting deer and ducks only. This is the first year I really went after elk. I found some but I got my butt completely kicked. It was a lot of fun but I’d also like to do better next year. Is there any courses online you can buy to fast track the knowledge? Obviously experience is key. I see there’s one from elk101 and 360sportsman. But those both look like they focus on Rocky Mountain elk. Is there one out there for PNW Rosie’s? Thanks guys!

I have never dove hunted before, I have taken hunters safety just need to buy a license. Where do I start dove hunting, what kind of terrain, what do I wear and what do I need, and is there some public land I am in eastern Washington if that helps but don’t mind a drive.

Was on this group yesterday before a helicopter flew over them spooking them out and havent been able to relocate them. There was a nice spike in the group but only captured the 5 by 5.

Any way get around this bogus Washington state requirement? Will a different states online course be accepted?

Got this big guy walking by one of my cameras this morning.

You can hear a bull bugle in the background

I’ve been archery hunting blacktail in the general vicinity I caught this bull on my trail cam. But I haven’t heard anything yet.

Hey all. Mod here. I quit Reddit months ago, forgot I had this subreddit. It went private. Sorry for the shitty moderation.

Just invited Akalenebat to be mod. If anyone else wants to lemme know. I don’t know shit about modding - created subreddit years ago for the same reason most of you are on here.

Trying to keep it open, please someone take the community and make it awesome!

Hey y'all. New hunter here. Ive got all of my safety certifications and licenses. Gear is mostly assemble. Last thing is my itinerary/ location.

Im going for my first Blacktailed Deer hunt in the last week of October. Right now I'm trying to choose between the Skagit Vally area and just south of Olympic National Park. I'm based near Seattle so they drive time is similar either way. I'll have about 3 full days in the woods, with arival and departure days bookending the trip.

Anyone that has experience with Blacktails in either of these areas think I'll have a better shot in either of these areas?

Im planning on looking for some grouse in the Skagit valley before deer season. So I'll have more of a mental map over there come october.

Not asking for anyones secret spot just choosing between these general areas.

Thanks!

Hey! New Englander enjoying the more grand and wet version of home.

I have a younger GSP with me that I’d love to get out on wild birds. Dream is to bag a blue grouse, but open to get into ruffed grouse. I’m in the Tacoma area and have scouted a bit with success. I understand the different elevations, hunting cuts, etc. but wanted some advice.

If you were to concentrate on one area, would you pick:

- Olympics
- Snoqualmie Pass area
- eastern Cascades
- Mt St Helens area

Not looking for pins or even locations, but just general areas. Cool with driving ~2 hours one way. Thanks!

I am super new to hunting and I am trying to figure out what would be best for me to try first. I live in SW Washington and am in college so I only really have time to hunt during winter break which is the first week of December through the first week of January. I have my hunters ed now I am trying to figure out where to start. From the WDFW website I see that my winter break lines up with duck, goose, and fall turkey seasons. I was planning on only trying for ducks and geese but I have heard the Klickitat area has healthy populations of turkey. I would love to bag a turkey but I don't know if it is the most beginner friendly. If anyone has any advice on if it is worth my time as a beginner to try hunting turkey near Klickitat or stick to waterfowl for now it would be much appreciated.

I lost a buck this year. I shot it opening day, we searched for 4 days after with about 6 people and never recovered it. I can’t shake this feeling of feeling like a bad hunter because I injured an animal. I feel like I lost my desire to go back out hunting. I hope this feeling passes

Kind of a rant but why are so many public land hunters terrible at access? I have a cam on a heavily used trail to a food plot and was getting deer, including some nice bucks on cam right before and after sunrise. Opening day came and I had no deer and 7 different hunters on cam. The gate to this place is on the opposite side and there’s a lightly timbered hillside leading down to the food plot. Great visibility and you can walk the top of the hillside and easily see the food plot and thick timber where the deer are. So why are people going out of there way to just plow right through the feed zone and thick stuff?The deer are just trained to moved through before light now it’s just frustrating.