Leads on using guided hunts

[MymuttBear]

I moved to the US over 4 years ago and since then I have paid for game tags but have not got out to use them due to not being fully confident in areas to hunt, regs etc. I'm thinking for this years season I want to use the services of a guided hunt outfit in Washington State.

Does anyone have anyone they use/can recommend? I'm not the sort of hunter who NEEDS to bag an deer and or elk, that would be a bonus, I am looking for someone who will pass on their knowledge about how to navigate GMU's, things to look for in the field, best way to hunt and probably a heap of other things I don't even know to ask.

Thanks in advance.

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[2ndtimer]

Idaho Elk Hunts Mule Deer Hunting Black Bear Guide Outfitters

Trophy elk mule deer hunts in Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington. Guided hunts, guaranteed hunts, affordable unguided DIY hunts, hunting lodge, drop camps.

bearpawoutfitters.com

I went on a guided cow elk hunt with these folks in Preston, Idaho back in November of 2023. They were great, had a good time. Missed my cow elk at about 300 yards after chasing them for a mile or so. Did find a nice shed antler, and pretty sure it was from the bull that was pursuing the cows we saw.

 

[Koda]

I moved to the US over 4 years ago and since then I have paid for game tags but have not got out to use them due to not being fully confident in areas to hunt, regs etc. I'm thinking for this years season I want to use the services of a guided hunt outfit in Washington State.

Does anyone have anyone they use/can recommend? I'm not the sort of hunter who NEEDS to bag an deer and or elk, that would be a bonus, I am looking for someone who will pass on their knowledge about how to navigate GMU's, things to look for in the field, best way to hunt and probably a heap of other things I don't even know to ask.

Thanks in advance.

You just need to find a friend who hunts. Yes I know easier said than done but Wa has a ton of public lands and the regs cant be too difficult you need to learn them anyways. Ask around for someone local who hunts and get to know them, ask them where to begin and go from there.

 

[MymuttBear]

You just need to find a friend who hunts. Yes I know easier said than done but Wa has a ton of public lands and the regs cant be too difficult you need to learn them anyways. Ask around for someone local who hunts and get to know them, ask them where to begin and go from there.

I belong to a gun club and I'm getting to know a few members when I get the chance to get there. Trouble is I'm not one who will outright say "can I come hunting with you". Maybe I should however I always got to know people first before I invited them onto properties where I had permission to hunt in Aus.

About this time last year I approached a couple of guys at work and asked them if they'd like to hunt in the 2024 season. They were keen on the idea, and that is as far as it went as they both didn't get around to doing their hunter education course.

With regard to the actual hunt my main reason is, as I wrote above, the need to learn how to hunt in a system I've never had to do before. The gutting, carcase breakdown, etc isn't an issue, I'd even offer to cut up a hunting partners kill (I'm a qualified butcher). Really it's just tagging along with someone who knows how to use a GPS with a hunting app like onX and translate that to the GMU's.

I never realized how much I miss the camaraderie of just being out in the bush with a hunting buddy. One doesn't even need to fill a tag for it to be classed as a good hunt.

 

[Koda]

I belong to a gun club and I'm getting to know a few members when I get the chance to get there. Trouble is I'm not one who will outright say "can I come hunting with you". Maybe I should however I always got to know people first before I invited them onto properties where I had permission to hunt in Aus.

About this time last year I approached a couple of guys at work and asked them if they'd like to hunt in the 2024 season. They were keen on the idea, and that is as far as it went as they both didn't get around to doing their hunter education course.

With regard to the actual hunt my main reason is, as I wrote above, the need to learn how to hunt in a system I've never had to do before. The gutting, carcase breakdown, etc isn't an issue, I'd even offer to cut up a hunting partners kill (I'm a qualified butcher). Really it's just tagging along with someone who knows how to use a GPS with a hunting app like onX and translate that to the GMU's.

I never realized how much I miss the camaraderie of just being out in the bush with a hunting buddy. One doesn't even need to fill a tag for it to be classed as a good hunt.

Approach them as a solo hunter and eventually you will find someone who will invite you... dont ask them if you can come along with them, ask them what do you need to do to get started on your own and they will open up with local knowledge. If someone senses your doing your part, eventually they will invite you to join them.
Get some national forest maps for those near you, all national forests are public lands. find the hunting unit boundaries in the Washington regulations then outline that boundary on your new map and you now have a unit to explore. Go scouting there in summer, enjoy a weekend camping in the woods, you can camp anywhere. OnX apps has the unit boundaries I think (I use a different program). If you have experience hunting in Australia, then you will figure out our species here... tracks, scat, patterns and you will eventually fill a tag. A simple beginner tactic here thats effective is to just sit on a vantage point and glass clearcuts.

 

[yankeedoodle]

Download OnX and go on a drive this Spring.

Also, I'd recommend going on a guided hunt to just kind of get the feel for it and see how things work. I'd expect to pay $2000+ for a cow elk from a reputable outfit.

 

[Catfishmoon]

Look for information on a website that is dedicated to hunting in Washington State such as "Hunting Washington";

Hunting Washington Forum - Index

Hunting Washington Forum - Index

hunting-washington.com

 

[MymuttBear]

Thanks for the helpful tips and information. Some good ideas on how to get out for a hunt this season.

I researched guided hunts and they are reasonable cost wise. As I wrote, it isn't so much about bagging an animal but more to reconnect with getting out and getting experience on how to manage, and stay within hunting rules. Thanks to those who provided links to hunting outfitters, it is appreciated. I will get in contact with a couple and ask them what they offer, they can probably tailor something specific to what I want.

Getting out into the areas in warmer weather well before hunting season is something I didn't think of doing (duh!) I'm sure I can include a camping weekend in there to get my missus included.