Hem
Well-known member
Yeah, I dont get it. It would seem Washington has everything to offer.
Certainly better opportunity to make a decent living.
Moving to Washington state, hunting and fishing expectations?
- Thread starter SD_Prairie_Goat
- Start date
Certainly better opportunity to make a decent living.
kwyeewyk
Well-known member
When I lived in Montana, I could feel the stress increase as I'd cross lookout pass into Idaho, and after fourth of July the mayhem really starts. I think that has bled out into I90 now with lots of Wa plates out to Missoula on the regular, driving either 100 or 55 blocking the passing lane. But if you avoid the urban areas, Montana still has that relaxed feel for the most part. Washington is like California, lots of great country, but way too many people.
gonhunting247
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2010
- Messages
- 315
Lots of opportunity and options. Let me know if you need some ideas!
SD_Prairie_Goat
Well-known member
Grew up clamming for them in Alaska, never thought I'd clam again after that accessible population was essentially decimated ten years ago...
But yup, all clams are dead!
I didn't think it was possible, but I'm getting more and more excited for the move.
Real talk though. How big of a boat do you need to feel safe out in the big ocean? Or is it more of a reliability deal more than anything?
Irrelevant
Well-known member
My 2 cents:
Best hunting and fishing ranked
1. crabbing
2. clamming (both steamers and razors)
3. waterfowl, both sides
4. chukar, forest grouse, valley quail
5. OTC deer, you have to pick a weapon type, rifle has very short crappy seasons with lots of people, muzzy has short crappy seasons without many people, archery has longer good seasons with lots of people. However, with some effort you can kill a deer every year.
6. Ocean/sound fishing (especially on pink years), I would focus on bottom fish and coho. Skip the kings, there aren't very many. Definitely skip "black mouth" season.
Things to take a second look at (as in I might not bother at all)
1. Salmon/steelhead in rivers (the amount of opportunity outside of the just a few rivers is very small, and the rivers are incredibly crowded.
2. Elk, it's not like elk hunting elsewhere, I have hunted both sides (which you have to pick for your tag) and weapon choice for almost 30 years. I have gone 2 years in a row, hunting every day of the short season, and not seen an elk. I hunted west side rifle and archery for a combined 14 years before I had a shot opportunity. West side is branched antler bull (which are like a needle in a haystack), and east side is spike only.
3. Hiking (or just general recreation) on the west, all trailheads are crowded on the weekends. It can take 2-4 hrs of driving to get away from the crowds, and you can't "cut out early" on Friday. Traffic going to places on Friday is miserable, and can be worse getting home on Sundays (add several hrs to the planned commute).
4. Applying for quality tags. Just don't. It's a losing proposition from day 1. Use that money for gas to drive to ID or MT.
Best hunting and fishing ranked
1. crabbing
2. clamming (both steamers and razors)
3. waterfowl, both sides
4. chukar, forest grouse, valley quail
5. OTC deer, you have to pick a weapon type, rifle has very short crappy seasons with lots of people, muzzy has short crappy seasons without many people, archery has longer good seasons with lots of people. However, with some effort you can kill a deer every year.
6. Ocean/sound fishing (especially on pink years), I would focus on bottom fish and coho. Skip the kings, there aren't very many. Definitely skip "black mouth" season.
Things to take a second look at (as in I might not bother at all)
1. Salmon/steelhead in rivers (the amount of opportunity outside of the just a few rivers is very small, and the rivers are incredibly crowded.
2. Elk, it's not like elk hunting elsewhere, I have hunted both sides (which you have to pick for your tag) and weapon choice for almost 30 years. I have gone 2 years in a row, hunting every day of the short season, and not seen an elk. I hunted west side rifle and archery for a combined 14 years before I had a shot opportunity. West side is branched antler bull (which are like a needle in a haystack), and east side is spike only.
3. Hiking (or just general recreation) on the west, all trailheads are crowded on the weekends. It can take 2-4 hrs of driving to get away from the crowds, and you can't "cut out early" on Friday. Traffic going to places on Friday is miserable, and can be worse getting home on Sundays (add several hrs to the planned commute).
4. Applying for quality tags. Just don't. It's a losing proposition from day 1. Use that money for gas to drive to ID or MT.
Irrelevant
Well-known member
I've been off neah bay in an 18' boat and while we didn't die, a 20-22 footer would have been a lot nicer. I owned a 16' runabout in college that was fine for the sound.
belshawelk
Well-known member
Other good news is you'll have less money to worry about since Washington is now trying lots hardest to pass CA for the largest taxed state.
Born and raised in WA. Beautiful state with outdoor recreation in all directions. Buy new rain gear, sell you winter gear. Fishing and hunting in the west of Washington is very different.
Born and raised in WA. Beautiful state with outdoor recreation in all directions. Buy new rain gear, sell you winter gear. Fishing and hunting in the west of Washington is very different.
SAJ-99
Well-known member
Should be pointed out that it is near the top in average salary and no state income tax. YMMV
Irrelevant
Well-known member
IDK, I've worked in both OR and WA and I'm picking WA every day that ends in "y" with regard to taxes.
Now, that I agree with.
El Jason
Well-known member
morley.tyler
Well-known member
Can you buy a lifetime SD hunting licence before you leave?
Well said!
This is a real thing. I’ve thought about getting a blood pressure cuff to actually measure the effect. My wife used to laugh at me when we’d crest over Lookout and I’d let out a big subconscious sigh.
El Jason
Well-known member
I don’t know. Ive been stuck behind plenty of folks in Montana and Idaho who camp in the passing lane, driving speed limit +/- 1 mph.
SD_Prairie_Goat
Well-known member
Looked into it believe me. Not a thing here
marshman
Well-known member
oh ya, the Oysters are still there.
Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out!Looked into it believe me. Not a thing here
marshman
Well-known member
That is a lot of the draw - and a lot of the issues too. The economy here just continues to amaze me really. In the Puget Sound region constant new construction pretty much my entire life. And that goes back to the sixties.
But get out and explore a bit and you will find the "old" Washington.
Brute
Well-known member
You might want to join.
Hunting Washington Forum
Hunting Washington Forum
belshawelk
Well-known member
Washington State Passes Significant Tax Increases Affecting Both Businesses and Consumers | Alerts and Articles | Insights | Ballard Spahr
Sweeping legislative changes are reshaping Washington State’s tax landscape. On May 20, 2025, Washington’s governor signed legislation significantly increasing the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, sales tax, and more, imposing billions of dollars in additional tax on businesses and consumers...
belshawelk
Well-known member
Washington State Passes Significant Tax Increases Affecting Both Businesses and Consumers | Alerts and Articles | Insights | Ballard Spahr
Sweeping legislative changes are reshaping Washington State’s tax landscape. On May 20, 2025, Washington’s governor signed legislation significantly increasing the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, sales tax, and more, imposing billions of dollars in additional tax on businesses and consumers...
