Deer Hunting in Seattle Suburbs?

[cjanak]

I'm a Seattle, WA resident that has recently gotten into hunting. I've been hunting waterfowl and upland birds for the last 3 years and just recently took an interest in deer hunting. I took my first deer during Michigan's antlerless season last winter (my folks currently live near Metamora, MI).

I'd like to go for a deer in WA this season, but I'm time constrained in that I have a 17 month old son to help raise, a wife who doesn't hunt and I'd like to save time for a few over night duck/pheasant hunts with friends in eastern Washington (friends that don't deer hunt).

So I was looking for opportunities to deer hunt in the morning relatively close to home, since I don't think overnight or even full-day trips are necessarily going to be feasible given my constraints.

One possibility might be Blacktails in GMUs just outside Seattle like 454 - Issaquah. I understand one can hunt on Weyerhaeuser land on Taylor Mtn, just east of highway 18 (and across from Tiger Mtn). Anybody know anything about this spot, or other spots within an hour or so from Seattle? I understand center fire and rim fire rifles are restricted in these GMUs, but I'm fine with using a shotgun.

Or perhaps you think I'm on the wrong track all together and shouldn't waste time trying to hunt nearby?

Thanks much for the assistance.

-Chris

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I believe the rifle restiction is only for the Norht/West side of Hy 18 there. If you're on the other side, I think you're OK. Never hunted in there.

 

[ctgmi]

I meant the eastern slope

Your not going to get a better chance at getting a deer then back in Metamora, those white tails are like rats in that area. Now for Seattle, my favorite place was in the area of south of Cle Elum and west of Thorp. The easiest way to back in that area is to take I-90 to the Thorp exit the take the dirt roads and two tracks back west into the hills. It usually takes about two hours from Seattle to this area. If you hit this area one little hint keep a .22 on your hip as chances are you’ll come across several grouse, both ruffed and if your higher up you’ll see some blue’s.
Good luck and happy hunting.