Washington Questions

HGHCOUNTRY · Mar 1, 2008

Hi Guys,

I might be moving to Washington from southern Idaho for business fairly soon. If you had to pick between living in the Tri-cities area or some of the smaller areas, ie Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Yakima, what would you choose and why? My work will take me all over south eastern WA. Also I figure the fishing is better than it is here in southern ID. Am I right in guessing most good mule deer and elk hunting is on a limited entry basis? I still plan to hunt the general Mule Deer and Elk hunts in Idaho, just as a non-res now. Thanks for any help.

-Hghcountry

Bob D. · Mar 2, 2008

I think out of those, my choice would be Walla Walla. There is good whitetail and mule deer hunting near there, with over-the-counter tags. For elk, you would need to draw a permit in order to hunt branch antler bulls, otherwise you'll be limited to spike only during the general season. But it's that way in most of eastern Washington. You'd probably be better off doing your elk hunting in Idaho most of the time. There is also good bird hunting in southeast Wa. if you're into that. Good luck.

andrew_12gauge · Mar 3, 2008

I grew up about a half hour outta moses lake and it is a great area, you can hunt muleys right around there in either the crp areas, or if you get really lucky and draw a tag the desert area, elk are never to far away and if you love waterfowling it is pretty much the place to be in washington. as far as fishing is concerned both moses lake and potholes are loaded with trout, large and smallmouth bass and walleye along with all the panfish species. really a centralized location to do anything in eastern washington and only a 3 hour skip over snoqualmie pass to sea town.

huntnut111 · Mar 4, 2008

Highcountry,

I was born in Richland and lived in Kennewick for 8 years, the rest in Warden just outside of Moses Lake, and college in Walla Walla where I currently live. I am a Realtor www.wallawallarealty.com and I've lived in Walla Walla for a while now. There is no question hands down that Walla Walla is the choice for quality of living, sporting opportunities etc. Walla Walla is far more beautiful than the other two options and you're right at the base of the blues. As far as elk the Wenaha is awesome hunting loaded with Elk and just a 45 minute drive to elk, deer, bear, cougar, (tons of turkey). Trust me Walla Walla is a sportsman's paradise as far as Washington goes. If you plan on moving here give me a call and I'll give you a tour of the town.

Paul B.

washingtonmuley · Mar 5, 2008

I grew up in eastern,wa. and had never been to walla walla until last year. I certainly agree with huntnut.

ridgerunner · Mar 7, 2008

Walla Walla, you are at the foothills of the blues, great hunting in the SE corner, and ID and OR are less than an hour away.

forkhunter · Mar 16, 2008

You are getting good advice. I live in the tri-cities for a few years and would much rather have been in Walla Walla. It seems like a very nice town. But, it all depends on what you are looking for! Good luck.

PopeShawnPaul · Mar 17, 2008

Of the choices you listed I like Walla Walla the best. It's a real up and coming town with a lot to do nearby.

Shawn

bulldown · Jul 8, 2008

HGHCOUNTRY,
Where did you end up moving to? I'm in your same situation. I've lived in Idaho my whole live but work is taking me to the Tri-Cities area (this week). I grew up in Southern Idaho as well, graduated from Minico. How about you? My family and I found a nice place in Richland. Too bad it wasn't Walla Walla from after all these remarks.

Anyway, I guess I'm out solicitating for new hunting partners so if you ended up moving to WA and are looking for someone to hunt with or go scounting send me an email @ [email protected].

I plan on doing the same as you, buying and out of state Idaho license to hunt elk/deer/antelope until I learn some new places to hunt in WA.

Later,

Bulldown

338WIN · Aug 28, 2008

I'm a lifelong western WA guy. I have traveled the state a lot and hunted both sides.
I can make a good argument for Walla Walla and Yakima for the sportsman.
Yakima makes getting to a Seahawk or Mariner game a lot easier and you are closer to the Cascades and all the hunting, fishing and other fun stuff.
I do beleive Walla Walla is a sleeper for most people. They don't realize the Blues are looking at you every morning and that life in the small town is a good thing.
I only wish that Fish and Game would open up more bull tags. Lots of big bulls in the woods right now compared to when they started the spike only stuff.
Welcome to Washington.

Kamo · Dec 23, 2008

I hate to be pesimistic, having lived on the "Wetside" for 40 years. Though all of the above cities are great places to live and there is a ton of very diverse things to do here, if hunting is your passion, stay as close to the border of Idaho as possible to cut down your hunting/scouting commute time. After reviewing the '08 draw odds for a quality elk hunt here for next year, I think I am finally throwing in the towel. At least in regards to elk, and I hunt with all three weapon choices depending on the year.

BluesMan · Dec 23, 2008

Well HIGHCOUNTRY I know my post is late but Dayton is where I have found to be my best hunting grounds for elk and deer. If fishing is one of your passions some of the small tributaries to the snake are exellent steelhead fishing for waders. And Salmon near the damns. Most of my elk hunting is on Boise cascade land not private IE feel free to hunt. Good luck and hopefully welcome to WA.