I’ve gone out for pink salmon with a coworker a couple times and had a blast, and have tried shooting targets once or twice, so I’m an extreme novice with no equipment. I also feel a little awkward as a woman with no friends with either experience or interest in learning with me. Regardless, I’m really interested in the aspect of harvesting my own food and getting into nature in a way that interests me more than just hikes and camping.

Any tips? How does someone start out if they don’t have a friend or family to teach them?

Thanks!

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renownbrewer t1_jdyynd0 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 5:28 AM

If you're in the Seattle metro area start looking for a WDFW approved hunter safety course now and not in the late summer. Without a certificate from the hunter safety course you're not going to be able to get a hunting license. Treat the course as a networking opportunity.

Budge9 OP t1_jdzw0yd wrote on March 28, 2023 at 12:33 PM

I took and passed the online hunters ed course because it made more sense at the time but I still want to work on practical skills and comfort around firearms. Yes, I am in the middle of Seattle!

Shortsleevedpant t1_je02nxl wrote on March 28, 2023 at 1:27 PM

Even if you have already done it, it could be a great opportunity to get more education and meet folks to hunt with.

renownbrewer t1_je0fu10 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 2:59 PM

/r/wa_guns/ would be another place to network. There's a handful of clubs operating ranges that might be a potential source of mentors too.

IceDragonPlay t1_jdyza0w wrote on March 28, 2023 at 5:35 AM

If you are on facebook, there are various homesteading groups in several towns. Some of them do meet ups and have demo classes, but I would start by joining any of them that are close to you.

ApartmentOrganic3390 t1_jdz183l wrote on March 28, 2023 at 5:59 AM

I am a first generation hunter, no one taught me and also don’t have any hunting buddies, I started searching the hunting forums/YouTube and got some information on general areas in Washington then busted my ass all summer scouting and hiking, got my first couple of bucks, watch samong outdoors on YouTube he hunt’s Washington very knowledgeable! Good luck

VigilantRex1 t1_jdz0sdf wrote on March 28, 2023 at 5:54 AM

See if "washington outdoor women" are still offering classes and retreats. And look into "human nature" Both are great organizations that my wife and daughters really enjoyed. Can you say here what part of the state you are in? I might know some guides you can connect with. Good luck and keep us posted!

Budge9 OP t1_jdzw4k5 wrote on March 28, 2023 at 12:34 PM

I’m in Seattle! But I have a car and can get around. I looked at Washington Outdoor Women’s website and liked what I saw, but doesn’t look like they’ve planned any 2023 dates yet? Will keep checking, and the other resource you gave me. Thanks!

VigilantRex1 t1_je0ftrm wrote on March 28, 2023 at 2:59 PM

Cool. (Just realized this is the Washington thread, not one of the hunting or fishing in Washington threads... 🤪 they are great, you should check those r/ out! ) If you are willing to spend some money, guides are awesome learning opportunities too! Let me know or PM me and I'll introduce you. The other option to meet hunting buddies is post on those hunting threads. It's a little random but i think you could make it work. I tend to hunt, scout, fish, clam, crab on the Olympic Peninsula but I live in Northern King county. To me it feels like most of the hunting is done on the Cascades and East.

lurker-1969 t1_je0emma wrote on March 28, 2023 at 2:51 PM

Cabela's in Tulalip is a good resource. For fishing reference Snohomish County Sportsmen. Greg's Custom Rods in Lake Stevens, a family owned business with rod building classes in the winter which is a blast. John's Sporting Goods in Everett. John Martinez is the North Sound go to, another family owned business. The Outdoor Line on 710am Saturday mornings including podcasts available. Washingtonlakes.com, the go to fishing resource.