Go to the WDFW website and look up the historical stats on several of the areas listed in the game regs and you will get a sense of what areas have the highest success rates. Once you pick a few keep your eyes open for any discussions regarding those areas. You might even call a game bio or two. They are very helpful during the offseason when you're doing research. Going beyond the numbers is important....for example Battle Ground would appear to be an excellent area to hunt for elk, but based on my research its mostly private land and as far as I can tell takes a fair amount of local knowledge and contacts to find a good place to hunt.
After you pick out a few places, go have a look see. If you bump into people who might know something ask questions (the local sporting goods store, timber company employees, etc.).
If I were looking for a place to hunt elk I would start in SW Washington. As far as deer go I'd look at the either sex units in and around population centers. I don't think these places get quite as much pressure since they are overlooked by many people and/or have limitations on what types of weapons may be used for hunting (i.e., no modern firearms). They also allow you to take a doe which in my experience is about 10x easier than taking a buck. Experience also tells me thay taste just as good...and maybe even better....
Good luck.
Edited by Little Fish (06/04/07 03:46 PM)