My 16 year old son took up bowhunting this year. I'm not a hunter (yet) so I'm not much help to him.

Anyone out there got any pointers that I can pass on to him? Maybe an area or two to concentrate on for a good chance at filling his first tag? Preferably the Spanaway/Ft. Lewis area. GMU 652, I believe.

Thanks.

i don`t hunt there but work out there all the time from the east gate road to roy on the east side is full of nice nice bucks .

Well Harley... I am glad to here that your son is wanting to bowhunt we need more young blood in the sport! I just took my 14 son out for his first bowhunting trip, what a great way to spend time with my son!

Now if your son is willing to do a little walking or even riding a bike there is a great area down that way to go. I would recommend that he go to the Vail Tree Farm. (If it is open/fire conditions) These phone numbers will give you access info... Vail Tree Farm Access Hotline 1-800-361-5602 or (360) 446-3813.

If you can get in, park at the main gate (Vail) (which is across the road from there main shop) then stay on the mainline (1000 line or road)... about 1.5 miles up that line there is another mainline turns to the right (2000 line) it starts to go up hill (Miller Hill) on the right after about a half mile there is good area I have seen lots of animals there missed several nice bucks!

If you stay on the 1000 line (the first mainline) and keep going (it is pretty flat) and go about 3 - 4 miles there are nice clearing below the road.

Try this link... http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&...;size=l&u=0

Pointers... where to start... how about the 3 P's.... PRACTICE (then more practice)... PATIENCE... PERSISTENCE... that is a good starting point.

Use the "Edge"! What that means is if you see good game trails coming out in a clearing and the clearing is surrounded by tall trees or old forest watch the "Edge" of the to areas. You may want to sit early morning or just before dark to watch the animal come out to feed on the nice food in the clearing. "Edge" is critical!!

Another thing is look for water and not the kind right out in the open, a little seep, a swamp, a stream off a stream. Deer need to drink several times a day.

Well how is that for a start? Good luck to your son!!!! Bowhunting is an Adventure in Learning!!! The more time in the woods the smart (hopefully) you get.

Shoot Straight

Thanks for the help. He's concentrating on area 9 which is between the RR tracks and Roy Y on Hwy 507. He's seen some signs, bedding areas, etc. Actually got a shot at a doe but misjudged the distance and hit her ankle. But at least he's seeing something and that helps the motivation.