The Nisqually Watershed contains portions of several different Game Management Units (GMU) set up through the State of Washington. This includes GMUs 513, 654, 510, 667, 652, 666 and 667. It also includes part of the Puyallup River Elk Area. In short, the hunting units stretch from Mount Rainier to Puget Sound, offering opportunities to hunt large game, small game and waterfowl. Check with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for permit and access information. Below are a few specific areas in the watershed that allow hunting:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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The portion of
Gifford Pinchot National Forest that lies within the Nisqually Watershed allows hunting, with the purchase of a permit. The areas open to hunting vary from year to year, so check with a ranger station before you head out.
Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forest
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According to WDFW,
Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forest offers excellent small and big game hunting opportunities, and especially for deer and elk. Vehicle access to the forest during hunting season is limited only to those with a disabled access permit; all others may access the forest by foot, bike or horse.
Pack Forest
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Pack Forest is an experimental forest owned and managed by the University of Washington. Open to the public, it offers stunning scenery and the chance to hunt large and small game.
Restricted Hunting Access
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The chance to hunt on
Joint Base Lewis-McChord requires prior permission. Likewise, hunting on Weyerhaeuser’s
Vail Tree Farm requires the purchase of a permit. These permits sell out fast! The tree farm allows dogs, but they may NOT be used for hunting and tracking game.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
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Access to hunting grounds within the
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is restricted to boat, but offers incredible waterfowl hunting opportunities. Be sure to check first with the refuge to determine where hunting is permitted. The nearby Luhr Beach Boat Ramp provides access; vehicles must have a Discover Pass to park.
