Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

There are many places to go fishing, hunting, and target shooting on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Remember to fallow all rules and regulations as outline for each Opportunity.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Lakes on the Gifford Pinchot offer some of the most scenic views and best fishing anywhere. From wild cutthroat and stocker rainbows to landlocked salmon and tiger musky, fishing opportunities are abundant.

Please check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations for rules, seasons and limits on your chosen water body.

River and Stream Fishing

There are innumerable streams and rivers holding fish and open to fishing on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Some are easily accessible like the lower Wind and North Lewis rivers, some are small hidden gems found only through diligent exploration.

Please check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations for rules, seasons and limits on your chosen water body.

Hunting

Hunting activities in Washington, including Gifford Pinchot National Forest lands, are regulated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A majority of hunting seasons in Washington range from August 1 to mid-December each year, with a few seasons going past the first of the year.

For licenses, regulations, seasons, and other hunting information please visit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Hunting seasons & regulations in Washington.
Places to go hunting in Washington. Find Game Management Unit maps within Gifford Pinchot National Forest in WDFW's Region 5.

All hunting in Game Management Unit 522 Loo-Wit is closed with the exception of Elk and Mountain Goat hunting by Special Permit Only, see the WDFW website for more information. One of these special areas, the Mudflow Unit, is closed to all public entry annually from Dec. 1 through April 30 to protect elk from being disturbed during a critical part of the year.

Contact:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(360) 696-6211
TeamRidgefield@dfw.wa.gov

Motor Vehicle Use on the Forest: Please only drive on designated routes and areas as shown on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). This free map shows all designated routes and areas open to motor vehicle use on the Forest. All motor vehicle operators are required to know and follow the regulations displayed on the MVUM.

Download a .pdf version of the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Download an electronic copy of the Motor Vehicle Use Map to your mobile device via Avenza.
Obtain a hard-copy map at Forest Service district offices and local outdoor stores.

Please follow dispersed camping guidelines and the 14-day stay limit.

Tread Lightly! Quick Tips for Responsible Hunting: Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the great joys of hunting. Learn what you can do to help keep our forests beautiful and enjoy a safe and responsible hunting trip.

Recreational and Target Shooting

Target shooting on national forest lands is permitted unless a specific area has been closed for public safety. Please ensure that you have a safe backdrop and take safety precautions before you engage in this activity. Review information about active closures, and contact your nearest district office for more information.

To carry a weapon in a concealed manner, requires a concealed-carry permit some exceptions may apply.

It is unlawful to discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun or other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

In or within 150 yards (450 feet) of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area;
Across or on roads or bodies of water, or where people or property are exposed to injury or damage;
Into or within any cave.

36 CFR 261.10(d) ($250 FINE)

Do not discharge a firearm into areas that cause resource damage. Don’t shoot trees, rocks, stumps, or non-game animals.

Responsible Target Shooting

When target shooting is done in the right way, it poses little threat to people’s safety or natural resources. However, careless, unsafe shooting can cause great resource damage and pose serious threats to human life: both to forest staff and visitors. In addition, trash associated with target shooting has reached epidemic levels on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Pick up your shell casings! Leaving your shooting debris is a violation of 36CFR 261.11.

See this video about Responsible Target Shooting: Doing it Right.

Firearm Safety Best Practices

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, please adhere to the following universal guidelines:
All firearms should always be considered loaded
Never point the muzzle of your gun at anything you are not intending to shoot or destroy
Keep your finger off the trigger and your safety on until you are on target
Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target to prevent endangering any person or property
Before discharging your firearm scout out the area for other people that may be recreating near you
Only Shoot in an area with a safe backstop preferably an earthen mound
Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use
Use correct ammunition
Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting
See also: National Rifle Association gun safety information.

Target Shooting Closures at Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Certain areas of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are closed to target shooting for your safety, the safety and enjoyment of others recreating in the area, or for the safety of the natural resources in the area. Review current closure orders.

Alert: Most National Parks do not allow firearms, visitors should check with the National Park they plan to visit for more information.