Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

The Olympic National Forest offers hunting, fishing and target shooting opportunities.

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Hunting

Our national forests offer many types of hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels.

Hunting activities on the Olympic National Forest are regulated by Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. For licenses, regulations and detailed game unit information, visit the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Fishing

Our national forests provide an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler. Beautiful rivers and streams, high mountain lakes or reservoirs and small ponds offer just about every setting one could ask for to relax and fish or just enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Fishing on national forests and grasslands is sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite.

Thin strings of nylon or other materials can help bring home a king salmon, the most prized fish in Alaska, or a speckled trout from the cool Gold Medal Colorado rivers that flow through national forests.

State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch. Some states set limits on the number of fish you can catch and when. Other rules are imposed by the national forest and grassland, such as not fishing during derbies or in areas posted as closed. But sure you know the rules before you angle to your favorite fishing spot.

Our partners at TakeMeFishing.org suggest these tips for a safe fishing experience:

If using a boat to fish, wear a life jacket and make sure each passenger wears one, too.
Inspect waterfronts daily—the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.
Always wear foot gear appropriate to the conditions.
Stay dry, warm and protected from the elements. Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Wear thin layers of clothing that progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
Use appropriate insect protection measures, including proper clothing and repellents.
Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
Handle fish carefully.
Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.

Shooting

Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless specifically restricted.

It is prohibited to shoot:

In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Into or within a cave.
Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.

In general, you should target shoot only if you:

Use approved targets. Certain forests may have specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons).
Exploding targets are not recommended and are restricted on many forests or grasslands for safety and fire concerns.
Use approved targets along with a safe, ”bullet-proof” backstop. Do not to attach your targets to vegetation or structures, such as; trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.

Practice safe gun handling by:

Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Keeping your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.

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Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.