Hunting in Washington: Online Resources and Mobile Apps to Enhance the Field Experience

Technology continues to change how people live, and it also impacts how people hunt. Washington has already taken advantage of this tool and offers the following online resources and mobile applications to hunters to enhance their field experiences.

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1. Go Hunt!
Go Hunt! is an interactive mapping tool offered to hunters via the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The website provides comprehensive mapping of the state's game management units, information about public and private lands hunting options, and harvest data about GMU's throughout the state. Hunters can simply enter a geographic location in the search box to find all the available information about the area.

2. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Website
The state-owned website provides hunters with options to view regulations, download information about hunting units, and even purchase licenses online. Hunters looking to take advantage of private lands can also use the private lands hunting access registration system. Hunters in need of the basic education course to get a hunting license can also use the site to register for course training or find out how to take an online course that meets the state's requirements.

3. Sportsmen Regs Big Game App
The Sportsmen Regs Big Game app was first introduced in 2011 to enhance the field experience with mapping tools for smartphones or tablets. The app also provides season dates, requirements, and firearms information at the fingertips of hunters.

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"As a hunter, you no longer have to read through complex tables and charts in the regs book. Simply select a location on the map and see everything you need to plan or go on a hunt," said Rick Ward, app developer.

4. The Official Guide for Washington State Parks App
This app allows hunters to view the state parks, with information about their locations, calendars of events, and lets hunters utilize a built-in compass tool and even book camping reservations at last minute. If a hunter loses his or her way and loses mobile reception, the app even has easy-to-cache GPS terrain map tiles.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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