88N, hey it sounds like your pretty close to me, at least when your stateside, I'm down in Black Diamond. I do hang out over in Cle Elum quite a bit too. I'd love to move there, but the money keeps me on the "left" side of this State.

On your questions about game techniquies, they' are easier to show than to explain, at least for me it is, and your rifle choices aren't bad, but I'd go with the 30-06 it's long been the best all around gun for any game, and in a pinch every store that carries ammo will have 06's behind the counter. And if you can get any info you can on hunting via the internet for now will help, maybe even go to the game dept site, read,read and read some more. That's the best way, take it all in and then you can start to sort what info you find prudent as you go along. Keeping an open mind is great when trying to soak it all in.And remember it isn't about the taking of game(although it's nice to score)but being out there and taking on the challenge of outwitting their sight and smell.

On bow and rifle, WA. state has a declare your weapon policy, which means when you buy a Deer or Elk tag they will ask you what you'll use.Your stuck with that season for that year.But you can say hunt deer with a rifle then pick to hunt Elk with a bow. It may sound confusing but it's not.

Anyway keep in touch, and it's good to here from the Boys on the front,Godspeed And we'll talk at you later.