With sparse deserts and plains, sprawling coastal tidelands, and the only temperate rainforest in the contiguous United States, Washington is home to one of the most diverse climates of any state. For any sportsman or woman this translates to endless outdoor possibilities. A 3-hour drive from the Filson Headquarters in Seattle will put you knee-deep in slate-gray water throwing dry flies for Steelhead, forging through a marsh with duck decoys in hand, or hiking along a basalt-rimmed plateau behind working dogs with a side-by-side. Throw your Waders, Tin Cloth Pants, and an Alaskan Guide Shirt or two in your duffle and hit the road in the AEV Filson Edition Wrangler with our Field Guide to Washington.
DUCK HUNTING THE SKAGIT COUNTY COASTLINE
Cold fall and winter days mean it’s open season for waterfowl in the Northwest. Dropping temperatures lead to duck migration across the country and offer prime conditions for hunting.
5:00AM: GEAR UP and HEAD NORTH
Grab your Shelter Cloth Waterfowl Upland Coat, a pair of neoprene waders, a thick wool sweater, an insulating hat like the Bison Fisher Beanie, your trusty retriever, a workhorse pump-action shotgun, and load-up the rig. Take Interstate 5 heading North from Seattle with a coffee in hand and wipe the sleep from your eyes.
7:00AM: PIT-STOP FOR SAMISH SPUDS AT THE EDISON CAFE
Roll in to Bow, WA and stop at this classic community diner for the hearty breakfast a duck hunter deserves. Early opening hours, a pleasant staff, and local favorites like the Samish Spuds (seasoned potatoes grilled with veggies, crumbled bacon and melted cheese) and “Big as the Plate” Buttermilk Hotcakes make this eatery an easy choice for weary travelers.
7:45AM: SET THE DECOYS and START CALLING THEM IN
This is what you’ve been waiting for. Get to the water, put out those pretty plastic hens and get situated along the coastline or in surrounding brush cover and get ready to hunt.
1:00PM: LIMIT OUT and CELEBRATE AT THE BROWN LANTERN
When you’ve had your fill of Teal, Widgeon, Pintails, and Mallard, head to Anacortes for a celebratory beer at the Brown Lantern, a local main-stay that’s been serving cold beverages and award-winning burgers since 1933. Favorites include the fish tacos or the well-respected Lamb Burger paired with a pint of the Boundary Bay IPA.
