Outdoor Notes | House bill provides help for hunting

The House of Representatives approved a bill that would urge more people, including youths, to partake in hunting around the state.

House Bill 1249, sponsored by Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, would allow people to be licensed for hunting for one year without a hunter education certificate provided they practice the sport under the direct supervision of a Washington hunter who has been licensed for three or more years.

Hunting-license sales have been flat at just more than 1.6 million in fiscal 2006 and 2005, down from 1.8 million in 2004, according to state Fish and Wildlife records.

Blake said the bill should help reverse that decline in license sales, but not compromise safety in the field.

"Hunting is a fine tradition, and this bill can help more hunters get involved," said Blake, an avid hunter. "I want to see more young people enjoying this great sport while maintaining safety."

The bill authorizes a once-in-a-lifetime, one-year deferral of a hunter education course for persons born after Jan. 1, 1972, who are purchasing a hunting license for the first time. The application fee is $20 or less.

Both the supervising hunter and the deferred education licensee are required to follow responsible hunting practices. Both can lose their licenses and tags for up to one year for certain hunting violations.

Under current state law, hunting privileges can be suspended permanently for any hunter showing a wanton disregard for the conservation of fish or wildlife.

At the end of the one-year deferral, the bill requires novice hunters to obtain a hunter education certificate after receiving at least 10 hours of instruction in the safe handling of firearms, safety, conservation and sportsmanship.

State Fish and Wildlife may also accept certificates from other states indicating a person has successfully completed firearm safety, hunter education or a similar course.

The bill moved to the state Senate committee for confirmation this past week. The bill would take effect 90 days after adjournment of the session if passed.

Several other states are considering similar legislation.

Take the kids to the lake

State Fish and Wildlife and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation are hosting two Fishing Kids events in the Seattle area during April and May. During each event about 500 kids will get a chance to fish, and go home with a T-shirt, rod and reel, and maybe a fish or two. Cost is $5.

Each child should arrive 30 minutes before their assigned time. Kids will listen to a short talk on water safety, and volunteers will show them how to bait the hook and use the rod and reel before they start fishing.

The first event is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21 at the Green Lake Park Bathhouse Theater, 7630 E. Green Lake Dr. N. The second is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 19 at Seward Park on Lake Washington in South Seattle.

Pre-registration is required. Details: 425-251-3202 or 206-684-4075 or www.castforkids.org.

Notes

• The Northwest Fly Anglers is hosting an eight-week beginning fly casting class 6:30 p.m., April 3-May 22 at the Green Lake Casting Pier on the northwest corner of the lake. Cost is $35. Details: 425-486-5011 or slowsnap@att.net.

• The Mission Ridge Pro Patrol is hosting the Steve Burchett Memorial Ski & Golf Classic Saturday, a fundraiser to promote avalanche education and to purchase rescue equipment. Skiers take part in a two-run dual giant slalom race, and then play 18 holes of golf at the Highlander Golf Club. Cost is $280 for a team of four people. Details: 509-663-6543 or www.missionridge.com.

• The Overlake Fly Fishing Club is offering a five-week beginning and advanced fly casting class at 6 p.m., Tuesday through April 24 at the Bellevue Downtown Park. Cost is $35 for non-members. Anglers need to bring their own fly rod or use one of the five rods and reels the club has available, plus protective eyewear. Details: 206-947-1870 or 206-251-2898.

• The Edmonds Laebugten Salmon Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave. in Edmonds. Speaker Michael Jamboretz, owner of Jambo's Sportfishing, will discuss coastal and Puget Sound salmon fishing. Details: 425-742-6791 or www.geocities.com/edmonds_laebugten/.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club is offering fly casting classes for beginner and advanced fly fishers. The beginning classes start April 5, and are held each Thursday for six weeks. Cost is $40. The advanced classes start April 4 and are held each Wednesday for four weeks. Cost is $50. Details: 206-542-4623 or 206-932-4925.

• The Tacoma Dome Boat Show is Wednesday to Sunday and will feature more than 500 boats on display, including the latest in marine accessories and helpful seminars. Cost is $9 adults, $7 for seniors age 62 and older (weekdays only), and $5 for kids ages 6-16. Discounted two-day passes are also available.

Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free parking is available at the dome's parking lot after 5 p.m. Details: www.tacomadomeboatshow.com.

• The Olympic Peninsula BirdFest is Saturday and Sunday, and birdwatchers from afar are expected to flock to Sequim. The festival will offer a live raptor demonstration, Saturday night salmon bake, Protection Island boat trip, local field trips, kayaking and other presentations. Details: 360-681-4076 or www.olympicbirdfest.org.

• The Wilderness Awareness School is hosting a presentation titled: Wildlife Tracking & Citizen Science 7 p.m. April 6 at the REI store, 222 Yale Ave. North in Seattle.

Susan Morse, founder of Keeping Track a non-profit wildlife monitoring organization, will discuss her research on black bears, cougars, bobcat and lynx. Cost is $10 advance or $15 at the door. Details: 425-788-1301 or www.WildernessAwareness.org.

• The Sekiu Spring Blackmouth Derby is April 7-8. Cost is $20, includes hat and lunch. Largest fish is $1,000. The Sekiu Halibut Derby is June 9-10. Cost is $15. Details: 360-963-2311 or www.sekiu.com.

• The Washington Trails Association is looking for volunteers for trail maintenance work March 31 at the Grand Ridge Trail in Duthie Hill Park, and April 1 at the Beaver Lake Preserve in the City of Sammamish. Details: 206-625-1367 or www.wta.org.

• The Washington Butterfly Association is hosting a free presentation 7 p.m. April 4 at the Center for Urban Horticulture at 3501 NE 41st St. in Seattle titled: "Mold Butterflies: The Butterfly Fauna of the Lower Columbia."

Dr. Robert M. Pyle who has studied the butterflies of the coast and tidal Columbia River is the guest speaker. Details: 206-364-4935 or www.naba.org/Chapters/nabaws.

• Washington State and Recreation Commission is accepting applications for the 2007-08 Winter Recreation Sports Grant Program.

The grant provides funds to create new or enhanced services in the Washington state Sno-Park system. The snowmobile program is facing a funding shortfall and may not consider applications for new projects. The non-motorized program is accepting all applications.

Deadline to apply is May 1. For application copies, mail to Winter Recreation Program, P.O. Box 42662, Olympia, WA. 98504-2662 or email winter@parks.wa.gov or 360-586-6645 or www.parks.wa.gov/winter/grants/default.asp.

• The Washington State Parks Commission's Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park is offering an exhibit and speaker series titled "Celebrating the River: A Confluence of Cultures.

The series of programs and exhibits traces the evolution of salmon fishing in the Columbia River area from prehistory to the present day. Dates: April 14, 2 p.m., Songwriter Mary Garvey will perform songs inspired by the local fishing industry; and May 12, 2 p.m., an event featuring Charles Funk will outline the fishing history and culture of the Chinook people at Waikiki Beach near the center. Details: 360-642-3029.

• State Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for two volunteer positions to serve on a board that oversees the state's Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group program for salmon recovery.

One represents commercial fishing and one at-large are open on the eight-member advisory board. The three-year terms begin when filled.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a resume by April 13 to: Heather Bartlett, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091.

• Crystal Mountain Resort has extended their closing date to April 15 to ensure skiers and snowboarders more fun on the slopes.

Crystal Mountain received 403 inches of snow this season, more than the annual average.

The Crown Standard Citizen's Downhill is 12:30 p.m. March 31, and is open to racers of all abilities on a creatively designed and groomed course.

The Dummy Downhill is April 7, where teams build a "dummy" to send down the hill within site of the base area. Cost is $50 and benefits the Crystal Mountain Fire Department. Details: 360-663-2265 or www.skicrystal.com.

• The Olympic Coast Cleanup is April 21-22, and celebrates Earth Day by targeting hundreds of miles of beaches along Olympic National Park, the Makah Reservation and Ocean Shores.

Volunteers can participate or team up with friends and co-workers to clean up a beach. Details: 206-364-2689 or www.olympiccoastcleanup.us.

• The NCW Mule Deer Foundation Banquet, Auction and Big Horn Show is 3:30 p.m. April 21 at the Chelan County Fairgrounds Pavilion. The group is part of the Mule Deer Foundation, a national non-profit wildlife conservation organization. Cost is $55, includes a one-year membership or $70 per couple. Details: 509-665-0524 or www.muledeer.org.

• People for Puget Sound is hosting a speaker series presentation titled "Keeping the Sound Alive, Listening To The Birds: What Seabirds Are Telling Us About Puget Sound," 7 p.m. April 5 at the REI Store, 222 Yale Ave. North in Seattle.

Dr. Julia Parrish, a University of Washington professor, will examine the patterns of Washington seabird populations, including those breeding and wintering in Puget Sound, and the health of the sound itself. Cost is $6 for members, and $8 non-members. Details: 206-382-7007 or www.pugetsound.org.

• The Lynnwood Parks Dept. offers hunter education courses April 16-21. The course is approved by state Fish and Wildlife and sponsored by the Kenmore Gun Range. Cost is $14 non-Lynnwood residents and $10 residents. Details: 425-771-4030.

• The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has some new amenities at various parks for the upcoming season.

New cabins at Kitsap Memorial State Park have kitchenettes with mini refrigerators and microwaves. Each cabin is furnished with a bunk bed and a futon, and sleeps five people. Outside is a picnic table, fire pit and water standpipe. Cost is $50 per night. Details: 888-CAMPOUT or 888-226-7688 or www.parks.wa.gov/rentalplaces.

New yurts at Seaquest State Park are within walking distance of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Each yurt has a queen-size futon, bunk bed [sleeps six people], small end table and heater. Outside is a picnic table and a grated fire pit. Cost is $45 per night.

Renovations at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park include a permanent exhibit inside the former gun battery [Battery Harvey Allen]. The display describes turn-of-the-century military action along the coast.

Other upgrades include viewing platforms, railings and new pathways with native plantings to guide visitors.

• The Pacific Northwest Salmon Center is seeking nominations for the Wild Salmon Hall of Fame Awards.

The award recognizes an individual from across the Pacific Northwest for their dedicated, influential passion for the preservation and protection of wild salmon. Deadline is June 1. An awards dinner will be Sept. 22 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Details: 360-275-2763 or www.pnwsalmoncenter.org/wshf.xml.

• The Northwest Youth Conservation and Fly-Fishing Academy hosted by the Olympia Chapter of Trout Unlimited and South Sound Fly-Fishers is June 24-30 at the Gwinwood Conference Center on Hicks Lake in Lacey.

The purpose of the summer camp is to educate youths ages 12 to 16 about the importance of natural resources conservation and stewardship, and to provide an introduction to fly-fishing.

Lessons include ecology, hydrology, aquatic entomology, invasive species, watersheds, wildlife management and fish behavior. The deadline for application is April 15. Cost is $275. Details: 360-491-9227 or www.nwycffa.org.

• The ecotourism schooner Maple Leaf is offering a five-night nature tour of western Canada's newest national park: The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on April 12-17.

The trip offers visits to virtually unreachable wildlife spots, natural history education by experienced naturalists, frequent shore excursions, sailing a tall ship and chef-cooked meals. Details: 888-599-5323 or www.MapleLeafAdventures.com.

• The Race and Ace Competitions are May 5 at Mt. Bachelor and Sunriver Resort in Oregon, and May 19 at the Tamarack Resort in Idaho. The event is a single-day biathlon where competitors ski or snowboard a dual giant slalom course in the morning and play 18 holes of in the afternoon. Cost for the Oregon event is $229 by April 9, and $248 until registration closes April 30. Cost for the Idaho event is $179 by April 23, and $199 until registration closes May 14. Details: www.raceandace.com.

• The world's top mountain bikers will head to Whistler Mountain Resort in British Columbia for the Kokanee Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival on July 21-29.

The festival will offer a wide range of mountain biking events, free daily concerts, drop-in clinics, latest in bikes and gear, pro demonstrations and a wide range of other activities. Details: www.crankworx.com.

• The Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island is offering a "Take a Hike, Clear a Trail, Enjoy a Vacation" travel package starting May 5 through Sept. 3.

The three-hour-a-day program offers guests a chance to prepare trails for the Moran State Park's summer season and maintain them. Guests who volunteer will receive a special "green" rate of $119 per night, a 40 percent discount. Participants will also receive a 15 percent discount at Rosario's Avanyu spa.

Many cleanup sites will require three to four mile hikes, while others are accessible by vans provided by the resort. Activities will include brushing trails and removing unwanted weeds. Details: 866-801-ROCK or www.rosario.rockresorts.com.

• The Cycle Washington Memorial two-day bike ride from Seattle to Wenatchee is July 21-22. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jill Spanjer Foundation and the Washington State RSVP Association. Details: www.cyclewamemorialride.com.

• The Washington Ski Touring Club offers trips, classes and volunteer opportunities for cross-country, telemark and backcountry skiers. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month through April at the Seattle REI Store, 222 Yale Ave. N. Membership is $20, and $30 for a family. Details: 206-784-8741 or www.wstc.org.

• State Fish and Wildlife officials have closed public access to the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area now through April 30 to reduce stress on wintering elk.

Last month, wildlife biologists counted nearly 400 elk in the wildlife area at the foot of Mount St. Helens, and that number is likely to grow depending on the severity of the winter. More than 60 elk died of malnutrition and related causes last winter in the 2,744-acre wildlife area.

• Skiers and snowboarders traveling to Mission Ridge, Stevens Pass and the Summit at Snoqualmie can take part in "SkiGreen," a Bonneville Environmental Foundation program meant to help maintain snow-pack levels in the Cascades by supporting the development of wind and solar energy.

Participants can purchase a $2 SkiGreen Tag at a lift or a $20 SkiGreen Tag when purchasing a season pass.

The program reinvests its revenue into renewable energy and conservation projects. Details: 503-248-1905, 866-BEF-TAGS or www.skigreen.org.

• The Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall holds numerous outdoors events, including a monthly "Tracking Club," that meets in Sultan on the third Saturday of each month now through May (but not December) from 9 a.m. to noon.

The program is open to naturalists, hunters and people curious about learning to identify, follow and understand stories written in tracks left by animals on the Skykomish River shoreline. Details: 425-788-1301 or www.wildernessawareness.org.

• The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is looking for volunteers for the wild salmon recovery program now through June. Details: 360-275-3575 or email Chris Daniel at chris@hcseg.org.

• The Salish Lodge and Spa, 30 minutes east of Seattle, offers an array of winter outdoor activities.

The guided fly-fishing package for two guests is available year-round, weather permitting A winter snowshoeing package for two occurs during the winter and early spring.

At the adventure center guests can participate in cross country and downhill skiing trips, guided hikes, kayaking and mountain biking. Details: 800-272-5474 or www.salishlodge.com.

• Alpine Ascents International Inc. will begin offering a variety of guided climbs and instructional programs on Mount Rainier starting next year. The group has scheduled more than 30 expeditions and more than 50 training courses in 14 countries, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These expeditions range from six-day training courses in the North Cascades and Alaska to three-month expeditions to Mount Everest to summit climbs and courses on Mount Rainier. Details: 206-378-1927 or www.AlpineAscents.com.

• The Washington Trails Association offers statewide trip reports and trail conditions. Details: www.wta.org.

• The Northwest Fly Anglers offers various public classes through the year. The public also is invited to club meetings on the third Thursday of each month, at the Haller Lake Community Center, 12579 Densmore Ave N., in North Seattle. Details: 206-684-7524.

• The Emerald Sea Dive Club offers year-round activities including the big buddy program and weekly and monthly dives. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. at Alfy's Pizza, 4820 196th S.W. in Lynnwood. Details: 425-775-2410 or www.emeraldseadiveclub.org.

• The Seattle Audubon Society offers field trips and classes every month. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.

• Northend Bassmasters is accepting new members who want to learn more about bass fishing. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Creek Cafe, 22620 Bothell-Everett Highway (Canyon Park) in Bothell. Details: 206-789-4259 or e-mail Gary Millard at glmillard@comcast.net.

• Local Escapes, a local-based travel planner and tour operator, offers a two-night guided exploration of the Olympic Peninsula's rainforest, mountains and coastline.

The personal guided package offers snowshoeing, hiking and other recreational activities. The cost is $950 per person and includes two-night accommodations; transportation; all equipment including snowshoes, poles and raingear; park entrance fees and all meals and refreshments. Details: 877-780-4162 or www.localescapes.com.

• The storms from last November and December left a wake of damage and downed trees across many parts of Washington's state parks.

Because of the severe damage, many parks normally open to the public during the winter months were forced to close their doors.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation is now looking for volunteers to help clear debris from park trails and camping areas in preparation for the spring and summer months.

Here is a list of parks seeking out volunteers: Bridle Trails in Issaquah, 425-649-4276; Dash Point, near Tacoma, 253-661-4955; Kitsap Memorial, near Poulsbo, 360-779-3205; Saint Edward Park in Kenmore, 425-823-2992; Seaquest in Castle Rock, 360-274-8633; Spencer Spit, on Lopez Island, 360-468-2251; Wenberg in Stanwood, 360-652-7417; and Moran on Orcas Island, 360-376-3636.

Also, Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island, 360-675-2417, and Blake Island State Park in Puget Sound near Seattle, 360-731-8330 are looking for volunteers to help remove noxious weed in specific park locations. Details: 360-902-8583.

• The Washington Audubon Society has unveiled a new section of the Great Washington State Birding Trail to include the Olympic Loop in the Olympic Peninsula.

The new route features more than 200 of Washington's 365 bird species. The trails are usually self-guided driving tours to places where birds are likely to be seen, and some include water routes where visitors can paddle canoes or kayaks. Copies of the trail maps can be ordered at www.wa.audubon.org.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com