Cold weather requires extra precautions

Last week Region Two wildlife Biologist, Ephrata District, Rich

Finger said he had been watching the weather and because of a snow

and cold weather pattern in Alberta, he expected the northern ducks

to be pushed down and arrive in the Columbia Basin by of last

weekend.

Trouble is, those same ducks are most likely in California by

now, waddling on the beach, sipping an ice tea, basking in the

sun.

Last week Region Two wildlife Biologist, Ephrata District, Rich Finger said he had been watching the weather and because of a snow and cold weather pattern in Alberta, he expected the northern ducks to be pushed down and arrive in the Columbia Basin by of last weekend.

Trouble is, those same ducks are most likely in California by now, waddling on the beach, sipping an ice tea, basking in the sun.

After last night's bitter cold of minus 17 at our house, there is going to be little if any open water for the ducks or geese in the entire Basin. This will certainly be true if the cold snap continues for any length of time.

Moving water may be open and hunters who have access to these areas may experience excellent hunting as any ducks remaining in the area will be targeting such water.

Cold weather precautions

Who would go hunting or fishing in weather such as this? The answer is a few people. The older we get, the more we want to stay inside when the temperature is of the raw and sharp nature but perhaps more fitting words are glacial and artic.

We have also said anyone can go outdoors and participate in outdoor activities if properly prepared. After all, the trappers, hunters and anglers in northern Canada and Alaska experience cold weather, such as this, all the time.

If they make a mistake, such as falling through ice and into frigid water, they will most likely die. If they are smart, they will make sure of their route, plus make sure they have what they need to survive, if the unexpected happens.

The same goes for being outdoors in the Columbia Basin during times of cold weather. Suitable warm clothing is a primary concern. These days there are many coveralls, bibs, boots and parkas available to keep a person plenty warm. Chemical warmers provide heat inside gloves, inside boots and taped to the back.

Hunting with a buddy is a must during these weather conditions. A simple sprained ankle or other simple injury may prove fatal in weather such as this. Plus this is another argument for carrying a cell phone these days, as they can be a lifesaver under some circumstances.

At home or in the field, keep an eye on neighbors, family and pets.

Ice fishing

If the cold weather continues, we may consider an ice fishing trip. The thickness of ice for safe travel differs, depending upon which authority is asked. One says to stay off ice less than 4-inches thick. Another says 3-inches thick is not enough, but 4 inches is OK.

Dennis went ice fishing in April in Alberta in April one year, but the ice was 3-foot thick and the guides were driving vehicles onto the lake. No, for us we need the ice to be at least 8-inches before we feel comfortable about ice fishing.

One more turkey season

The late fall general turkey season is now underway and continues through Dec. 15. Hunters are allowed to take one turkey of either sex in GMUs 105 through 124. This is a great hunt and there should be plenty of turks in the northeastern part of the state.

The trick is to secure permission from landowners. If a flock is spotted, begin knocking on doors. There are people in the season area who are tired of having so many of the birds around.

We would like to get a turkey each, along with some of our hunting buddies, but we will let the weather settle down a bit.

Pheasants

There are seven pheasant release sites in the nearby area. They are Banks Lake, just below the dam on the south end of the lake; Steamboat Rock, just south of Steamboat Rock State Park; Gloyd Seeps, generally from Road 20 south and east on both sides of Crab Creek until just below Road 10; Quincy Wildlife Area, a large area between the Columbia River and nearly to Highway 281; The Warden release sites, a group of small parcels of land surrounded by private farm ground; Buckshot release site, an area along the Columbia River west of Mattawa; Lower Crab Creek release site, an area boarding the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge along Lower Crab Creek.

Note: These sites have specific boundaries. It is highly recommended hunters copy the maps contained in the Eastern Washington Pheasant Enhancement Program booklet available online at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00884/wdfw00884.pdf.

Also, as of Jan 1 pheasant release sites steel and/or no-toxic shot required will be required when hunting these pheasant release sites. This restriction makes it all the more important to carry the map when hunting these areas or near these areas.

Swan watch

We watched as three swans approached and landed on Moses Lake recently. Then we noticed the following from Fish and Wildlife:

In a continuing effort to monitor trumpeter swans that have succumbed to lead poisoning, Fish and Wildlife has re-established a hotline to report dead or ill swans in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.

People can call (360) 466-4345, ext. 266, to report dead or sick swans. Callers should be prepared to leave a message including their name and phone number, and the location and condition of the swans. The hotline is available 24 hours a day through the end of March.

Why are we adding this information for Grant County residents? All dead or sick swans and other birds should be reported. Instead of calling the number listed above, call the Ephrata office at 754-4624.

Lead shot has been banned for waterfowl hunting in Washington and British Columbia for more than a decade, but biologists believe swans are likely reaching shallow underwater areas in fields and roosts where spent lead shot is still present.

People who see sick or dead swans are advised not to handle or attempt to move the birds.

Corn stubble access

Contracts for access to harvested corn stubble fields in the Columbia Basin are in the works, but they won't be finalized until after the field-corn harvest, in approximately mid-November. A map of walk-in hunting fields enrolled in the Corn Stubble Retention Program will be posted on Fish and Wildlife's Northcentral Region webpage, once the contracts are complete. Look to this column to also post the map.

We still haven't seen the map, but Fish and Wildlife did say it may be just after Thanksgiving before they are ready to access. We'll wait patiently for a bit longer.

News from the Ephrata Sportsmen's Association

This organization was established in 1952, so it is 58 years old this year.

They have a fine group who organize various events. Those in the greater community have an opportunity to participate in such events as..., well there are a bunch of them. Read on.

Junior shooters begin fall and winter indoor shoots next week

Youth ages 10 through 17, but check about other ages, are invited to participate in indoor shoots this fall and winter at the Ephrata Sportsmen's Association indoor range at the Boyd Mordhorst Shooting Range near Ephrata.

There is no cost as the Ephrata Sportsmen's Association provides the rifles and ammunition. The shooters need to secure eye and ear protection. Boy Scouts should be interested in this opportunity to secure their merit badges. Other youth should also not let this chance to learn about proper shooting techniques get away.

The shoots are scheduled for every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Please contact Tom McIntosh, a certified instructor, at 246-8009. William Merrill, Jr., also a certified instructor.

Also at the Boyd Mordhorst Range

The Ephrata Sportsmen's Association also provides a chance to participate in trap shooting, open to the public on Sundays beginning at 1p.m. Ask for Penn.

Also they offer skeet shooting, which is open to the public on Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m . The cost is only $3 per round of 25.

For Bullseye shooting, Fred Wright is at the indoor range on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. This group shoots .22 through .45 pistols. Contact Wright at 750-6567

Five stand to continue at range

The Ephrata Sportsmen's Association is bringing the competition of five stand to their Boyd Mordhorst Shooting Range near Ephrata.

This competition is similar to shooting sporting clays, as a variety of targets are thrown while a competitor is at one of five stands or shooting stations. Usually there are between six and eight traps that throw targets.

Participants shoot in turn at each of the five stands and various combinations of targets are thrown from the traps. Five Stand allows a shooting club to get a Sporting Clays like experience in a small amount of space, with very little walking.

Five stand is scheduled on Sunday mornings beginning at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 a round and this event is open to the public.

Membership to the association is $60 a year and memberships can be purchases at Old World Trading in Moses Lake and Ephrata.

Survey about enforcement program online

Fish and Wildlife is conducting a public survey to help assess the agency's enforcement program.

The survey, is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/surveys/customer_survey.html

The survey consists of 20 questions concerning the program's priorities and performance in the field. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, longer if the person wants to make comments.

Those who would like the survey mailed or faxed to them should contact Jonathan Neville, at 360-902-8358.

The information received will help Fish and Wildlife improve their resource protection and business practices and ensure that they are meeting the needs of the public.

WDFW officers enforce all state laws, including those related to the taking of fish, shellfish and wildlife, boating safety, licensing, and habitat requirements. Officers also provide first response to incidents involving potentially dangerous wildlife, including bear and cougar, and other public safety issues.

In addition to enforcement officers, the program includes hunter education managers, dispatch/communications officers and other support staff.

Late archery deer season

There are several late archery deer seasons in Eastern Washington, such as Nov. 10 through Dec. 15 in GMU 101 for any white-tailed deer. Plus there are four other late archery seasons for various GMUs, varying dates and various requirements for legal deer. Plus there are four late archery mule deer hunts, such as Dec. 2 through Dec. 8 in GMUs 133 and 136, antlerless only. Study the hunting pamphlet for specific dates and other rules.

Late muzzleloader deer seasons

There are four white-tailed deer muzzleloader hunts and three mule deer hunts scheduled later this month and into December. Study the hunting pamphlet for specific dates and other rules.

Permit elk hunts

There are several permit hunts still in progress, some about to begin and several continuing into 2011.

Elk seasons continue

One master hunter hunt will continue through Dec. 31 and another goes through Jan. 20 for antlerless animals.

Late archery elk seasons

There are seven late archery elk seasons with various dates and GMUs. Study the hunting pamphlet for specific dates and other rules.

Late muzzleloader elk seasons

Four late muzzleloader seasons exist for elk hunters in various GMUs and with varying dates. Study the hunting pamphlet for specific dates and other rules.

Notice the repeated sentence about studying the pamphlet. There are so many GMUs involved and different dates for specific hunts, listing them here would fill the page. Instead we trust each hunter will do the ethical and smart practice of checking the pamphlet for the rules.

Good luck to all.

General cougar season

The general cougar season for any weapon will continue through March 31, 2011 in several GMUs, through Dec. 31 in others and through Nov. 30 in still others. Again it is imperative hunters study the pamphlet.