Mourning dove and forest grouse season to open in two weeks
Dennis L. Clay
Mourning dove
The mourning dove season opens Sept. 1 and continues through Sept. 30 with a bag limit of 10 per day and 20 in possession. Remember, the European collared dove does not count as part of the mourning dove limit. This means if a hunter shoots five mourning doves and then a European collared dove, the hunter is able to shoot five more mourning doves.
This person will have 11 doves, but only 10, the limit, mourning doves. The collared doves are larger than the mourning doves and they have a black line or collar, around their neck.
Forest grouse
The season for forest grouse opens on Sept. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. Four birds of any species is the daily limit. This is a great time to participate in hunting in the morning and evening, plus fishing during the day. Many lakes close on Sept. 30, so hunting and fishing is possible. Be sure and check the regulations to determine which waters are still open.
Sockeye fishing on Lake Wenatchee now allowed
Lake Wenatchee is now open for sockeye salmon fishing. This season began last Saturday, Aug. 4 and is expected to continue through Aug. 31. The daily limit per angler is three sockeye, 12 inches in length or greater.
This season is in effect because more than 30,000 fish are expected to migrate past Tumwater Dam on the Wenatchee River. At least 7,000 fish are estimated to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.
Waterfowl seasons set
The Fish and Wildlife commission has set the 2012 waterfowl hunting seasons during a public meeting on Aug. 3 and 4 in Olympia.
Most hunting opportunities will be similar to last year, including a statewide duck season open for 107 days, starting Oct. 13 through 17 and continuing from Oct. 20 through Jan. 27. A special youth hunting weekend also is scheduled for Sept. 22-23.
Special limits for hen mallard, pintail, redhead, canvasback, goldeneye, harlequin, scoter and long-tailed duck will remain the same as last season.