Steelhead, whitefish closed on select rivers

Steelhead fisheries on the upper Columbia River closed one hour after sunset on Dec. 1 from Wells Dam to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster and on the Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, and Methow rivers.

Several whitefish fisheries scheduled to open that day also closed at sunset Dec. 1, including those on the Wenatchee and Entiat rivers, as well as on the Methow River downstream of the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

The closures are necessary to keep impacts on wild steelhead within limits established under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The closures will not, however, affect steelhead or whitefish seasons on the mainstem Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam, or from the Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam. Those fisheries, plus steelhead and whitefish seasons on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers, will remain open until further notice under previously published rules.

This year's run is smaller than in recent years and contains a relatively high proportion of wild steelhead, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Although anglers must release any wild, unmarked steelhead they intercept in area fisheries, some of those fish do not survive and are counted toward ESA impact limits.

The federal permit authorizing the steelhead fisheries sets a maximum allowable mortality of natural-origin steelhead to accommodate variations in run strength and angling effort on specific waters.

Night closure and selective gear rules remain in effect for all areas where steelhead seasons remain open. Bait is allowed on the mainstem Columbia River.

All anglers must possess a valid Washington fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons in the Columbia River system, including fishery enforcement and monitoring.

Master Hunter Program enrollment on hold

Fish and Wildlife has put a freeze on accepting new applications for master hunter membership until further notice. The 2013 enrollment period was due to begin on Jan. 1 and continue through Feb. 15. All is on hold now, but why?

According to Fish and Wildlife, the freeze is designed to give the department time to absorb an increase of nearly 30 percent more certified master hunters over the past four years and clearly define the program's role.

The 30 percent figure has been questioned by members of the Master Hunter Advisory Group. The numbers indicate the total number of master hunters has increased by less than 8 percent over the past five years. Averaged over the five years, this is a growth rate of 1.6 percent.

The advisory group, of which I am a member, is due to meet next Friday, Dec. 14. We were not told of this freeze before a press release announcing the hold was published. Needless to say most of the group members feel a bit left out of the situation.

I have been recruiting prospective master hunters and was planning to mentor them through the process to attain the title step by step. This plan is now on hold.

Consider a Discover Pass as a gift

The Discover Pass was a controversial idea in the beginning, to say the least. Prospective buyers stayed away in droves. After the pass was allowed to be used on two vehicles, the idea was more readily accepted.

Now the pass has evolved another step. Read on.

Discover Pass: A great gift idea

New flexibility means buyers now may choose the start date

A new feature of the Discover Pass allows purchasers to choose the start date for the annual pass. The new feature makes the Discover Pass an excellent gift idea for family and friends who love the great outdoors.

The new "choose your date" option is now available to customers who buy the pass online at www.DiscoverPass.wa.gov or in-person from retailers who sell recreational licenses through the Washington Interactive Licensing Database system.

At the time of purchase, the buyer can activate the pass immediately or on any day within one year of the purchase date. The new option was passed into law in 2012 to allow greater flexibility to outdoor recreation enthusiasts, including those who want to give the pass as a gift.

Great move Discover Pass people. This means I can give a Discover Pass to my sister, who will not use it until the weather turns warmer in the spring. As stated, this pass would make a great Christmas gift.

The Discover Pass, authorized by the Legislature and Governor in 2011, is required on motor vehicles accessing state parks and other state-managed recreation lands. It was adopted to support the operation of state recreation lands, including those managed the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State Parks receives 84 percent of Discover Pass revenue; WDFW and DNR each receive 8 percent.

Turkey hunting continues

Hey folks, this is a super hunt for beginning hunters. The hunt area is expanded this year from years past. Take advantage of the opportunity.

The late fall turkey season is now open, from Nov. 20 through Dec. 15 in Game Management Units 105 through 142, 149 through 154 and 162 through 186. The limit is one turkey of either sex.

Other hunting seasons

Various deer, bear, cougar, elk and other critter hunting seasons are ongoing throughout the state. Also, duck, goose, grouse, pheasant and other seasons are also ongoing.