Hunting sand dunes can be productive

A favorite spot to hunt from high school until the present is the sand dune area south of I-90 across from the old Moses Lake State Park. Cross over the overpass and park in a safe spot alongside the road.

A hunter hiking south and west from the road will find several ponds of various sizes. Take a binocular along and scout a body of water before approaching. If there are ducks present, plan a sneak on the pond to the birds. Now here is the problem: This can be a productive hunting area, but only until the water freezes. Wednesday the ponds were free of ice, but this is a day-by-day situation. Have fun, but be careful and good luck.

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.

New flexibility means buyers 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 through tomorrow

The late fall turkey season closes tomorrow, 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, cougar, elk and other critter hunting seasons are ongoing throughout the state. Also, duck, goose, grouse, pheasant and other seasons are also ongoing.

The Elk Area 3911 hunt for master hunters will close on Sunday, Dec. 16. The Elk Area 3912 and Game Management Unit 371 elk hunt for Master Hunters will continue through Jan. 20, 2013.