Countdown to September first hunting openers

September is the beginning of many hunting seasons. Read the regulations, if you don't already have the seasons memorized. Many Washington waters

The forest grouse seasons opens on Sept. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. The limit is four a day with a possession limit of 12 straight or mixed bag.

The bobcat season also opens on Sept. 1 with no limit.

An early Canada goose season is scheduled for Goose Management Areas 4 and 5 on Sept. 13 and 14. These areas are basically lands east of the Cascade Mountains. The daily limit will be three with a possession limit of six. Remember this hunt is for Canada geese only.

The special youth hunt is scheduled for Sept. 20 and 21, with a daily limit of four and a possession limit of eight. The youth hunter must be under 16 years old and accompanied by an adult who is 18 years old and not hunting. Again, this hunt is for Canada geese only.

The mourning dove season is Sept. 1 through Sept. 30 with a limit of 10 per day and a possession limit of 30.

Dennis comment: Remember the Eurasian collared dove does not count as part of the mourning dove limit. There is no limit on Eurasian collared doves. Also, take advantage of the youth seasons. This is a great time for some one-on-one mentoring.

Chinook limit increases off Westport

Anglers fishing in ocean waters off Westport can keep up to two chinook salmon as part of their two-salmon daily limit. With the change, anglers will be allowed to keep two chinook per day in ocean waters off Westport (Marine Area 2), La Push (Marine Area 3) and Neah Bay (Marine Area 4).

Those fishing Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) will continue to be limited to one chinook as part of their two-salmon daily limit.

All ocean areas are open to salmon fishing seven days per week. Wild coho must be released in all four areas.

Director Anderson to leave at the end of the year

After nearly six years at the helm, Fish and Wildlife Director Phil Anderson has informed the state Fish and Wildlife Commission he will resign from his position, effective Dec. 31.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for WDFW, will begin the recruitment process for a new director in the next few weeks.

As director, Anderson guided the department through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. During the unprecedented budget shortfall, state General Fund support for Fish and Wildlife declined by nearly $50 million or 45 percent threatening department operations and fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the state.

To address the shortfall, Anderson and his staff worked to restructure the agency while continuing to provide key services and maintain a high conservation standard for Washington's fish and wildlife. As part of that effort, Fish and Wildlife worked closely with stakeholders to develop new revenue streams and reduce the department's reliance on the state General Fund.

Also under Anderson's leadership, the department developed a plan to guide state conservation and management of gray wolves as they recolonize in Washington, a controversial issue that has evoked strong reactions from people on both sides of the Cascade Range.

Shoreline restrictions extends through Oct. 31

Fish and Wildlife has extended the closure of four water access sites along the Columbia River behind Wanapum Dam through Oct. 31, while work continues to repair a fractured spillway.

The extended closure is necessary to protect public safety, fish habitat, and archeological and cultural resources, according to Fish and Wildlife.

The closures affect the Yo Yo, Old Vantage Highway, Sunland Estates and Frenchman Coulee water access sites.

Fish and Wildlife also has closed the lower ends of roads that lead into the reservoir at the Colockum and L.T. Murray wildlife areas in Kittitas and Chelan counties, and at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Grant County.

The upland portions of the wildlife areas above the ordinary high-water level remain open to the public. Closures will be enforced by Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers in cooperation with local sheriff's offices.