Several end dates approach

We are approaching deadlines and season ending dates as spring progresses. The first, and most important for some hunters, is the May 22 deadline for applying for special fall hunting permits for deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep and turkey.

In our group of four hunters, I'm the group leader and purchase all of the licenses and tags, plus the permit applications. Then I spend a few minutes, perhaps 30 total, and submit all of the applications. Each hunter will receive the actual licenses and tags in the mail within a few days.

This is an easy and fast way to purchase the license, tags and applications, saving time in line at the counter. The key is to have everything written out and ready to enter into the computer.

Turkey hunting

Spring wild turkey hunting continues through the entire month of May statewide. Turkey hunters are reminded to report hunting activity after the season closes May 31, unless they plan to also hunt turkeys this fall. The turkey tags unnotched this spring will be useable this fall.

New fishing pamphlet

The new Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet, valid from May 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, is now available at sporting goods stores. They are free, so pick one up and study it. Place one in each vehicle for future use. Notice the change in the dates of this new pamphlet. In the past the fishing pamphlets were valid through April 30 of each year, but this will change next year, when the current pamphlet is valid through June 30.

Public can propose changes to Columbia River Basin fisheries

Have an idea about how to improve state sport fishing rules? Here is your chance.

People with ideas about how to improve state sport fishing rules in the Columbia River Basin can submit their proposals to Fish and Wildlife through May 30.

State fish managers will consider proposed rules submitted by the public for any fish species except salmon, so long as they apply specifically to the mainstem Columbia River, its tributaries, or lakes within the basin.

The Columbia River Basin includes around two-thirds of the state and all of Washington east of the Cascade Mountains.

The public can propose a fishing rule change online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/

The new process was recently approved by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, a citizen panel that sets policy for WDFW and also has the final word on which fishing rules are adopted into the state's administrative code.

Proposed sport fishing rule changes will be available for public review and comment in August.

The commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed rule changes in November and take final action on the 2014-15 sportfishing rule changes at a public meeting in December.