Hunting seasons winding down

Dennis Clay

by GARNET WILSON & Herald Outdoor Writers
Herald Outdoor Writer | January 17, 2015 5:00 AM

Hunters are looking at the last days of the hunting seasons for this year.

The goose season will change from Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays to every day from Jan. 19 through 25.

The duck, coot and snipe seasons will end Jan. 25. The quail season will end Jan. 19 and so will the partridge season.

Hunter reports due at end of January

All hunters are required to submit a hunter report for each big game or turkey transport tag and special hunting permit acquired for the previous hunting season by January 31.

Hunters who do not report by January 31 are subject to a $10 penalty, which must be paid before a license for the next season can be purchased. If you have a special hunt permit that has a season that extends past January 31, report your hunting activity for that permit within ten days of the close of the season and no penalty will be assessed to you.

Deer, elk, bear and turkey all have general hunting seasons. The report covers your activity during the general hunting season. If you were awarded a special hunt, you must complete a hunter report for each special hunt permit awarded.

Fifth Annual Y.O.U. Banquet scheduled for Feb. 28

With four years under their belt, Y.O.U. is getting ready for number five. The annual fund-raising banquet is scheduled for Feb. 28.

Of course they are looking for donations, items for this year's auction. Cindy Carpenter is the contact person at 509-431-1604.

Unsworth new Fish and Wildlife director

Dr. Jim Unsworth, deputy director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, was chosen as the new director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to select Unsworth after interviewing eight candidates for the director's position in December and narrowing the field to four finalists. The commission announced its decision at a public meeting Jan. 9-10 in Tumwater.

Commissioners said they sought a visionary leader with a strong conservation ethic, sound fiscal-management skills and the expertise to work collaboratively with the commission and the department's constituents.

As director, Unsworth will report to the commission and manage a department with more than 1,600 employees, and a biennial operating budget of $376 million. His annual salary will be $146,500.

Unsworth, age 57, has spent more than 30 years in wildlife management with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and has served as deputy director for the agency since 2008. He previously held several management positions for the department, including wildlife bureau chief and state big game manager.

Unsworth holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, a master's degree in fish and wildlife management from Montana State University and a doctorate in forestry, wildlife and range sciences from the University of Idaho.

Unsworth and his wife Michele have four adult children. He is an avid hunter and fisher.