Hunting seasons winding down

The hunting seasons are winding down, but a few seasons continue. They include: Goose, which is open Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only, except on Jan. 18 and every day Jan. 25 through 31.

The duck, coot and snipe seasons are open through Jan. 31.

The pheasant, quail, Hun and chukar season is open through Jan. 18.

There are one or two big game seasons still underway, but these are special hunts.

State park reservations

Washington State Parks are quick to fill up for the year and especially for the holiday weekends. Making a reservation is easy online. Simply Google Washington State Parks and click on Washington State Park reservation system.

I then click on maps and then on one of the four sections depicted on the map. Next select the park desired and click on the campsite. There is a detailed description of the site, plus a photo or photos.

Check the site calendar for available dates and complete the reservation form on the left. This procedure is very simple and very easy.

From Fish and Wildlife:

Cougar hunting seasons closed Dec. 31in several areas of the state

State wildlife managers are reminding hunters that cougar-hunting seasons closed in several areas of the state at dusk on Dec. 31 after harvest guidelines for the animals were reached in those areas.

Of the state’s 50 cougar hunt areas, 14 closed Dec. 31, including Game Management Units 108, 111, 117, 204, 336, 340, 342, 346, 564, 568, 572, 574, 578 and 667.

Those GMUs are located in portions of Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Okanogan, Ferry, Kittitas, Yakima, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, Thurston and Lewis counties.

Fish and Wildlife manages cougar hunts under a plan approved by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sets policy for the department. Under the plan, Fish and Wildlife can close areas where the cougar harvest meets or exceeds area guidelines, while continuing to allow for hunting opportunities elsewhere.

Any additional closures will be posted on the website and hotline, both of which will be updated weekly.

The season continues through April 30 in open areas. A 2016 cougar license is required to hunt cougar in April 2016. Those who wish to hunt cougar during the month of April must purchase a new 2016 license and tag.