Stay inside and cool it during these latest days of winter

Difficult to fish, hunting seasons have closed... What’s an outdoors-minded person to do? Just relax and get your indoor chores completed. This weather will disappear in a few weeks, at least this is the plan.

Here’s a starting point: Write down the sunrise and sunset times each day. You will notice the time from the sunrise to sunset will get longer each day. Just a few minutes right now, but over a week or two you will notice more sunlight available each day.

Blue Mountain comments pursued

Although this is a dull subject for readers, the subject is necessary to mention because Columbia Basin residents hunt, fish, camp and otherwise have fun while visiting the Blue Mountains. This area of the state is worthy of exploring if you haven’t visited this region.

Public comments wanted on Blue Mountain Wildlife areas

Fish and Wildlife is seeking additional public input as it works to complete a management plan for three wildlife areas in the Blue Mountains, a region representing some of the most scenic and important conservation lands in the state.

This plan is expected to be completed in April and covers the Asotin Creek, Chief Joseph and W.T. Wooten wildlife areas, encompassing 77,000 acres in Asotin, Garfield, Columbia and Walla Walla counties.

The agency met with wildlife area advisory committees, and state, federal and local community groups in recent months, but wants to gain additional feedback from the public.

The plan proposes actions for the management of the wildlife area over the next 10 years. This includes efforts to protect wildlife species and their habitat and enhance recreational opportunities where appropriate.

The public can provide comments in a variety of ways, including submitting comments online at the SEPA webpage listed above, via email at BlueMntWLA@dfw.wa.gov or by calling 360-902-2815. The department is accepting comments through Feb. 28.

March first opener two weeks away

Yes, most of this info was in last week’s Hunting and Fishing Report, but take a look outside. Readers need a reason to optimistic about the future. If there is still snow on the ground on the first day of spring, I’m going groundhog hunting.

The March First opener can be a big deal in the Columbia Basin. The weather is the biggest factor, as with all spring fishing openers. One of the more popular waters is Martha Lake.

Expect the parking lot to be full of campers, if the temperature is above single digits. Anglers will be fishing through the ice, if there is a sheet of ice on the lake.

It’s time to put new line on the reels, polish the lures and sharpen the hooks

Lakes opening at midnight on March first in Grant County include: Cascade, Merry, Spring, Martha, Nunnally, Quincy, Dry Falls, Dusty, Lenore, Caliche, along with Winchester Wasteway, the portion within the Winchester Game Reserve.