By Jim Pearson Contributing writer Jim Carpenter is an addict turned junkie. Addicts sometimes sell the stuff so they can afford their habit and that’s when they become a junkie. Jim’s addiction is fishing and one day, he decided to turn his fly-tying habit into a business and use the profits to help support his [...]
By Jim Pearson Contributing writer If kokanees are plankton eaters, why do they strike a kernel of corn or a maggot? And why do garish colors and big spinners attract them? It’s a mystery, but last week, I said I’d tell you more about fishing for these delectable little sockeye salmon. We start trolling early [...]
By Jim Pearson Contributing writer Shad numbers are way down for the second year in a row. We used to wait until their numbers reached 100,000 or more, passing over Bonneville and then, we went fishing. So far this year, the numbers are around 30,000 and last year was about the same. But three of [...]
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Folk Arts in the Parks Program invites the public to Festival Mexicano at Sacajawea State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road, east of Pasco. All are welcome at this free event. The celebration runs from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 25, and features traditional music performed by local [...]
By Annie Meseberg Contributing writer As we move into early July, we begin the “Dog days of summer.” But it’s just not hot enough. Our surface water temperatures are in the mid to high 60-degree range right now, which is a far cry from the 80-degree surface temperatures we typically experience this time of year. [...]
By Jim Pearson Contributing writer Squirrels and chucks aren’t the only varmints Dick Hamlin and I shoot. We shoot pigeons, too. Pigeons, along with starlings, English sparrows and Eurasian collared doves, are totally unprotected in our state. I’m not sure the collared doves need to be on the vermin list, but starlings and sparrows certainly [...]
Fire season is here and as temperatures rise, many counties and fire agencies have instituted burn bans. These bans can prohibit everything from burning yard waste to a campfire. In Washington, a burn ban violation is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000. “Outdoor fires that get out of control can cause large wildfires that put [...]
Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter a drawing for a 2010 multiple-season permit. In early April, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will randomly draw names for 2,000 multiple-season deer permits and 600 multiple-season elk permits. Winners will be eligible to purchase a special tag that allows them to [...]
By Jim Pearson Contributing writer Last fall in Wyoming, I passed on a shot at an antelope and he was a dandy. I was standing and so was he, but the wind was blowing and I couldn’t make the rifle settle down. I had nothing to lean against for support and a prone shot was [...]
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations through March 31 for membership on its enforcement advisory group. Up to five qualified individuals will be chosen to serve on the group, which provides recommendations to WDFW on proposed legislation, outreach and education, collaborative projects, the hunting and fishing rules pamphlet and other [...]
