HOOK AND FUR Sportsmen and sportswomen have reasons for optimism

By Bob Brown

People generally like to start the new year off on a positive note, and no more so than sportsmen and sportswomen. Even when the future looks a little gray, they are not deterred and keep looking for the sunny side of the street.
River fishing has been a little slow due to being between late stock coho and winter steelhead runs, and weather also being a factor. However, on a positive note, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Kalaloch Beach opened to a razor clam dig Jan. 8-9, and there will be additional digs in the coming months, said Dan Ayres, the agency's coastal shellfish manager.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will be meeting Jan. 13- 14 in Vancouver, where WDFW director Jim Unsworth will present a budget update. The commission will also discuss and consider a variety items pertaining to outdoor recreation.
During the meeting, the public can comment on issues that don't already have public input on the agenda.
• The commission will consider approval of various land transactions recommended by the department for the protection of critical fish wildlife habitat and enhancement of public recreational opportunities.
• The commission will also consider adoption of proposed modifications to the North of Falcon Policy C-3608. The adopted policy, which provides guidance on salmon conservation, harvests and management, would be in effect form January 2017 through December 2018. Department staff will also brief the Commission on efforts to address greater public transparency within the North of Falcon proceedings.
• WDFW staff members will brief the commission on the Profanity Peak wolf pack-livestock conflict of 2016.
• There will also be a briefing on the status of the lower Columbia River sturgeon population and performance of fisheries, including results of the 2016 fisheries and management measures in the future.

News for steelheaders

Steelhead enthusiasts can show support for their favorite species by purchasing a vehicle license plate with an image of Washington’s iconic state fish.
More than 4,000 people expressed interest in buying a steelhead license plate last year when the WDFW collected the signatures required to seek legislative approval to offer a new specialty plate. The steelhead plate went on sale this month, with then revenue from sales to be used by the department to help support activities critical to conserving populations of native steelhead.
The initial price of special wildlife-themed background plates range from $54 to $72 depending on the vehicle, in addition to the regular license fees.
More information on how to purchase steelhead license plates is available on the department’s website.
In much of Washington, wild steelhead is listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. WDFW is taking several actions to restore the steelhead populations to sustainable levels, including measures that guide fisheries management, hatchery operations, monitoring and habitat restoration programs.

Bob Brown, a freelance outdoors writer who lives in Roy, can be reached at robertb1285@centurylink.net.