Washington adopts waterfowl seasons
OLYMPIA — Waterfowl hunters in Washington will find regulations similar to last year when the duck season opens on Oct. 13.
The state Fish and Wildlife Commission has adopted the 2012-13 season. Statewide duck season will be open for 107 days, starting Oct. 13-17 and continuing Oct. 20-Jan. 27. A special youth hunting weekend is scheduled for Sept. 22-23.
Special limits for hen mallard, pintail, redhead, canvasback, goldeneye, harlequin, scoter and long-tailed duck will remain the same as last season.
But the commission removed bag limits and an early-season closure for scaup, which have significantly increased in numbers throughout North America, including Washington.
Goose hunting seasons will vary by management areas across the state, but most open Oct. 13 and run through Jan. 27, 2013.
Details on the waterfowl hunting seasons are on the Department of Fish and Wildlife website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/.
Rehabilitated eagle to be released Aug. 31
STEVENSON — A rehabilitated bald eagle will be release into the wild at 5 p.m. Aug. 31 from the front lawn of Skamania Lodge.
Named Justice, the bird was found with a broken wing, likely after a fight with another eagle. His rehabilitation has taken about three years.
Shannon Dalan, vice president of The Raptor House Rehabilitation Center in Yakima, said the Columbia Gorge is ideal habitat for bald eagles.
This is the first time a rehabilitated bird has been released from Skamania Lodge.
Port of C-W selling passes, licenses
WASHOUGAL — State hunting and fishing licenses plus Washington state park Discover Passes are being sold now at the Port of Camas-Washougal, 24 South A St.
David Ripp, port executive director, said customers of the port’s marina pass often ask about the availability of hunting and fishing licenses or park passes.
“It seemed to be a natural fit to offer them through our port office,” Ripp said.
The port office is just east of the boat ramp. Discover Passes are $11.50 per day or $35 annual. The prices of hunting and fishing licenses vary depending widely.
Cape Horn trail to get new bridge
The U.S. Forest Service is installing a bridge across the creek at Cape Horn Falls on the popular Cape Horn trail east of Washougal.
Jen Kevil of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area said the log trail bridge will be flown in by helicopter.
Since the operation is weather-dependent, little or no notice will be given.
The trail will be cleared of hikers before the flight and no one allowed south of state Highway 14 during flight time.
Pheasants Forever to meet Aug. 30
The Southwest Washington chapter of Pheasants Forever will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at Big Al’s 16615 S.E. 18th St..
Information about this fall’s youth hunt, habitat projects and the election of new board members are on the agenda.
The conservation group promotes protection of upland bird habitat.
