2023 Northwest Fish And Wildlife Year In Review
At the end of every year I take a look back at the Northwest fish and wildlife stories that made news, and 2023 did not disappoint.
Fishing Guides Wanted For WDFW Advisory Committee
WDFW is looking for fishing guides to serve on an advisory committee that will meet quarterly and provide input on “industry regulations, compliance, and enforcement.” Interested guides – active or recently retired, or biz owners – should apply by December 31.
ODFW Commission Decides Wolf Plan Needs No Revisions*
Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission decided that the statewide wolf plan didn’t need revising during a five-year review, but directed ODFW to focus on livestock conflicts, poaching, and population monitoring.
4-Day Post-Christmas Razor Clam Dig Greenlighted On WA Coast
A four-day razor clam opener on the Washington Coast begins December 26 and coincides with a series of early evening minus tides.
The Power of Imagery: Projecting A Stronger, Fuller Picture Of Hunting
Simple changes in how we tell our hunting stories can have huge impacts in how hunting is perceived. Even through the distance of urbanization and even through the distorted lens of social media, we have the ability to make hunting not merely understandable but socially acceptable. We have the power to help ensure its safety for the future.
Digital Duck Stamps On The Way As Modernization Act Signed Into Law
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act will simplify the Federal Duck Stamp process by allowing hunters to have an electronic duck stamp on their smartphone for the entirety of the hunting season.
No Wild Spring Chinook Retention On Mainstem, North Umpqua
After a one-year reprieve and for the fourth time in at least five seasons, retention of wild spring Chinook on the mainstem Umpqua will be barred in 2024, as will it be on the North Umpqua.
Five Northeast Oregon Wolves Released in Colorado
Five wolves from three different packs were just captured in Northeast Oregon and released into northwestern Colorado as part of the latter state’s voter-mandated reintroduction of the polarizing species.
Comment Open On WDFW Commission Conservation Policy; Vote In Early 2024
Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission is asking for public comment on the latest iteration of the draft Conservation Policy ahead of its expected early 2024 vote.
Biden Administration, Tribes, States Reach Agreement On Snake Dams
An agreement to restore the Columbia Basin announced today by the White House, the States of Oregon and Washington and four Columbia Basin tribes.
Hunters, Landowners Boost Reward For Info On Poached Scappoose Bull Elk
Hunters and local landowners are boosting the reward being offered for information on the poaching and wastage of a large bull outside Scappoose on the Lower Columbia late last month.
RIP Bigfoot. Magazine Declares Legendary Northwest Forest Critter Dead
Skeptical Inquirer, which touts itself as “dedicated to science and reason,” goes full bah-humbug in stating that “it’s clear there’s no evidence the creature ever existed in the first place.”
Grays Harbor Rivers Will Not Open For Hatchery-directed Winter Fisheries
There will be no hatchery-directed winter steelhead and coho fisheries on the Humptulips, Wynoochee, Satsop and Skookumchuck.
Federal Duck Stamp Goes Digital With US House Passage Of Modernization Act
Waterfowl hunters, bird watchers and others will be able to buy and store the federal Duck Stamp digitally after the US House today followed on the Senate’s earlier approval in passing the Duck Stamp Modernization Act, drawing praise from Ducks Unlimited and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The bill now flies over to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
$3.8 Million In RMEF, Partner Grants Announced For Idaho Wildlife
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is detailing grant funding the organization and federal, state and other partners leveraged for habitat work in Idaho to benefit “elk, whitetail and mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife.”
2024 Columbia Spring Chinook, Sockeye Forecasts Out
Overnight the 2024 Columbia spring Chinook forecast popped up and it shows that state managers expect 187,400 of the scrumptious salmon back to the mouth of the big river.