INWC Hosting Workshop For Disabled Hunters; Salmon For Soldiers Looking For Skippers

Two chances to learn about or participate in good causes are coming up in Washington – one in Spokane, the second on Puget Sound.

On Saturday, April 12, the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council is hosting its annual free ADA Open House meant to help the public learn about hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities available to disabled sportsmen and wildlife watchers.

According to an INWC press release, the event, which includes lunch, will detail disabled hunting access to public and private land, available blinds and special programs, how to apply for disabled hunter status whether a veteran or not, disabled and veteran license pricing, and more.

Presenters from WDFW, the U.S. Forest Service, Northwest Sportsman’s Club, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Hunting With Heroes and others are expected to speak.

INWC has been providing access for “hundreds” of disabled hunters each year, as well as has built ADA-accessible hunting platforms for both disabled sportsmen and wildlife watchers.

“This is another step that not only makes it easier for people with mobility issues to get outside and into natural areas, but also provide them a place to hunt where they can be successful and not have to compete with able-bodied hunters” said Ken McNaughton, chair of INWC’s Disabled Access Team.

The event begins at 9:30 at INWC headquarters in Spokane. To reserve a spot, call the organization at (509) 487-8552 or email office@inwc.org.

As for that good cause on Puget Sound, Dave Miller with Salmon for Soldiers says a special incentive is being offered for captains who preregister to volunteer their boats for this year’s Day of Honor, September 13, held out of Harbor Marine in Everett.

“Our goal is to sign up 100 captains and an additional 10 more in reserve by June 30th to take our military heroes out for a day of fishing,” Miller says. “We have collected some nice prizes to be added to a drawing as well as a trip to Alaska to fish with Rob Endsley for those captains who are either active military or a veteran.”

Other prizes include a downrigger, fishfinder, electric reel, pot hauler, crab pot set and amplifier.

Pink and coho salmon should be swimming in the area during this year’s event’s time frame.

For more details or to register as a skipper, get in touch with Sam Church of Salmon for Soldiers at (509) 294-3876 or sam@salmonforsoldiers.org.