Out & About: Teen among national contest winners

OUTSTANDING – Last week’s announcement for the opening of The Spokesman-Review’s 2010 High School Outdoor Writing contest omitted recognition for a young writer who has risen to the top of the national heap.

Christine Koneazny was a senior at St. Michael’s Academy last year when she won the S-R’s 2009 contest with a hunting story, “Answering the Call.”

All finalists in the S-R contest are forwarded to the national Norm Strung Youth Outdoor Writing Contest sponsored by the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

In June, OWAA declared Koneazny’s story the first-place winner in the 2010 national contest senior prose category.

Koneazny became the 39th Spokesman-Review contest finalist to advance to a national award. Indeed, at least one finalist in the Spokesman-Review contest had gone on to win a national cash prize for 24 consecutive years.

See details for this year’s contest at www.spokesman.com/outdoors

Deadline for entries is Nov. 19.

Rat on poachers, earn rewards

OUTFIELD – People who report poaching activity in Washington with information that leads to an arrest can earn up to $500 or up to 10 bonus points depending on the seriousness of the infraction.

That’s enough to put you in business for a coveted bull tag.

Tipsters can remain anonymous upon request.

In this region, call (509) 227-6560 and request a Fish and Wildlife officer.

Nordic ski trails readied for snow

OUTDO – Volunteers are needed to help brush out cross-country skiing trails at Mount Spokane in preparation for the snow and grooming seasons.

Selkirk Nordic is organizing a work party for Saturday followed by another on Oct. 24. Groups meet at 9 a.m. at Selkirk Lodge.

Info: Jack Benedetto 475-2896, Art Bookstrom 624-9667; www.selkirknordic.org/

Idaho offers new 3-day license

OUTHUNT – Idaho is offering a three-day nonresident small-game hunting licenses to nonresidents starting this season.

The three-day license, required for hunting upland and migratory birds, turkeys, rabbits and varmints, costs $35.50.

That’s a substantial savings for short-timers who don’t need the $97.75 season small-game license.