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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Out & About: Writing contest deadline Nov. 18

OUTWRITE – Time’s running out for high schoolers to buff up their prose or poetry and enter The S-R’s 2011 Youth Outdoor Writing Contest.

Top entries will earn cash prizes and be published in December before being forwarded to a national youth outdoor writing competition.

See details online at spokesman.com/outdoors.

Idaho seeks tips on moose poachers

OUTCRY – Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials need tips to nab poachers who killed two bull moose on or around Oct. 29. The bulls were killed within 25 yards of each other in French Gulch near Frost Peak in the Cataldo area.

The poacher(s) took only the hind quarters of one moose.  The remainder of the meat from both illegally taken moose was wasted.  Both were field dressed and the carcasses propped open as if the perpetrators were planning to return to retrieve more meat. 

Anyone with information should call Officer Mark Bowen, (208) 660-4655 or Citizens Against Poaching hotline, (208) 632-5999. 

Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward. 

Parks surveys bikers at Mount Spokane

OUTSTUDY – The public has until Dec. 16 to indicate their desires for mountain biking opportunities at Mount Spokane State Park in an online survey designed to help officials plan future trail developments.

The survey asks how cyclists use the trail system and on how the trails and options could be improved.

Survey: parks.wa.gov/

plans/mtspokanemtnbike/

Hunters surveyed on duck decoys, elk tags

OUTVOTE – Hunters have until Nov. 16 to comment in an online survey on two new proposals for 2012 hunting regulations being considered by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department.

Electronic decoys: Several waterfowl hunting guides have petitioned the state to consider allowing electronic decoys for waterfowl hunting starting in 2012.

Vote: svy.mk/swPue2

East-West elk tags: Some elk hunters want to eliminate the East Side-West Side elk tag designations so they can apply for special permits on both sides of the state.

Vote: svy.mk/srHtE1

Avalanche experts offer area programs

OUTPREPARE – Forecasts, training and classes are available for winter backcountry travelers starting next week in programs offered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Avalanche Center.

The first programs are scheduled to begin 6 p.m. at the new Forest Service Building, 1602 Ontario St. west of Sandpoint, as follows:

• Tuesday – Winter 2012 snow forecast and effect of La Nina.

• Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 –Avalanche beacon practice and gear review.

Groups throughout the region can sign up for special free presentations by contacting the Sandpoint office at (208) 265-6686.

Idaho State Parks and Recreation will conduct avalanche awareness programs for snowmobilers.

The first class is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Specialty Recreation in Coeur d’Alene. Info: (208) 215-9550.

See a complete schedule on the State Parks website.