Field reports: Auction to feature antlers seized from poachers

POACHING – Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is giving people a chance to get a nice rack, even if they’re not hunters.

Nearly 1,000 antlers seized from poachers over the past decade are being sold in an online auction running through Tuesday.

Mike Cenci, the agency’s deputy chief of enforcement, says it’s a great opportunity for people to own trophy elk, deer and moose racks, but it also highlights that poaching is a serious problem in the state.

Proceeds will be used to fight poaching, including offering rewards to people who report poaching incidents that lead to convictions. Info: publicsurplus.com, search under Washington auctions.

Free Fishing activities set for next weekend

FISHING – Saturday is Free Fishing Day in Idaho and Washington will double the pleasure next weekend on both Saturday and Sunday – no fishing license required.

Idaho is organizing 11 clinics Saturday in the Panhandle geared to helping people try the sport, starting 7 a.m.-11 a.m. at Coeur d’Alene, Ponderosa Springs Golf Course.

  Other clinics run 9 a.m. -noon at Bonners Ferry Snow Creek Pond, Calder Pond, Clark Fork Lodge, Enaville Steamboat Pond, Mullan Lucky Friday Pond, Post Falls Park Pond, Priest Lake Golf Course and Rathdrum City Park.

In Washington, a free Fishing Festival is geared to kids ages 14 and under on Saturday, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Lake Thomas, 25 miles east of Colville on Highway 20.

Fishing 101 clinic geared to adults

FISHING – Sign-up is under way for limited openings in a two-session fishing clinic for adults who haven’t been introduced to the sport.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and volunteers from the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council are teaming to teach non- fishing adults 16 or older.

The clinic involves a Thursday evening session followed by Saturday session at Williams Lake.

Sign up: 892-1001 or email teamspokane@dfw.wa.gov.

Trail-funding group meets in Spokane

TRAILS – Local trail-user groups are celebrating the major funding efforts of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program with a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council Auditorium.

The WWRP has had a major role in funding outdoor recreation across the state, including land and facilities Liberty Lake, Little Spokane River, Dishman Hills, Spokane River, Centennial Trail and others.

The Spokane County Conservation Futures Program received $1.6 million from WWRP to help purchase the Antoine Peak Conservation Area.

RSVP for the reception at wildliferecreation.org/ spokane.