In brief: Successful youth-only hunt kicks off upland bird season
Washington’s youth-only upland bird season last weekend was a success for Robert Estuar and his son, and the family Lab.
“Took 14-year-old Diego and dog Bella out Sunday to Fishtrap Lake for the youth pheasant hunt,” the happy father reported. “Didn’t take long to find the birds. So grateful to live in a region with so many recreational opportunities for our youth!”
The Estuars hunted at one of 27 pheasant release sites in Eastern Washington.
The youngsters didn’t kill all the pheasants released prior to the youth season, making the release sites a bird dog training opportunity before the general season opens.
Also, some of the remaining pen-raised birds likely survived the coyotes and hawks long enough to seed the field for the Geezer Pheasant Season that started Monday and runs through Saturday for licensed hunters age 65 and older.
Pheasants will be stocked at the site about three more times during the fall, including the week of Thanksgiving. Nontoxic shot must be used for hunting on pheasant release sites.
Long-range series grows in popularity
The last in a four-event long-range shooting series is set for Saturday and Sunday at the Rock Lake Rifle Range, 2356 Glorfield Rd., St. John, Washington.
Check in 7:30-8 a.m.
The Northwest Precision Steel Series Challenge has divisions for tactical and hunting class shooters, organizer Doug Glorfield said.
Tactical competitors engage targets at distances of 175-1,250 yards in seven stations. Hunting and youth shooters do five stations at 150-600 yards.
“I am expecting a lot of shooters,” said Glorfield, who built the range with his dad on their farm land and opened it to public shoots this summer. “I had 32 shooters at the last series shoot. This thing is growing!”
Hanging with beavers
“Picnic with the Beavers,” a hands-on environmental field learning day, complete with beavers and geared to families, is set for next Sunday, 1-4 p.m. at Liberty Lake State Park.
The event is coordinated by The Lands Council.
Info: (509) 209-2851.
Hikers gather at Stampede Pass
Backpackers who’ve walked the walk are hosting programs of enduring value this weekend during the 21st annual gathering of the American Long-Distance Hiking Association-West at Stampede Pass, Washington.
Hikers who’ve accomplished incredible “feets” will be speaking at the Friday-Sunday event to be held at The Mountaineers Meany Lodge.
Among the festivities, the group each year presents the Triple Crown Awards to hikers who have completed the Appalachian, Continental Divide and Pacific Crest Trails.
Info: aldhawest.org