HUNTING -- A free class on the basics of hunting wild turkeys is being offered, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., on Tuesday, April 4,  at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Office, 2315 N. Discovery Pl. in Spokane Valley.

Instructor Rich Mann will cover natural history and management of turkeys in Washington, proper equipment needed to hunt them and techniques for success in harvesting a turkey. 

Mann is a retired Fish and Wildlife police officer and an experienced turkey hunter who's working with the National Wild Turkey Federation. Assisting will be Aaron Garcia, state hunter education volunteer coordinator.

Information on local areas where turkeys can be found will be provided.

The course is limited to the first 25 participants who register by calling Garcia, (509) 654-8727, or by signing up online.

Washington's general spring gobbler season opens April 15.  The youth-only wild turkey season is Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2.