Hunters across Eastern Washington and North Idaho are sighting in rifles and shotguns and making sure hiking boots and other equipment survived another summer of storage as deer, elk and other game seasons approach. The effects of disease, drought and harsh winters have taken a toll on the big game and upland bird populations throughout the region. But there's still plenty of opportunity for a successful harvest with a little bit of planning and resources.

In late August, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hosted a handful of youth for a mentored deer hunt in northeast Washington. The weekend camp aimed to introduce a new generation of hunters to an outdoor activity that’s been on the decline for decades. In particular, the weekend focused on exposing the kids to mentors who could help them navigate an activity with a dizzying array of regulations, required skill sets and norms of behavior, said Dave Whipple, the hunter education division manager for WDFW.

This is an opinion piece written by Paul Linholdt, a professor, writer and former hunter. For another perspective read "Oft-maligned trophy hunting actually key to conservation," by biologist Bart George.