OUT & ABOUT

OUTHUNT

Muzzleloaders blowing smoke

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has been bestowed with the “Limber Ramrod Award” for having the nation’s worst muzzleloading regulations, according to Performance Muzzleloading magazine.

The editors are angry that Oregon still bans scopes, enclosed ignitions and other modern conveniences in muzzleoaders used in special “primitive weapons” seasons. In particular, the group would like to see Oregon embrace the “dramatic step up in muzzleloader accuracy, velocity and range.”

Meanwhile, Field & Stream magazine recently highlighted Oregon for having some of the best opportunities for muzzleloaders, primarily because limits on range and effectiveness allow longer and varied seasons.

OUTDO

Chain lakes paddling

What: Two-day canoe or kayak trip, sponsored by North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits.

Where: Lower Coeur d’Alene River chain lakes near Harrison.

When: Aug. 26-27, with mandatory pre-trip meeting at NIC Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.

Details: Learn how to plan and execute a multi-day paddling excursion.

Cost: $30, or $60 with watercraft rental.

Pre-register by Tuesday, (208) 769-7809.

OUTMEDIA

Buoy 10 picks up

Web sites: Salmon fishing is picking up in the Buoy 10 hotspot at the Columbia River mouth.

Prepare for your trip with the following.

Astoria Bridge Webcam: www.funbeach.com/cams/ bridgecam.html

Weather forecasts:

• www.wunderground.com/ US/OR/Astoria.html

• www.wunderground.com/ MAR/PZ/250.html

OUTREACH

Who cares about Fish Lake Trail?

The Fish Lake Trail is a gem in the rough, and the city of Spokane is casting a line to see who wants to make it a prize catch for walkers, runners, bikers and in-line skaters.

Grant funding may be available to develop the 10-mile rail trail that runs from Government Way to Fish Lake, which is already connected by trail to Cheney.

Get the scoop on plans, proposals and volunteer opportunities at a public meeting Wednesday, 6 p.m., Downtown Public Library, Room 1A.

Info: Taylor Bressler, Spokane Parks, (509) 363-4525.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

Lunar tables from the U.S. Naval Observatory list peak fishing times. Be fishing an hour before and an hour after given times. Applies to all time zones. (* indicates best days.)

Through Aug. 27

* Today

10:50 a.m., 11:15 p.m.

* Monday

11:41 a.m., 12:05 a.m.

* Tuesday

12:27 p.m., 12:55 a.m.

* Wednesday

1:11 p.m., 1:55 a.m.

Thursday

1:51 p.m., 2:45 a.m.

Friday

2:30 p.m., 3:45 a.m.

Saturday

3:09 p.m., 4:40 a.m.

Next Sunday

3:48 p.m., 5:30 a.m.