Out & About

OUTBAIT

Food for thought on feeding critters

The hand that feeds wildlife could get bitten, according to Western wildlife agencies.

Montana and California are the latest to issue warnings that feeding wildlife – even birds – can do more harm than good.

“Don’t feed wildlife,” says Allan Buckman, biologist for the California Fish and Game Department. “They don’t need our handouts. They need our respect.”

Even inadvertent feeding, such as unsecured garbage or pet food left on porches, can attract skunks, raccoons even spring bears that eventually will wear thin their welcome somewhere in the neighborhood.

“The animals always lose,” he said.

Also, wild animals appearing at the same time and place day after day for a hand-out will naturally attract predators. For birds, that means sharp-shinned hawks. For deer, it could be cougars.

OUTDO

Sandhill cranes ready for festival

By late February, the headliners for the annual Othello Sandhill Crane Festival already were congregating by the hundreds in the Columbia Basin.

The festival runs March 23-25 with a full schedule of expert speakers, banquets and field trips to watch the cranes and other birding highlights, including waterfowl and burrowing owls.

Beat the crowds with an “early bird” trip on March 17 or post-event field trips March 31 and April 7.

Details: www.othellosandhill cranefestival.org.

OUTMEDIA

Whitewater freebie covers safety basics

Video: Whitewater Boating Safety and Etiquette, produced by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, free.

Educational yet fun to watch, this video deals with issues appropriate for both motorized and non-motorized river runners, including boating safety, leave-no-trace camping and river flow fluctuations.

Available at many Idaho boat dealerships, law enforcement offices and Idaho Parks and Recreation in Coeur d’Alene, 2750 W. Kathleen Ave., (208) 769-1511.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

Lunar tables from the U.S. Naval Observatory list peak fishing times. Be fishing at least one hour before and one hour after given times. Applies to all time zones.

(* indicates best days.)

Through March 18

* Today

6:35 a.m., 6:50 a.m.

* Monday

7:25 a.m., 5:55 p.m.

Tuesday

8:25 a.m., 8:55 p.m.

Wednesday

9:20 a.m. –

Thursday

10:15 a.m. –

Friday

11:10 a.m., 11:35 p.m.

* Saturday

12:05 p.m., 12:30 a.m.

* Next Sunday

12:55 p.m., 1:20 a.m.

See the Hunting-Fishing Report

every Friday in Sports