Out & About

OUTBREAK

Gobblers galore

While most sportsmen are still trying to fill their spring turkey tags, at least one hunter has thrown in the towel.

Vader, a French Brittany owned by Mike Scalera of Spokane, knows a futile situation when it sees one.

Despite being a good bird-hunting dog, Vader has lost interest in the wild turkeys that frequent the Scalera yard.

OUTDO

See Spokane River end to end

What: “I Love the Spokane River Raft and Paddle Expedition,” covering 120 miles of the river from its beginning at Lake Coeur d’Alene to its mouth at the Columbia River.

When: River travel will be on June 13-15 and 20-23.

Who: Open to 20 boatless adventurers who preregister, plus all comers with their own suitable paddle craft or rafts. Organized by Spokane River Forum and Spokane Parks and Recreation.

Why: “We’re trying to increase awareness of the Spokane River, why we love it and how it works,” said organizer Andy Dunau.

Details: Participants return home after each day except for a campout on the Spokane Indian Reservation the night before last day of paddling. Equipment and guides provided free.

Info: (509) 535-7084; www.spokaneriver.net.

OUTFIELD

They’re baaack!

Ticks are getting active in areas around Spokane, and apparently they’re hungry after a chilly start to their peak feeding season. Check yourself and your pet after being out and about.

Ticks usually probe around a potential host for a few hours before choosing a tender spot to sink their mouth parts into your skin for a long, leisurely meal.

If one becomes attached, remove it by firmly pinching its head at the skin and pulling gently but steadily until the tick pulls away with its head, mouthparts and usually a bit of skin attached.

Scrub bite with soap and water.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

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

(* indicates best days.)

Through May 4

* Today

6:30 a.m., 6:55 p.m.

Monday

7:20 a.m. 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday

8:10 a.m., 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday

8:55 a.m., 9:15 p.m.

Thursday

9:40 a.m., 10:05 p.m.

Friday

10:30 a.m., 10:55 p.m.

* Saturday

11:20 a.m., 11:45 p.m.

* Next Sunday

12:10 p.m., 12:40 a.m.

See the Hunting-Fishing Report every Friday in Sports