Field Reports: Grizzly case is wake-up call

HUNTING – Charges against two Grant County men are prompting wildlife officials to warn hunters to study the difference between a black bear, which is legal to hunt, and a grizzly, which is federally protected.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials say Brandon Rodeback of Moses Lake and Kurtis Cox of Warden killed a grizzly bear in 2007, thinking it was a black bear.

Following an investigation, charges recently were filed in federal court in Spokane citing the men for possessing and transporting an unlawfully killed endangered species.

The charges stem from a witness tip.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Deputy Chief Mike Cenci called the loss of the grizzly a setback for recovery. The bear was tagged with a radio transmitter and followed for the past 14 years.

“This bear has consistently produced cubs year after year, and, even more important, it’s stayed out of trouble,” he said. “An animal that was really important to grizzly recovery was taken out of the gene pool.”

Education programs are available to teach hunters the differences between grizzlies and black bears. A grizzly has as a shoulder hump and a lower rump than the black bear, although these details might not be apparent when the bear is in certain positions.

“If there is any doubt, you don’t pull the trigger,” Cenci said.

Associated Press

Detail may sink Oregon fees

BOATING – Oregon has to work out a few details with its new boating permit fees.

The Legislature approved fees of $5 a year on anyone operating a manually propelled craft of 10 feet or longer, and a $5 surcharge on powerboat registrations.

Nonresidents will pay about $20 for permits.

The new fees would raise money for battling invasive water creatures and plants.

But even though the fees don’t take effect until Jan. 1, officials say it will be difficult to collect them because the Oregon constitution prohibits mandatory boat inspections.

The Oregon Marine Board plans to discuss the issue before the end of the year.

Associated Press

Cougar encounter prompts closure

TRAILS – A popular trail two miles north of Leavenworth was closed last week until authorities could remove a cougar that chased a mountain biker. U.S. Forest Service officials closed the Freund Canyon Trail. They though they might be able to re-open it this week.

Associated Press