Out & About

Moose raffle tag stocking stuffer

OUTHUNT – Now’s the time to drop a hint – or drop a few dollars yourself – to boost your chances for winning one of Washington’s once-in-a-lifetime moose hunting tags.

Moose tag raffle tickets would make great stocking stuffers for hunters seeking Washington’s ultimate prize for the wall and the freezer.

Hunters get only one chance to succeed in the state’s traditional spring lottery drawing for the 220 permits available. But hunters can boost their odds by buying as many tickets as they desire in the raffle drawing.

The raffle permit, which is more liberal than other moose tags, can be used for either a bull or antlerless moose. It’s valid for next year, Sept. 1-Dec. 31, for any legal weapon in any area that’s open to moose hunting.

Most of the proceeds from the raffle benefit the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department’s moose management program.

This year, for the first time, the Spokane-based Inland Northwest Wildlife Council is selling the moose raffle tickets in exchange for a small percentage that will go to the Big Horn Foundation for youth wildlife and conservation education.

Sounds like a win-win deal.

Raffle tickets cost $10 each and are available at Ziggy’s stores or at the council office at 6116 N. Market St. in Spokane. The winning ticket will be drawn June 30.

Book celebrates Lake Pend Oreille

OUTSTANDING – A just-published book does an admirable job in 450 pages to round up the history and vast array of current recreation offerings of North Idaho’s largest natural lake.

“Legendary Lake Pend Oreille,” by Jane Fritz and others (Keokee, $24) compiles research and scores of artwork, photo and maps orienting readers to the past and present.

Much of the book is devoted to details on active and passive enjoyment, including sailing and fishing. Several paddling routes are featured and 30 hiking routes are described.

Author-signing events – mostly in Sandpoint with a Jan. 17 event at Auntie’s in Spokane – are listed online at KeokeeBooks.com, (208) 263-3573.

Night skiing starts Friday

OUTGOING – Friday marks the kickoff of the night skiing at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, which has added eight additional nights of skiing for a total of 48 nights under the stars.