Out & About

OUTDO – Brush up on everything you know about muscle-powered propulsion for Expedition Idaho 2011. The week-long challenge seeks to take North Idaho adventure racing to a new level.

Teams will cover 600 kilometers in seven days from urban areas to the outback. Racers will trek, run, mountain bike and pilot vessels including kayaks and rafts.

Orienteering skills will be essential. Expect surprises such as rappelling.

“Sleep, strategy and problem solving will be a must,” said organizer David Adlard of Athol.

The event starts Aug. 14, but teams can save dough by entering now.

Info: http://expedition idahorace.com/

Low-tech whistle could save lives

OUTBUY –Spokane Explorer Search & Rescue is selling emergency whistles – simple equipment that can save lives.

(Did you know that whistles are required for paddlers on the Spokane River in Idaho?)

Good-quality, fluorescent orange whistles with a snap that attaches to packs or zippers cost $5.

Proceeds help train people who might be out looking for you, and listening for your whistle of distress.

Contact: Rob Brewer, sarguy@gmail.com

Stats tell hunters where deer are

OUTSCOUT – Idaho hunters are turning their attention to deer now that the elk season is over and the deer rut is hitting stride.

Jim Hayden, Idaho Fish and Game region wildlife manager, has timely advice: “Grandpa’s Hunting Rule No. 1 was ‘Don’t hunt where they ain’t!’ ”

Whitetail hunters usually must look to different terrain than they would for mule deer, he said, offering key hunting harvest stats.

Top overall success rates for whitetail bucks are in Unit 5 with 26 percent success. Units 1 and 2 are close runners- up with about 23 percent followed by Units 3 and 6 at around 18 percent.

Units 5, 1 and 6, in that order, have produced the best chances of bagging a five-point or better buck.