OUTSUPPORT – Sportsmen’s groups are doing the hard work of gaining members and raising funds for all sorts of worthy projects, ranging from giving terminally ill kids a shot at fishing or hunting to improving critical habitat for mule deer and ducks.

Here are some of the upcoming Spokane-area gatherings on the schedule. Connect with members of similar groups at the Big Horn Outdoor Recreation Show, underway this week at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center.

Tuesday: International Fly Fishing Film Festival, one of two fundraisers for Spokane River projects, 7 p.m. at the The Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. Discount tickets in advance at Silver Bow Fly Shop. A traditional Spokane River fundraiser with Trout Unlimited will be held in May.

Thursday: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Pint Night, with updates on issues and turkey calling program, 7-9 p.m. at River City Brewing, 121 S. Cedar St.

Saturday: Ducks Unlimited, Spokane Valley Chapter’s 12th annual fundraising dinner to benefit wetlands conservation, 5 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in Spokane Valley. Tickets and details: contact Charlie May, (509) 370-8578 or Tolar Bryan, (509) 993-2565.

April 8: Mule Deer Foundation banquet to benefit deer habitat projects in the region, 4:30 p.m. at Mukogawa Fort Wright Commons, 4000 W. Randolph Rd. Contact: Carrie McKinley, (509) 481-8137.

April 8: Youth Outdoors Unlimited, the Washington nonprofit that incorporates volunteers and hunting and fishing trips to boost the spirits of seriously ill young people, will hold a fundraising banquet and auction at the Hotel RL by Red Lion Spokane at the Park, 303 W. North River Dr. in Spokane.

State Parks offer free access Sunday

OUTDEAL – March 19 is one of a dozen days throughout the year that Washington State Parks do not require a Discover Pass on vehicles for entry into the parks.

Other free-access days coming up in 2017 are April 15, April 22, June 3, June 10, Aug. 25, Sept. 30, Nov. 11 and Nov. 24.

A state Discover Pass costs $30 a year for up to two vehicles for access into state parks and other state-managed lands.