Horse & Hunter Safety

Here is some important information from the WDFW regarding hunter safety. As a friend said when it was forwarded to me ... "75% of 200,000 hunters (150,000) afield this weekend. Might be a good weekend to go to the saddle club or silver buckle".

October 8, 2008
Contact: Steve Pozzanghera, (360) 902-2506

Hunters reminded to review safety procedures,state rules before heading afield

OLYMPIA - With nearly 75 percent of Washington’s 200,000 hunters expected to be afield this week as general deer and waterfowl seasons open, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials are reminding them to comply
with rules and take safety precautions.

"Hunters as a group play by the rules and hunt safely," said Steve Pozzanghera, WDFW’s Wildlife Program assistant deputy director. "But it’s always a good idea for anyone recreating outdoors to plan ahead by reviewing rules and safety precautions prior to heading out."

Details on hunting season dates and regulations, including the long-standing requirement for wearing blaze orange clothing, are available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm and in printed regulation pamphlets at recreational license dealers and at WDFW offices statewide. A list of license dealers is available on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm .

Hunters also are reminded that this is the first fall hunting season since new public-conduct rules for WDFW wildlife areas were adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission last December. Hunters should review those rules,
particularly on camping, campfires, target shooting and building blinds and tree
stands, at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/public_conduct.html .

As big-game seasons in neighboring states also gear up, hunters are reminded that it is illegal to bring home bone-in deer or elk carcasses or body parts from other states and Canadian provinces where chronic wasting disease (CWD) - a disease of the central nervous system that is fatal to deer and elk - has been detected in wild herds.

"We don’t have CWD in Washington and we want to keep it that way," said Pozzanghera. "Hunters can help by following the restrictions on bringing carcasses in from other areas where CWD is a problem."

For a list of the states and provinces that have detected CWD and more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/cwd/ or page 16 of Washington’s 2008 Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations pamphlet.

Beach Ride (BCHW) Oct. 10 - 12

The Back Country Horseman of Washington are holding a beach ride this coming weekend. Here are the details.

Peninsula Saddle Club / Long Beach Rodeo Grounds
Contact person: Diann Wallin 360 642-2829

We have pens on a first come, first serve basis. You can also come with your own portable pens. We have dry camping only with no hookups. We also have restroom facilities, but no showers. Showers are available at different locations in the area.

Normal cost is $20 per night, which includes one vehicle with two horses. Each additional horse is $5/night, and each additional vehicle is $10/night.

BCHer's will be charge $20.00 per night per horse rig. $10.00 charge for extra vehicles & $5.00 charge for over two horses will be waived as long as we prove to clean up after ourselves & cause no harm to the grounds.

Please pay & fill out camping info in small building located at stop sign as you arrive. You can pay by the night if you wish. Make sure yellow tag is clearly visible in vehicle because volunteer that checks up on fees may come by while you're out riding.

Northwest Horse Forum

I got an email today announcing a new horse forum that's starting up in the Seattle area but could potentially reach all through the NW.

It sounds like a great site. Here are the details:

This is a place where horse owners and riders in the Pacific Northwest can connect with each other to talk about everything from locating good hay to finding a riding partner or someone to share a trailer ride. This also is a place where you can talk about competitions and events. This is an opportunity for horse riders to create their own online community as they wish. Folks also can add their own photos with their post.

To register, please go to www.seattletimes.com and click near the top right side of the page at "Your account." Your ID name will be the name you want shown on the posts.

After you register, you'll immediately get an e-mail confirmation. When that shows up, you'll need to confirm your registration on the link sent to you.

Here's the link to the forum: www.seattletimes.com/horseforum

When you get to the forum, you'll need to Login there at the upper right.

The process is pretty quick.

It's great to see more sites and activities for horse enthusiasts in the NW. So ... I'll see ya'll over there!

Tack Sale - Oct. 4 - Woodland

Hey, Just got this on email and thought I'd pass it along. Looks like there will be some great stuff at the sale! Check out the website below for pics and more information.

Lewis River Stables will be hosting a tack/garage sale, Saturday, October 4 from 9-3.
Space is available if you would like to sell anything. Please contact me by phone (360-225-3656) to reserve a spot.

Thank you, Brandi
Lewis River Stables
418 NW Hayes RD Woodland, WA

www.lewisriverstables.org

WDFW seeks nominees for land advisory panel

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.%20wa.gov/

September 25, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Quan,
360-902-2508

WDFW seeks nominees for lands advisory panel

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations for the Land Management Advisory Council (LMAC), a volunteer panel that advises the department on issues regarding the management and use of WDFW lands.

Created in 2002, the 20-member advisory group provides recommendations to WDFW about the department's land management of approximately 900,000 acres located throughout the state. WDFW lands provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife conservation and compatible recreational uses.

"We look to our advisers to provide a broad range of experience and perspectives related to land management," said Jennifer Quan, WDFW lands division manager. "Nominees do not need to be affiliated with an organized group, although we do look for active involvement in land-management issues."

Any group or individual can nominate a candidate for a term on the LMAC, Quan said. Individuals can nominate themselves and current members are encouraged to reapply. Three-year appointments become effective in January 2009.

The LMAC meets up to four times each year, said Quan, noting that advisers are also asked to provide comment on written material between meetings. WDFW will pay travel costs incurred on LMAC business, when requested.

Nominations must be submitted in writing with the following information:

• Nominee's name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
• Nominee's affiliations, if any, and what group will be represented.
• Name and contact information for any organization submitting a nomination.
• Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory council.
• Three professional references.

Nominations must be mailed by November 28 to Jennifer Quan, WDFW Lands Division Manager at 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA., 98501-1091, or sent by email to mailto:quanjlq%40dfw.wa.gov .

For more information, contact Quan at (360) 902-2508.