Get out there

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

November 12-25, 2008

Contact: (Fish) 360-902-2700
(Wildlife) 360-902-2515


Thanksgiving turkey? How about
duck, venison, salmon, clams or crab?

General turkey-hunting seasons are closed for the year, but hunters and anglers still have plenty of opportunities to contribute to the Thanksgiving Day feast in the days ahead.

The late buck season - already under way in Eastern Washington - gets started tomorrow (Nov. 13) on the west side of the Cascades for deer hunters using modern firearms. Conditions are looking good for those hunters, as well as for archers and muzzleloaders who will take to the field later this month, said Dave Ware, game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

"The high winds and rain that are blowing through the state have cleared a lot of leaves from the trees, which should improve hunters’ visibility," Ware said, adding that the recent blustery weather could also improve waterfowl hunting. "With these conditions, however, hunters should check the weather reports and avoid flooded areas that could be potentially dangerous."

While seafood may be less traditional Thanksgiving fare, it certainly is in season. The chum salmon return is nearing its peak in rivers and streams throughout Puget Sound, while the winter steelhead fishery in western Washington is just getting started.

Rather serve shellfish? Crab fisheries are open seven days a week in several areas of Puget Sound, and WDFW has scheduled a razor-clam dig on ocean beaches Nov. 13-16.