Washington's weather might be erratic this time of year, but outdoors enthusiasts continue to find a wide range of fishing and wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the state.

Additional areas of Puget Sound are scheduled to open for blackmouth fishing, allowing anglers more opportunities to catch a salmon. Anglers have had some success recently in parts of the north sound area, where Marine Areas 7 and 9 opened on Feb. 1. Four more marine areas, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal, will open for blackmouth fishing Feb. 16.

"A lot of people wait all winter for this opening," said Steve Thiesfeld, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish biologist. "It marks the traditional start of the blackmouth season, and brings saltwater fishing opportunities close to home."

Western Washington's swollen rivers have finally started to subside, giving steelhead anglers another chance to catch some fish. The best bet for steelheaders is probably the Olympic Peninsula, where the streams are dropping into shape and visibility is improving. In Eastern Washington, tributaries to the Snake River are proving to be the best spots for anglers.

Prospects for smelt on the Cowlitz River are looking up. Smelt have now entered the river, and Feb. 11 may be the first opportunity for dippers to get their limit.

A razor clam dig has been tentatively scheduled at all five ocean beaches Feb. 24-26. Final word on the dig will be announced about a week ahead of time, once toxin tests determine whether the clams are still safe to eat.

Birders throughout the state have an opportunity to take part in the ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The count, which takes place Feb.17-20, measures winter bird abundance and distribution across the continent. Sponsors include the National Audubon Society, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and Wild Birds Unlimited.

Here are more fishing and wildlife-viewing opportunities across Washington:

North Puget Sound

• Fishing: A break in the weather, along with a couple marine area openings, should give anglers more opportunities to hook some blackmouth. Marine Areas 7 (San Juan Islands) and 9 (Admiralty Inlet) opened Feb. 1, and have traditionally been two of the better areas for catching blackmouth in Puget Sound. But that doesn't mean Marine Areas 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) has dried up. "Both 8-1 and 8-2 are still kicking out some nice fish," said Steve Thiesfeld, a WDFW fish biologist. "I've also heard that there are some nice fish in 7 and 9, but anglers that have had success in 8-1 and 8-2 should consider sticking with those two areas before moving on."

  Anglers in Marine Areas 7 and 9 have a daily bag limit of one salmon in both areas. Those fishing in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 have a daily limit of two salmon, but wild chinook must be released. Unlike hatchery fish, wild chinook have an intact adipose fin. "With the difference in rules and bag limits, anglers need to decide what area works best for them," Thiesfeld said.

  Creel surveys show that fishers in some areas are doing well. On Feb. 3, four anglers checked in three chinook at the Maple Grove Ramp on Camano Island, while six anglers hauled in two chinook at Camano State Park. South of Camano Island, six anglers accounted for five chinook at the Edmonds Sling on Feb. 5.

  As the weather clears up, so should the area's rivers, allowing anglers more opportunities to catch steelhead. "The Skagit River is dropping down and clearing quickly," said Brett Barkdull, a WDFW fish biologist. "And the catch seems to be shifting to wild steelhead." That's also the situation at some of the other rivers in the region, as the hatchery steelhead season begins to wind down. Wild steelhead, distinguished from hatchery fish by their intact adipose and ventral fins, must be released in the Skagit and other area rivers. For more information, anglers should check the 2005/2006 Fishing in Washington pamphlet.

  On San Juan Island, the third annual Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational, which took place Feb. 2-4, finished in a tie. Jimmie Lawson of Friday Harbor and Jeff Grannum of Whidbey Island each hauled in a 17.8-ounce salmon. The two winning anglers split the first and second place prizes, earning them each $7,500 in cash. Jacob Phillips of Friday Harbor took home $1,500 for finishing third with a 16.11-ounce fish, and Barbara Norozonick of Olympia hauled in a 13.13-ounce fish, good for fourth and $1,000. During the event, 28 fish were caught.

• Hunting: A hotline to report dead or ill trumpeter swans in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties is available through the end of February. The hotline is part of an effort to monitor dead or ill swans that have succumbed to lead poisoning. The public can call (360) 466-4345, ext. 266, and leave a message with their name and phone number, and the location and condition of the swans. The hotline is available 24 hours a day. The swans die of lead poisoning after ingesting lead shot that has been deposited in areas where the birds feed during the winter. Lead shot has been banned for waterfowl hunting in Washington and British Columbia for more than a decade. WDFW, is involved in a study to locate and remove the toxic lead, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the University of Washington, the Trumpeter Swan Society and other non-governmental organizations.

• Wildlife viewing: Birders have an opportunity to take part in the ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The count, which takes place Feb.17-20, measures winter bird abundance and distribution across the continent. Sponsors include the National Audubon Society, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and Wild Birds Unlimited. Last year, volunteers submitted more than 52,000 bird checklists, which included 613 species and more than six million birds. Register for free at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

  It's likely some birders participating in the GBBC will spot a red-tailed hawk, a species that is found year-round throughout most of Washington. One birder reporting to the Tweeters birding website recently sighted a red-tail just west of the Boeing Ponds. But there was a slight difference in this particular hawk: it was partially albino. Partial albinism, which is the lack of pigment in skin or feathers, actually occurs frequently in red-tailed hawks. Complete albinism, however, is rare in most birds.

  Another birder spotted three barn swallows "flying around and catching insects" at the Montlake Fill. Barn swallows have a masked appearance, as the deep blue color of their heads extends through their eyes, according to the Seattle Audubon Society. The birds have an orange breast and belly, and a long, deeply forked tail. Barn swallows are rarely seen during the winter in Washington, often arriving in mid-April.

  Later this month, birders can take part in the first annual Port Susan Snow Goose Birding Festival in the Stanwood and Camano Island areas. The festival is scheduled for Feb. 25-26, and will feature tours and speakers for the experienced and beginning birder. For more information visit http://www.snowgoosefest.org/.

  Orca sightings have been rare. One observer reporting to the Orca Network did spot a pod of transient orcas near Edmonds recently.

South Sound/Olympic Peninsula

• Fishing: Starting Feb. 16, anglers will be able to cover a lot more water in pursuit of blackmouth salmon. Four marine areas around the region will open to salmon fishing that day, including areas 5 (Sekiu), 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 11 (Tacoma-Vashon) and 12 (Hood Canal). The daily limit is one salmon. Chinook must measure at least 22 inches, but there is no size limit for other species of salmon.

  "A lot of people wait all winter for this opening," said Steve Thiesfeld, a WDFW fish biologist. "It marks the traditional start of the blackmouth season, and brings saltwater fishing opportunities close to home."

  It also sets the stage for the Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, which runs Feb. 18-20 this year. The derby, the state's oldest, features $10,000 in prizes and benefits Jefferson County's District No. 5 Volunteer Fire Department. Usually confined to parts of Marine Area 6, boundaries for this year's derby will be expanded to include parts of Marine Area 9, which opened to blackmouth fishing Feb. 1. The expanded area includes such popular fishing spots as Double Bluff, Foul Weather Bluff Mid Channel, Oak Bay and Mats Mats. For more information, call 360-797-7711 or see the derby website.

  "I think we'll see a lot more fish at the derby this year as a result of the expanded area," Thiesfeld said. "There are some good fishing spots in area 9."

  Meanwhile, with river conditions improving and the Super Bowl no longer competing for their attention, steelhead anglers are expected to be out in force in the days ahead. "Things are shaping up nicely for the (Feb. 11-12) weekend," said Mike Gross, a WDFW fish biologist. "The rivers are dropping back into shape and the weather report looks good. It's all about stream flows and visibility." And fish. A creel check over Super Bowl weekend found that 21 anglers fishing on the Bogachiel River caught 22 steelhead, including 16 wild fish - nine of which they released. That was the highest catch rate recorded for the Bogachiel this season.

  The Sol Duc River also could be a good bet in the days ahead, said Gross, noting that it is usually the "last river in the area to drop out of shape and the first to fall back in." Twenty anglers caught eight steelhead - releasing four of them - during the Feb. 3-5 creel check, but catch rates should increase as flows decrease and visibility improves, Gross said. Aside from some nice steelhead, at least one early chinook salmon has also been caught - and released - in the Sol Duc in recent days. Starting March 1, anglers can keep up to two marked adult chinook caught below the Sol Duc Hatchery and on the Quillayute River.

  Farther south, steelhead plunkers had begun to return to the Wynoochee River even before the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl, said Rick Ereth, another WDFW fish biologist. Jet sleds followed a day or two later. "The water is still running pretty high, but I know some people have been catching fish," he said. Like Gross, Ereth said he expects to see fishing in rivers throughout the area improve as flows continue to drop.

  With wild fish now predominant, Ereth reminded anglers that retention of wild steelhead is currently limited to the Bogachiel, Calawah, Clearwater, Dickey, Goodman, Hoh, Hoko, Pysht, Quillayute, Quinault or Sol Duc rivers. Elsewhere, they must be released. Only one wild steelhead may be retained per licensing year (April 1-March 31). Wild steelhead can be distinguished from hatchery fish by their intact adipose and ventral fins.

  Can you dig it? WDFW has tentatively scheduled a razor clam dig on evening tides at all five ocean beaches Feb. 24-26. Final word on the dig will be announced about a week ahead of time, once toxin tests determine whether the clams are still safe to eat. The five beaches tentatively scheduled to open are Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch. Evening low tides during the three-day dig are 3:43 p.m., 4:37 p.m. and 5:25 p.m. respectively. For updates, check WDFW's website (http://wdfw.wa.gov) or call the toll-free Shellfish Hotline (866-880-5431).

• Wildlife viewing: One of the great things about bird watching is that it doesn't require a lot of fancy gear to get started. A decent pair of binoculars is a plus, but thousands of birders are perfectly content to observe avian comings and goings with the naked eye in their own backyards. Either way, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), scheduled Feb.17-20, provides bird watchers of all kinds a chance to contribute their observations to a database that helps scientists keep tabs on avian trends throughout North America.

  Participants are invited to count birds for 15 minutes or all weekend, and enter results online. GBBC sponsors are offering awards to communities that submit the most checklists, the most species, and the most birds overall. For more information and free registration, see http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc on the Internet.

  Those interested in sighting a red-shouldered hawk - for the GBBC or otherwise - might do well to stop by Independence or Van Dyke roads in southwest Thurston County. Several people saw the hawk there during SuperBowl weekend and reported their sightings on the Tweeters birding website. The red-shouldered hawk, a large raptor with red-brown shoulders, is fairly rare in Washington and has drawn a fair amount of attention in recent days. One observer watched it swoop down on a rodent in an open field near Independence Road and carry it off. Others remarked on its coloring and distinctive call - "kee-yer."

  One birder also reported seeing three or four red-tailed hawks, which are more common here than the red-shouldered variety and lack its reddish coloring and white-barred tail. Other birds sighted in the area include a northern harrier, a Cooper's hawk, two adult bald eagles, an American kestrel and a dozen morning doves.

Southwest Washington:

• Fishing: All the signs point to Saturday, Feb. 11 as the season's first real day of smelt dipping in the Cowlitz River. A week earlier, WDFW confirmed the first report of smelt - eight of them - being taken from the river. Since then, cormorants, seagulls and seals have been gathering near the mouth in increasing numbers as the swollen river began dropping into shape after the recent rains. "We can't make any guarantees, but the prospects for getting smelt this Saturday are looking good," said Joe Hymer, WDFW fish biologist.

  The recreational smelt fishery in the Cowlitz River is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays only, with a 10-pound daily limit. "That's about a quarter of a bucket," Hymer said. No other tributaries are open to smelt dipping, but the mainstem Columbia River is open seven days per week, 24-hours a day, with a 25-pound daily limit. Weekly updates on the smelt fishery are posted on WDFW's website; additional information can be found on angler websites such as http://gamefishin.com and http://ifish.net/forum/.

  Anglers fishing for steelhead also have cause for optimism as stream flows subside throughout the area. Of the 10 anglers interviewed on the Cowlitz River during the week leading up to the Super Bowl, only one had caught a fish. "That will likely improve as the Cowlitz and other area rivers drop back into shape," Hymer said. The Cowlitz and the Kalama rivers will probably take some time to recover from the recent deluge, but they are the rivers in the area with late-run hatchery stocks. "You may get more action on other rivers in southwest Washington right now, but you'll mostly encounter unmarked, wild fish that have to be released," he said. "If you want to catch and keep steelhead, the Cowlitz and Kalama rivers are your best bet, because they have those late-running hatchery stocks."

  Only a handful of anglers were counted on the lower Columbia River during a flyover Feb. 1 in heavy rain. However, a few boat anglers were catching steelhead in the Bonneville Pool, and the 15 anglers fishing The Dalles Pool averaged nearly one steelhead per rod - counting the eight wild fish they released. Sturgeon anglers fishing the The Dalles Pool, the Bonneville Pool and the lower Columbia started off the month catching and releasing dozens of sub-legal fish, but took few legal-sized sturgeon for their efforts.

  Since Jan. 23, Tacoma Power employees have recycled more than 150 winter-run steelhead intercepted at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery into area waters, releasing 58 into the upper Cowlitz River at Lake Scanewa Day Use Park, 23 into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton, 48 near the Olequa boat launch and 34 downstream to the Interstate-5 boat launch.

• Wildlife viewing: Whether you're headed to a wildlife refuge or just plan to spend the weekend at home, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a great way to hone your birding skills while contributing to the understanding of avian trends throughout North America. The GBBC invites birders of all levels to report any sightings they make Feb.17-20 by entering them online. Sponsors are offering awards to communities that submit the most checklists, the most species, and the most birds overall. For more information and free registration, see http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc on the Internet.

  Meanwhile, reports are already coming in about sea lions in the Columbia River. By the start of this month, more than 50 adult pinnipeds could be seen at the east jetty in Astoria, while others were reported farther upriver - some hauled out on navigational buoys. A much larger group, numbering at least several hundred animals, has been congregating around the river mouth, said Steve Jeffries, a WDFW research scientist specializing in marine mammals.

  "It's that time of year again," Jeffries said. "They start arriving in large numbers to feed on smelt and spring chinook, then move on to later runs." By May, Jeffries said he expects to see around 400 California sea lions and nearly 1,000 Steller sea lions in the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam.

  Jeffries noted that the Army Corps of Engineers installed metal racks at the dam last summer to prevent sea lions from entering the fishways while allowing fish to pass. Like last year, WDFW plans to join with the Corps, NOAA-Fisheries and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to "haze" sea lions away from vulnerable salmon congregated near the dam.

  Because sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, anglers - like government agencies - are limited in terms of the methods they can use to keep sea lions away from migrating salmon, said Jeffries, noting that killing or injuring a sea lion is a violation of federal law. Anglers can, however, use noise-making devices and firecrackers ("seal bombs") to protect their catch. "But when it gets right down to it, you don't want to face off with a sea lion," Jeffries said. "They are very large, powerful animals."

Eastern Washington:

• Fishing: Local tributaries of the Snake River are in excellent condition for steelhead fishing, with water more clear, reports WDFW fish biologist Joe Bumgarner of Dayton. Anglers are averaging just two-and-a-half hours per steelhead on the Tucannon River, just over three hours per fish on the Walla Walla and about five hours per fish on the Touchet River, according to Bumgarner's latest creel survey. The full report, which includes stretches of the mainstem Snake River, is posted on the WDFW website.

  Southeast Washington anglers preparing to fish for rainbow trout in the Tucannon River impoundments when the season opens there March 1 need to remember that travel and camping is restricted in the area while post-wildfire helicopter salvage logging is under way. The lower campgrounds near some of the fishing impoundments on WDFW's Wooten Wildlife Area should be open, but some of the upper campgrounds might not be available by March 1. Updated access information is posted regularly on the Wooten webpage of WDFW's website and on the area headquarters phone message system (509-843-1530) and on-site kiosk.

  Farther north in the region, Whitman County's Rock Lake continues to produce nice brown trout. Winter season lakes in the central district - Fourth of July on the Lincoln-Adams county line and Hog Canyon in Spokane County - are providing open water fishing for rainbows. Lake Roosevelt's kokanee and rainbow trout are a good bet for both boat and bank fishers. WDFW fish biologist Curt Vail of Colville reports Stevens County winter lakes have "ambiguous" ice conditions - warm daytime temperatures followed by freezing nights are leaving water surfaces unsafe. "Williams Lake has one-inch ice spots and areas thicker," he said, "but knowing which is where would be a challenge. Visually the ice surface is lumpy and hard to judge." Vail said Hatch Lake has the same conditions, but mostly has only very small yellow perch anyway, which is why it was not stocked with trout this year.

• Hunting: Only general hunting seasons for small game - bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare - remain open through March 15. Hunters afield in the Blue Mountains area of the southeast are reminded that travel and camping restrictions are in effect on WDFW's Wooten Wildlife Area where post-wildfire helicopter salvage logging operations are under way. Updated access information is posted regularly on the Wooten webpage of WDFW's website and on the area headquarters phone message system (509-843-1530) and on-site kiosk.

  Spring black bear hunt applications are available now and must be submitted by March 13; the season runs April 15 - May 31, with 105 total permits in seven Blue Mountains game management units. See the Big Game Hunting Regulations pamphlet for all details.

• Wildlife viewing: Despite warmer-than-normal daytime temperatures, lack of snow in many areas, and growing daylight hours, it's still winter in this region. And that means it can still be a critical time for wildlife struggling to survive. Collectors of deer and elk shed antlers are reminded to avoid disturbing animals in their quest for those treasures.

  Birders are starting to see new visitors at backyard feeders, as longer days start to move some species into and out of the area. Evening grosbeaks, spotted towhees, red crossbills, song sparrows, American robins, and red-winged blackbirds are on the move in some places. The ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb.17-20, is a great way to get into the sport of birdwatching and contribute to a continent-wide scientific database. Register free at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc, count birds in your backyard or public land for 15 minutes or all weekend, and enter results online.

  People heading to campgrounds on WDFW's Wooten Wildlife Area in Columbia County need to remember that travel and camping is restricted in the area while post-wildfire helicopter salvage logging is under way. Updated access information is posted regularly on the Wooten webpage of WDFW's website and on the area headquarters phone message system (509-843-1530) and on-site kiosk.

North Central Washington:

• Fishing: WDFW fish biologist Art Viola of Wenatchee reports that steelhead fishing remains slow on the Columbia River from Rocky Reach Dam to Wells Dam. "A few anglers are attempting to catch whitefish on the Wenatchee River, but with little success," he said. "A few folks are also attempting to catch walleye in the Columbia River near Wenatchee and just below Wells Dam, but I'm not sure how well they're doing." Viola also noted that ice conditions are unsafe at Fish and Roses lakes, popular through the winter for rainbow trout.

  Since Feb. 1, anglers have been allowed to keep adipose fin-clipped steelhead bearing disk tags in areas of the Columbia, Okanogan, Similkameen and Methow rivers that are currently open to steelhead fishing. The disk tags were applied to steelhead during run size determination and fish sampling operations at Priest Rapids Dam, and the fin-clipped hatchery-origin fish are no longer needed for monitoring purposes. WDFW fish biologist Bob Jateff of Omak reminds steelheaders that the section of the Okanogan River from the Highway 97 Bridge at Omak to 500 feet above the mouth of Omak Creek closes March 1. Jateff also alerts fishers that, although the steelhead season on the Upper Columbia River is scheduled to end March 31, an earlier closure could be announced if the catch reaches a level that impacts wild fish. Watch WDFW's Fishing Regulation Changes on the website for news.

  Jateff will be on hand at the Northwest Ice Fishing Festival Feb. 19 at Sidley Lake near Molson in Okanogan County. The event includes fishing contests for adults for a $10 fee and kids under 14 years for $5. Fishing runs from 8 a.m. to a 4 p.m., followed by judging and an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, the festival also includes a pancake breakfast, sled dog demonstrations, music, games, and spaghetti dinner by Sitzmark Ski Area volunteers. Registration starts at 7 a.m. at the Molson Grange Hall. Contact Robin Stice, volunteer coordinator, 509-485-4002, for more information.

• Hunting: Only general hunting seasons for small game - bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare - remain open at this time through March 15.

• Wildlife viewing: Heavy snow in the Methow Valley of Okanogan County is causing significant winter mortality on mule deer, reports WDFW district wildlife biologist Scott Fitkin of Winthrop. "And that means we have lots of scavenging eagles, both bald and golden," he said. "Viewing opportunities for these raptors, which are sometimes in large groups, is excellent right now, mostly from Winthrop south in the watershed."

  Another good way to view eagles and other birds at this time of year is on a bus tour or field trip during the fifth annual Grand Coulee Balde Eagle Festival, Feb. 17-19. The festival celebrates the 300-plus bald eagles that winter in the area, including a major roosting site along the south wall of Northrup Canyon, a part of Steamboat Rock State Park. WDFW and Washington Department of Parks and Recreation have jointly developed an eagle viewing site there, including a foot trail and two small parking lots along the road to Northrup Canyon off state highway 155, about seven miles south of Grand Coulee. Visitors should bring binoculars and be prepared for winter weather. For festival registration and more information, see their website.

  Okanogan County's snow accumulation has WDFW enforcement officers busy responding to complaints of deer-chasing dogs. WDFW Sergeant Jim Brown of Okanogan reminds dog owners to control dogs or be cited for creating a public nuisance. He notes that officers have encountered several shed-antler hunters and have encouraged them to avoid disturbing deer in their quests.

  It may be wintery in the north district of the region, but the Columbia Basin is showing signs of coming spring. Red-winged and tri-colored blackbirds have already been spotted by birders at several Basin locations, and a Say's phoebe was noted on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge along Morgan Lake Road. That may be the news that winter-weary birders need to get excited about the ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb.17-20, especially since awards will be made to communities that report the most species and overall birds this year. The GBBC is also a great way for novices to get into birding and contribute to a continent-wide scientific database. Register free at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc, count birds in your backyard or public land for 15 minutes or all weekend and enter results online.

South Central Washington:

• Fishing: Fishing in the area is slow at this time of year, even though whitefish is open here and there and rainbow trout lakes remain open year-round, says WDFW fish biologist Jim Cummins. But just in time to beat the winter doldrums is the 17th annual Central Washington Sportsmen Show, Feb. 17-19, at the Yakima Valley SunDome (center of the Central Washington State Fairgrounds between Nob Hill Road and Pacific Avenue, and Fair Avenue and 18th Street in Yakima). The show offers an opportunity to see the latest in outdoor gear from fishing lures to boats. Also on the program are guides and lodges from all over the Northwest, an outdoor cooking camp, fishing seminars, a fly-casting pool, fly-tying demonstrations, a "trout bobbing" contest and kids' activities. Show hours are Friday 1-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. One-time admission for all three days is $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids six to 12 years (with kids under six free.) Seniors 60 years of age and older are $3.50 on Friday, and Sunday families of two adults and two children are $17.

  Since Feb.1, anglers have been allowed to retain adipose fin-clipped steelhead bearing disk tags in the Columbia River from the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to the Old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers upstream of Ringold Hatchery. Disk tags were applied to steelhead during run size determination and fish sampling operations at Priest Rapids Dam. The disk tagged adipose fin-clipped hatchery-origin fish are no longer needed for monitoring purposes.

• Hunting: Only general hunting seasons for small game - bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare - remain open at this time through March 15. For those who have already stowed hunting equipment for the season, this is the time to get ideas for next time around at the 17th annual Central Washington Sportsmen Show, Feb. 17-19, at the Yakima Valley SunDome (center of the Central Washington State Fairgrounds between Nob Hill Road and Pacific Avenue, and Fair Avenue and 18th Street in Yakima). The show hosts vendors of outdoor gear from shotgun shells to wall tents, guides and lodges from all over the Northwest and many special attractions, including archery demonstrations, a horn and antler competition, an outdoor cooking camp and kids' activities. Show hours are Friday 1-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. One-time admission for all three days is $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids six to 12 years (with kids under six free.) Seniors 60 years of age and older are $3.50 on Friday, and Sunday families of two adults and two children are $17.

• Wildlife Viewing: WDFW Oak Creek Wildlife Area manager John McGowan says he will likely be feeding elk and bighorn sheep through the month. Elk are fed at 1:30 pm daily at the headquarters site on Highway 12 northwest of Yakima, and sheep are fed at the Cleman Mountain site near Naches in the morning. Information about the feeding and the animals is available from the Wildlife Education Corp volunteers 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the headquarters visitor center. Truck tours through the feeding elk herd at the headquarters site are available throughout most Saturdays and Sundays, or by pre-registration with a minimum of 48 hours notice by calling 509-698-5106. McGowan notes that the tours are supported by donations only, and suggests $5 per person.

  With deer and elk shedding antlers now, antler collectors are out in force. McGowan reminds "shed hunters" that Oak Creek has several road closures in place now to restrict activities that disturb elk and deer in late winter. Oak Creek, Bethel Ridge, Sandford Pasture, and Mud Lake road systems are all closed to use through April 30.

  McGowan also reports that numerous bald and golden eagles are visible in the Oak Creek vicinity, feeding on winter-killed deer, elk, sheep and other carcasses along the rocky cliffs. The ninth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb.17-20, is a great way to get into the sport of birdwatching and contribute to a continent-wide scientific database. Register free at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc, count birds in your backyard or public land for 15 minutes or all weekend, and enter results online.