Young hunters will take to the field Sept. 22-23 for a special game-bird season that traditionally marks the start of hunting opportunities for waterfowl, pheasant, quail and partridge around the state. Now in its ninth year, the special youth-only season is open to hunters under age 16 who are accompanied by an adult. The adult is not allowed to hunt during the special youth season.

"The special youth season was created to give young people a chance to develop their hunting skills under the supervision of an adult," said Mick Cope, upland game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). "That experience is invaluable both for new hunters and for the future of hunting in our state."

For that reason, WDFW has joined forces with the Washington Waterfowl Association, Pheasants Forever and other hunting organizations to arrange adult mentors for young people who want to hunt but don't have anyone to teach them. Young people 16 or under, or their parents, can get more information about this program by calling WDFW at (360) 902-2515.

Cope noted that this year's start of the special youth hunt on Sept. 22 coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, created by Congress in 1971 to promote outdoor sports and conservation. "Given that the youth hunt is designed to foster a new generation of responsible hunters, it's fitting that these events should fall on the same day this year," he said.

Other key dates for hunters in the days ahead include:

• Sept. 21: Early archery season for elk ends statewide.
• Sept. 24-28: Special pheasant hunt for hunters 65 and older in western Washington.
• Sept. 29: General pheasant-hunting season begins in western Washington.
• Sept. 30: Early archery season for deer ends in most areas of the state.
• Oct. 6: General hunt begins for quail and bobwhite statewide and for chukar and gray partridge in eastern Washington.
• Oct. 13: General hunting seasons for ducks and geese get under way in most areas, although goose hunting will remain closed until Nov. 10 in management area 2A in southwest Washington.
• Oct. 6-12: Early muzzleloader season for deer and elk runs in selected game management units statewide.
• Oct. 13: Deer-hunting season with modern firearms begins in selected game management units statewide.

Before heading out, hunters are advised to check WDFW's Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/water.htm) or the Big Game Hunting pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm) for area-specific regulations.

Anglers, meanwhile, should be aware that catch rates for coho salmon are picking up from northern Puget Sound to the lower Columbia River, and that nearly a dozen rivers and streams on the Olympic Peninsula will open to salmon fishing Oct. 1.

For more information about hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing opportunities available throughout the state, see the regional reports below:

North Puget Sound

• Fishing: Saltwater anglers are finding an increasing number of coho salmon throughout the region, likely signaling the arrival of a big push of ocean silvers into Puget Sound. Meanwhile, freshwater anglers on Lake Sammamish have had some success fishing for chinook, and the Stillaguamish River remains one of the top spots to cast for pinks.

  But the best bet for salmon anglers waiting for that flood of ocean coho is the marine areas of Puget Sound. "We're just starting to see a rise in the number of coho caught in central Puget Sound," said Doug Milward, a fish biologist for WDFW. "During a recent creel check, anglers in the Shilshole area averaged almost a fish per person. That's good fishing, and hopefully it will continue over the next few weeks."

  Point No Point, Jefferson Head and Possession Bar should be good spots to hook ocean coho, said Milward. Anglers fishing those areas, or other waters of marine areas 9 (Admiralty Inlet) and 10 (Seattle/Bremerton), through Sept. 30 have a daily limit of two salmon, plus two additional pink salmon, and must release chinook. Chum salmon also must be released in Marine Area 9 through Sept. 30.

  Milward reminds anglers that regulations in marine areas 9 and 10 change beginning Oct. 1, when anglers will have a daily limit of two salmon and must release chinook.

  Meanwhile, crabbing in the region is still an option, but only one marine area remains open and for a limited time. The eastern and northern portions of Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) are open for crab Wednesday through Saturday each week through Sept. 29. See WDFW's sport-crabbing website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crab/ for more details on the fishery.

  In the freshwater, pink salmon fishing has been "red hot" recently for anglers on the Stillaguamish River, said Kirt Hughes, another fish biologist for WDFW. "Anglers have been landing pinks left and right," he said. "Even if it has slowed down a bit, the Stillaguamish should continue to provide a great fishing opportunity."

  Anglers fishing the Stillaguamish River have a daily limit of two salmon, plus two additional pink salmon, but must release all chinook.

  Elsewhere, anglers fishing on Lake Sammamish are finding some chinook salmon. An abundant return of chinook to the Issaquah Hatchery this year has made for pretty good fishing in the lake, where anglers have a daily limit of two salmon measuring at least 12 inches. All sockeye must be released, and salmon fishing is closed within 100 yards of the mouth of Issaquah Creek.

  Lake Washington also is open for salmon. Anglers have a daily limit of two coho per day (minimum size 12 inches) from waters north of the Highway 520 Bridge and east of the Montlake Bridge. Chinook salmon must be released.

  Before heading out, anglers should check the rules and regulations for all freshwater and saltwater fisheries in WDFW's Fishing in Washington pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm).

• Hunting: Hunters under the age of 16 will go afield for ducks, geese and pheasants during a special youth hunt Sept. 22-23. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult - at least 18 years old - who is not hunting. Hunters of all ages can hunt pheasants beginning Sept. 29, when the westside general hunt gets started.

  Meanwhile, the early archery season for deer in select western Washington Game Management Units wraps up Sept. 30, while the early archery season for elk closes Sept. 21. However, early muzzleloader seasons in select units for deer and elk are just around the corner. Those hunts get started Oct. 6.

  Bear and cougar hunting seasons also continue in the region. Hunters are allowed two cougar during the season, which runs through March 15, 2008. Hunters are also allowed two bear during the 2007 general season (Aug. 1-Nov. 15), but only one bear can be taken in eastern Washington.

  Before going afield, hunters should check the Big Game Hunting pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm) and the Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/water.htm) for details.

  Beginning hunters are advised that WDFW is now accepting applications from those seeking to defer state hunter-education requirements and hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter. The new deferral option, authorized by the 2007 Legislature, allows hunters to qualify for a once-in-a-lifetime, one-year deferral of hunter-education classes and hunt with an adult who has been licensed to hunt in Washington state for at least three years. Beginning hunters who qualify can use the one-time deferral option during the current licensing season or in upcoming seasons.

  More information and application forms for the new deferral option are available on WDFW's website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/basichuntered.htm#deferral) or can be obtained by calling the department's hunter education division at (360) 902-8111.

• Wildlife viewing: Birders in the region have been flocking to Skagit County recently with hopes of spotting a few buff-breasted sandpipers. About four or five of the birds, which are rarely seen in most of Washington, have been sighted on Fir Island near Maupin Road, just south of Rawlins Road. In addition, one birder spotted a couple buff-breasted sandpipers along Sullivan Road on Samish Island. While the birds are uncommon visitors to Skagit County, juvenile buff-breasted sandpipers have been seen in the Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay areas this time of year.

  Elsewhere, a birder at Marymoor Park in Redmond recently sighted a number of different species, including a pileated woodpecker, a red-breasted sapsucker, a couple of green herons, a black-headed grosbeak, a Lincoln's sparrow and a couple of western tanagers.

South Sound/Olympic Peninsula

• Fishing: Now that salmon fishing has closed in most ocean areas, anglers can focus on the coho fishery heating up along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Salmon anglers can also look forward to the opening of several area rivers in the coming weeks.

  While most coastal salmon fisheries north of Leadbetter Point closed in mid-September, a portion of Marine Area 3 (LaPush) will be open daily Sept. 22 through Oct. 7 for a late-season fishery targeting coho and chinook salmon returning to the Quillayute River system.

  "The La Push fishery is very popular," said Wendy Beeghley, WDFW fish biologist. "There's still fish out there and judging from this year's overall results, anglers should be successful."

  The La Push Last Chance Salmon Derby will take place on Sept. 29 and 30 and features $4,300 in prizes, including $1,000 each for the top coho and chinook. For more information, call 360-374-2531 or send an email to info@forkswa.com.

  Anglers are reminded to review WDFW's 2007/2008 Fishing in Washington pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm) for details on boundaries and regulations.

  On the south coast, Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) is open for salmon fishing until Sept. 30. In Marine Area 2, Grays Harbor will be open Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Anglers can keep one chinook and one wild adult coho as part of their two-fish daily limit. Willapa Bay will remain open for salmon fishing through Jan. 31.

  Meanwhile, the non-selective coho fishery currently under way in Marine Area 5 (Sekiu) is proving productive for area anglers. "This is a classic hook-nose coho fishery and anglers should be catching some bigger fish," said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW fish biologist. Over the Sept. 15-16 weekend, more than 800 anglers fishing near Sekiu averaged nearly one fish per rod.

  While the salmon fishery off Sekiu closes Sept. 30, a non-selective fishery for coho and chinook will open Oct. 1 in Marine Area 6 (Port Angeles). The fishery is open through Oct. 31 with a daily limit of two fish (combined). Only one chinook can be retained.

  Also in October, anglers in Marine Area 11 (Vashon Island to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge) will be allowed to retain wild chinook. Anglers in Marine Area 13 may also retain wild chinook, but must release all wild coho.

  Additional opportunities for fall fishing will become available in October when several area rivers open for salmon fishing, said Hal Michael, WDFW fish biologist. "Now's the time when river fishing picks up as coho leave the saltwater and begin to enter the streams," he said.

  Rivers open for salmon fishing Oct. 1 include the Chehalis, Elk, Hoquiam, Humptulips, Johns, Satsop, Wishkah and Wynoochee in Grays Harbor County; Kennedy Creek (upriver to the Highway 101 bridge) in Thurston County; the Nemah River in Pacific County; and the Skokomish River in Mason County.

  Many of these rivers are open to coho fishing only and anglers are advised to check WDFW's 2007/2008 Fishing in Washington pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm) for rules applicable to specific rivers.

• Hunting: Young hunters will take to the field Sept. 22-23 for a special statewide hunt in advance of adult seasons for ducks, coot, geese and pheasant. To qualify, hunters must be younger than 16 years old and be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, who is not hunting. All other hunting rules apply. The special youth season is followed by a special pheasant-hunting season Sept. 24-28 for hunters age 65 and older.

  Meanwhile, the early archery season for elk runs through Sept. 21 and continues through Sept. 30 for deer. The statewide season for band-tailed pigeon ends Sept. 23, but the hunt for forest grouse continues through the end of the year. Muzzleloaders are next up, with general seasons for both deer and elk running Oct. 6-12 in western Washington. Hunters are advised to check the Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm) for rules specific to regional game management units.

  Beginning hunters are advised that WDFW is now accepting applications from those seeking to defer state hunter-education requirements and hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter. The new deferral option, authorized by the 2007 Legislature, allows hunters to qualify for a once-in-a-lifetime, one-year deferral of hunter-education classes and hunt with an adult who has been licensed to hunt in Washington state for at least three years. Beginning hunters who qualify can use the one-time deferral option during the current licensing season or in upcoming seasons.

  More information and application forms for the new deferral option are available on WDFW's website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/basichuntered.htm#deferral) or can be obtained by calling the department's hunter education division at (360) 902-8111.

• Wildlife viewing: For variety and number of birds, fall is the time to visit the coast for some exceptional bird watching. As noted on Tweeters, the birding website, "the changing of the guard is in full swing." Tweeters is available online at (http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/TWET.html).

  From Willapa Bay to Ocean Shores, birders have observed a steady stream of sooty shearwaters, snowy, golden and semi-palmated plovers, a rare Lapland longspur, black-legged kittiwakes, a streaked horned lark, marbled godwits, willets, double-crested cormorants, surf scoters, red-necked phalarope and brown pelicans.

  Keen observers are finding mew, Heermann's, California, Bonaparte's, herring and glaucous-winged gulls, as well as Baird's, pectoral, buff-breasted, least and spotted sandpipers. More than 20 sand hill cranes have been sighted along with several gadwalls, red-throated loons, grebes, dowitchers, common terns, ruddy and black turnstones, greater and lesser yellowlegs, dunlins, one green heron, and a couple great egrets.

  Other waterfowl included blue- and green-winged teal, northern pintail, northern shoveler, American wigeon, harlequin ducks, hooded mergansers and Caspian terns. As for raptors, observers noted northern harriers, peregrine falcons, sharp-shinned hawks, merlins, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and turkey vultures.

Southwest Washington:

UPDATE (9/24/07) Effective Sept. 21, anglers are required to release any chinook salmon they encounter Cowlitz, Lewis, North Fork Lewis, Elochoman, Toutle, North Fork Toutle, Green (in Cowlitz County), Kalama and Washougal rivers, including Camas Slough. However, anglers may again retain chinook salmon caught in the Columbia River from the Hood River Bridge to the 395 Bridge.

• Fishing: After today (Sept. 19), anglers will be required to release any chinook salmon they encounter from the mouth of the Columbia River upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco. Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon approved the new non-retention rule - which took effect Sept. 18 below Bonneville Dam - in response to low numbers of upriver bright chinook counted at the dam through mid-September.

  The new rule will be in effect for the remainder of the season to help conserve upriver brights moving up the mainstem Columbia River, said Cindy LeFleur, WDFW Columbia River policy advisor.

  "In-season data indicates the upriver bright return will be even lower than expected this year," said LeFleur, noting that the official run forecast has now been reduced to 105,000 fish from the 185,200 estimated pre-season. "Given what we know, we couldn't allow the retention fishery to continue any longer this season."

  But anglers still have options for salmon and steelhead fishing in the Columbia River and its tributaries, LeFleur. The new regulations do not affect coho fisheries in the Columbia River and - at least for now - anglers can still retain chinook salmon they catch in the tributaries, she said.

  "Biologists are still assessing chinook returns to the lower Columbia tributaries," LeFleur said. She recommended that anglers keep an eye on the department's website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/) or check the Fishing Hotline (360-902-2500) if they're planning a trip to area tributaries feeding into the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam.

  On the Cowlitz River, hatchery coho - not chinook - accounted for most of the action during the second week of September, Joe Hymer, WDFW fish biologist. The 89 bank anglers surveyed that week caught and kept 75 hatchery adults, along with five adult chinook salmon. Hymer reminds anglers that there is a six-fish bag limit for adult hatchery coho on the Cowlitz.

  Also productive that week was the north fork of the Lewis River, where 109 bank anglers caught 30 adult coho (releasing 11 of them), along with two hatchery steelhead. The 27 boat anglers surveyed on the North Fork that week caught and kept nine chinook and six adult coho. Anglers can retain up to four adult hatchery coho per day on the North Fork Lewis, Grays, Deep, Elochoman, Kalama, and Toutle rivers.

  "The best fishing usually follows the heels of a good rain," said Hymer, noting that some anglers should trek to the Grays and Elochoman rivers. Anglers looking for chinook might want to try the Washougal River rather than Lacamas Creek, which is now closed to all fishing. Earlier this month, a release of water from Lacamas Lake Dam attracted a large number of fall chinook into the stream along with an influx of anglers, some of whom were found to be fishing illegally. As a result, Lacamas Creek has been closed to all fishing until further notice.

  Farther east, boat anglers have been catching some coho on the Wind and White Salmon rivers and Drano Lake, although steelhead catching have been declining rapidly as thousands of fish move past The Dalles Dam. Coho anglers throughout the lower Columbia River Basin should expect a "transition period" as early-run stocks make way for late-run fish in early to late October, said Hymer, noting that most of those late-run fish will be heading to the Cowlitz, Lewis and Klickitat rivers.

  "We're not expecting a huge run of late-run coho this year, but anglers will know them when they see them," Hymer said. "These are bright fish, often weighing eight pounds or more."

  For bank anglers hoping to take home a sturgeon, the area just below Bonneville Dam is still the place to be. In a recent creel survey, 151 bank anglers caught 17 legal-sized fish in that area. Farther downstream, 37 boat anglers took five legal-sized sturgeon in the Camas-Washougal area, where four others caught 10 walleye including one that weighed a whopping 17 pounds.

  Time is running out for anglers thinking about fishing Mineral Lake one more time this season. Mineral is set to close Sept. 30. Swift Reservoir, open through October, can be a good place to catch rainbows in the fall, although low water may complicate launching a boat. Another option is to head to high mountain lakes. Pesky mosquitoes should be tapering off with the cooler, moist weather while trout are fattening up in preparation for winter.

  Want to catch some hatchery sea-run cutthroat trout? Hymer says Blue Creek downstream on the Cowlitz is the place to be.

• Hunting: Young hunters will take to the field Sept. 22-23 for a special statewide hunt in advance of adult seasons for ducks, coot, geese and pheasant. To qualify, hunters must be younger than 16 years old and be accompanied by an adult, age 18 or older, who is not hunting. All other hunting rules apply. The special youth season is followed by a special pheasant-hunting season Sept. 24-28 for hunters age 65 and older.

  Meanwhile, the early archery season for elk runs through Sept. 21 and continues through Sept. 30 for deer. The statewide season for band-tailed pigeon ends Sept. 23, but the hunt for forest grouse continues through the end of the year. Muzzleloaders are next up, with general seasons for both deer and elk running Oct. 6-12 in western Washington. Hunters are advised to check the Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm) for rules specific to regional game management units.

  Beginning hunters are advised that WDFW is now accepting applications from those seeking to defer state hunter-education requirements and hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter. The new deferral option, authorized by the 2007 Legislature, allows hunters to qualify for a once-in-a-lifetime, one-year deferral of hunter-education classes and hunt with an adult who has been licensed to hunt in Washington state for at least three years. Beginning hunters who qualify can use the one-time deferral option during the current licensing season or in upcoming seasons.

  More information and application forms for the new deferral option are available on WDFW's website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/basichuntered.htm#deferral) or can be obtained by calling the department's hunter education division at (360) 902-8111.

• Wildlife viewing: Two of the state's most majestic migratory bird species are now gathering in the lower Columbia River wetlands as fall migration shifts into high gear. Birders have been reporting increasing numbers of great egrets at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, where they have also heard the unmistakable trumpeting ("garoo-a-a-a") of sandhill cranes.

  Standing up to four feet tall with a wingspan of six feet, sandhill cranes are the larger of the two birds. But egrets, three feet tall with white plumage, also make quite an impression. In recent years, both species have been found in increasing numbers during the "fall roost" at the mouth of the Columbia, and a growing number are choosing to stay through the winter.

  Egrets and sandhill cranes are just two of the many species of birds that will be on display at BirdFest and Bluegrass 2007, scheduled Oct. 13-14 at the wildlife refuge. Sponsored by the Friends of the Refuge, the festival features guided bird walks, kayak trips, children's activities and live bluegrass music. All proceeds go to benefit the refuge. For more information, see www.ridgfieldfriends.org or call (360) 887-9495.

Eastern Washington:

• Fishing: Now is the time to fish several of the region's best trout fishing lakes - not only because changing weather conditions usually mean catching is good, but also because they close Sept. 30. Badger and Williams lakes in southwest Spokane County have been producing good catches of rainbows and cutthroat throughout the five-month season. West Medical Lake in southwest Spokane County and Fishtrap Lake on the Lincoln-Spokane county line have also been excellent for rainbows, including stocked triploids and broodstock. Amber Lake, near Badger in Spokane County, has provided some of the biggest trout, although it shifts to a two-month-long, catch-and-release season after Sept. 30.

  Also closing at midnight Sept. 30 are Fan Lake in Pend Oreille County, Liberty Lake in eastern Spokane County, and Downs, Fish and North Silver lakes in southwest Spokane County.

  Sprague Lake, on the Lincoln-Adams county line, is normally open year-round, but will close Oct. 1 until further notice so that WDFW crews can apply rotenone to the waters throughout the lake's drainage for fishery rehabilitation. For now, Sprague Lake catch and size limits on all gamefish have been waived to allow removal of as many fish as possible before the treatment. There are crappie, channel catfish, walleye and some rainbow trout available to anglers who can catch them.

  fishing on the Snake River is picking up with cooler temperatures and shorter days. Catches have been steadily increasing near the Clearwater River confluence near Clarkston. Watch soon for creel checks by WDFW fish biologists and their colleagues in Idaho and Oregon, posted on the WDFW eastern region webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/snake/index.htm.

  Walleye fishing has been fair overall in the lower Snake and mid-Columbia rivers. Flows have declined and the spill has ended at McNary Dam resulting in improved fishing for walleye below McNary Dam.

• Hunting: Opportunities during the youth bird hunt Sept. 22-23 will be boosted by releases of a total of 1,200 game farm pheasants at the region's dozen sites - Sherman Creek in Ferry County, Fishtrap Lake on Lincoln-Spokane county line; John Henley in Whitman County; Willow Bar and Rice Bar in Garfield County; Hartsock in Columbia County; Chief Timothy in Asotin County; and Mill Creek, Wallula, Two Rivers Peninsula, Hollebeke and Lost Island in Walla Walla County. See details at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/ewapheas.htm.

  Young hunters could also bag wild birds on areas with good habitat. Pheasant production looks good this year, reports WDFW Game Bird Specialist Joey McCanna, who has counted broods of three to five birds on average. Scout now for acreage with WDFW "Feel Free To Hunt" or "Register To Hunt" signs, especially in Whitman and Lincoln counties and south of the Snake River.

  The fall general hunt and special permit hunts for wild turkey open Sept. 22 and run through Oct. 5. WDFW northeast district wildlife biologist Steve Zender says the turkey population continues to thrive in northeast Washington. "Hunters will find birds widely distributed in small flocks, primarily foraging in fields and meadows at the forest edge," he said. "Flocks of one or two broods, or small groups of toms, are commonly seen along roadsides or associated with pastures and agriculture. Anyone traveling about early in the morning will see plenty of birds." Zender also notes that the greatest challenge for hunters may be to secure permission to hunt on the private lands where most wild turkeys are found.

  Early archery elk hunters will conclude their season Sept. 21 and early archery deer hunters will finish Sept. 30. Then it's the muzzleloaders' turn when their early season for deer and elk opens Oct. 6 in select game management units across the region. WDFW wildlife biologist Dana Base of Colville notes that summer deer surveys show an abundance of both whitetails and mule deer in the northeast district, which is good news for archers and muzzleloaders in either-sex units. Whitetail buck ratios are down slightly (27 bucks per 100 does, compared to a recent average of 30 per 100), but mule deer buck ratios are up at about 39 bucks per 100 does. "This has been the driest summer I've seen in northeastern Washington in the last 10 years," Base said. "I recommend that hunters focus efforts on anywhere that is green and retentive of any moisture."

  Hunting seasons also open Oct. 6 for quail, chukar and Hungarian or gray partridge. Although no specific surveys are conducted for these species, anecdotal reports indicate that numbers are about average. What's more likely to affect hunting success is weather: If dry conditions persist, birds may be concentrated near water, but if rainfall picks up, they will be more scattered and bird dogs will more easily find them.

• Wildlife viewing: In the bird world, everything seems to be on the move these days. That's the collective assessment of WDFW staff throughout the region, with notes of many different species encountered as fall migrations are picking up.

  Long strings of Canada geese and quicker-moving groups of mallards and other ducks are gracing the skies nearly everywhere. Huge flocks of blackbirds blanket treetops and powerlines during migratory rest stops. Backyard bird-feeding stations are being visited by individuals that likely summered to the north, including white-crowned, song, and American tree sparrows, spotted towhees, Cassin's finches, and pine siskins.

  Groups of and individual red-tailed, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks are shifting south. Turkey vultures, distinguished from hawks by their V-shaped wing position and separated primary feather tips, are also migrating. Noticeable, too, at this time is the nearly complete absence of so many common summer species, including hummingbirds, swallows, bluebirds and robins. "You don't need a calendar to know what time of year it is," said WDFW central district wildlife biologist Howard Ferguson. "Just listen and look around you."

North Central Washington:

• Fishing: Catch-and-release trout fishing on the Methow River continues to be good, with some anglers catching rainbow and cutthroat up to 18 inches, said Bob Jateff, WDFW district fish biologist in Omak. "Surface fly patterns as well as lures have been productive," he said. Jateff reminds anglers the season closes on the Methow Sept. 30.

  Chinook salmon fishing on the Columbia River in the Brewster/Bridgeport area has picked up a bit in recent days. Jateff reports the majority of the fish have been caught in the upper section just below the Highway 17 Bridge in Bridgeport. The chinook season is open through Oct. 15.

  "Okanogan County lake fishing should improve considerably as fall progresses and water temperatures cool down," Jateff said. Blue Lake on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, Ell Lake near Tonasket, and Big Twin near Winthrop are three selective gear trout lakes that should offer good fishing until the end of October, he said. Anglers also should not pass up late season opportunities to catch panfish in both Leader Lake near Omak and Patterson Lake near Winthrop. "Leader is good for both bluegill and crappie, and Patterson is good for yellow perch," Jateff said. "Jigs tipped with a small piece of worm are effective methods for all three of these fish species."

  Jateff also said that anglers who want to catch a few brook trout should explore some of the open fishing tributaries of the Methow River system. "Boulder Creek and Falls Creek are both tributaries to the Chewuch and hold good numbers of brook trout," he said. "Anglers may keep up to five brook trout per day, no minimum size, but please check the regulation pamphlet carefully, since there are tributaries that are closed to all fishing."

  Jeff Korth, WDFW district fish biologist in Moses Lake, said with nighttime air and water temperatures dropping, trout angling in the Columbia Basin should be picking up. "I've recently seen quite a few anglers at Blue and Park lakes getting in last-of-the-season catches," he said. Both lakes close to fishing Sept. 30.

  Sprague Lake, which is on the Adams-Lincoln county line, is normally open year-round. But this year, the lake will close Oct. 1 so that WDFW crews can apply rotenone to the waters throughout the lake's drainage for fishery rehabilitation. Until the closure, Sprague Lake catch and size limits on all gamefish have been waived to allow removal of as many fish as possible before the treatment. There are crappie, channel catfish, walleye and some rainbow trout available to anglers.

• Hunting: Opportunities during the youth bird hunt Sept. 22-23 will be boosted by releases of a total of 1,400 game-farm pheasants at the region's 10 sites - Sinlahekin and Chiliwist in Okanogan County, Chelan Butte and Swakane in Chelan County, and Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock, Gloyd Seeps, Quincy, Warden and Lower Crab Creek in Grant County. See details at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/ewapheas.htm.

  WDFW Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Manager Dale Swedberg said wild pheasant broods in the wildlife area have been seen with an average of six birds.

  Early archery deer hunting continues through the end of the month, with antlerless opportunity added Sept.16. Scott Fitkin, WDFW district wildlife biologist in Winthrop, said hunting pressure and success appears to be moderate so far. "Conditions are very dry in the Okanogan and fire restrictions are in place," he said. "Hunters should check with land management agencies - Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources - for details." Early muzzleloader deer season runs Oct. 6 -12 in select units.

  Swedberg reports good numbers of white-tailed deer throughout the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and mule deer on the north and south ends of the area.

  Fitkin says reports from forest grouse hunters suggest spotty opportunities. "One long-time grouse hunter reported the best grouse hunt he's ever had, while others have reported difficulty finding any birds," Fitkin said. "This hit-and-miss hunting might be a reflection of a rather spotty berry crop."

  Swedberg said grouse hunters who get off the road on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and use bird dogs are finding grouse. He also notes black bear hunters have been seeing lots of signs in the usual places around the Sinlahekin, and a few bears.

  Quail, chukar and Hungarian or gray partridge hunting opens Oct. 6. Swedberg said that Hungarian partridges seem to have had a good hatch this year on the Sinlahekin, with some exceptionally large flocks observed. "It could also be good year for chukars here," he said. "We've heard reports of large flocks near the wildlife area, and of course the ubiquitous California quail are always around."

• Wildlife viewing: Scott Fitkin, WDFW district wildlife biologist in Winthrop, said it's a good time of the year to take a raptor-watching trip to northcentral Washington. "Migratory raptor activity usually reaches its peak in the second half of September at the Chelan Ridge observation and banding station," he said. "There are excellent viewing opportunities there, along with the chance to see banded birds up close." The nine-year-old Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration Project is conducted at the site north of Manson by Hawk Watch International (HWI) and the Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest to monitor and learn more about raptors migrating through the eastern Cascade Mountains of Washington within the Pacific Coast Flyway. Counts typically range between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants of up to 17 species per season. The most commonly seen species are the sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, northern harrier, golden eagle, and American kestrel. HWI interpreters are generally available six days per week throughout the monitoring season. Contact HWI at 1-800-726-HAWK (4295) to arrange a visit.

  WDFW Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Manager Dale Swedberg said fall colors are starting to show in the aspen, Douglas hawthorns, and other trees and shrubs on the area in north Okanogan County. "Many of our migratory birds, such as the barn, cliff, violet green, and tree swallows, and the Say's phoebe have already left," he said. "Other birds are moving through now, including yellow-rumped warblers and pine siskins. The local crows have formed into a flock of nearly 400 and will likely be leaving soon. So far there has been no sign of the Canada goose or Sandhill crane migration starting, but it won't be long."

  Swedberg also noted there are still some butterflies around the Sinlahekin, including woodland skipper, western branded skipper, juba skipper, two-tailed swallowtail, Milbert's, California, and Compton's tortoiseshells, and some whites and sulphurs. "Generally the only flowering plants providing a nectar source during this time are snowy eriogonum, grey rabbitbrush and purple aster," he said. "Except for the tortoiseshells, all the butterflies may be seen nectaring on these plants. Also, all the butterflies except for the tortoiseshells will die this fall. The tortoiseshells will overwinter as adults, feeding on rotting fruit and sap."

  The 17th annual Wenatchee River Salmon Festival is Sept. 20-23 at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth. The event features salmon and other wildlife watching at the hatchery and in the stream, nature-related art and craft booths, "recycled" salmon sculpture, an animal costume parade, the amazing salmon maze, a Native American encampment, outdoor recreation exhibits and hands-on educational activities. Call 509-548-6662 for more information, or see http://www.salmonfest.org/.

South Central Washington:

• Fishing: From Sept. 20 through the remainder of the season, Columbia River anglers are required to release any chinook salmon they encounter below the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco. The new regulations, approved by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon, do not affect coho fisheries in the Columbia River or salmon fisheries in any of its tributaries. Paul Hoffarth, WDFW fish biologist, explained that the agreement to end chinook retention on the mainstem Columbia River was due primarily to the low number of upriver bright chinook salmon counted at Bonneville Dam through Sept. 16. "Based on the counts and catch totals to date, the pre-season run forecast of 185,200 upriver chinook has been reduced to 105,000 fish, a reduction of more than 40 percent," he said.

  The Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, Highway 395 Bridge to Priest Rapids Dam is open for salmon retention at this time where fishing has just started to pick up. An estimated 292 adult chinook and 39 jacks have been caught so far, which is just slightly behind last year at this time (318 adults and 40 jacks). Staff sampled 23 percent of the boat anglers.

  Hoffarth noted that while the Snake River opened for steelhead on Sept.1, the Ringold-area steelhead fishery would open Oct. 1. "Large numbers of steelhead are moving past McNary Dam and into the Snake and mid-Columbia," he said. "Anglers are required to use barbless hooks while fishing for steelhead in the Snake River and only hatchery steelhead may be retained."

  Hoffarth said he's starting to see a few more anglers on the Yakima River fishing for salmon. Creel checkers interviewed more than 20 salmon anglers each day over the past weekend and 58 anglers during the week. A couple of adult salmon and nine jacks were caught.

  Walleye fishing has been fair overall in the lower Snake and mid-Columbia rivers. Flows have declined and the spill has ended at McNary Dam resulting in improved success for walleye below McNary Dam.

• Hunting: Opportunities during the youth bird hunt Sept. 22-23 will be boosted by the release of a total of 750 game farm pheasants at the region's seven sites - Colockum, Millerguard and Cottonwoods on Wenas/L.T. Murray in Kittitas County, Sunnyside in Yakima County, Big Flat and Ringold in Franklin County, and Hill Road in Klickitat County. See all the release site details at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/ewapheas.htm.

  Wild turkey fall special permit hunts in Game Management Units 382 and 388 in the Klickitat area will be open Sept. 22-Oct. 5.

  Early archery elk hunters will conclude their season Sept. 21 and early archery deer hunters will finish Sept. 30. Then it's the muzzleloaders' turn when their early season for deer and elk opens Oct. 6 in select game management units across the region.

  Also opening Oct. 6 is quail, chukar and Hungarian or gray partridge hunting. Although no specific surveys are conducted for these species, anecdotal reports indicate that the numbers are average. What's more likely to affect hunting success is weather - if dry conditions persist, birds may be concentrated near water; if fall rains pick up, they will be more scattered but bird dogs will more easily find them.

• Wildlife viewing: Burned-over areas from past wildfires are excellent places to look now for woodpeckers of many kinds. Black-backed, hairy and pileated woodpeckers, as well as Clark's nutcrackers, have recently been spotted working over the snags for insects to fatten up on for the coming winter.

  Your own backyard may be as far as you need to go to see incoming grosbeaks, juncos, sparrows, towhees and other birds that may have summered farther north and might winter in this region of Washington. Although natural food sources are still plentiful, it's not too early to set up backyard bird feeding and watering stations to entice some to stay and watch them close-up. Or better yet, take advantage of this time of year to plant trees and shrubs on your property that will provide long-term, year-round habitat for wildlife of all kinds. Detailed information about supplemental feeding and habitat landscaping is available from WDFW's Backyard Sanctuary Program (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/).