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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Brian Calkins, Acting Wildlife Program Manager

October 9, 2006

Region 5 Wildlife Areas:

Shillapoo Watchable Wildllife: Flocks of Sandhill Cranes using the wildlife area have now been joined by Canada Geese beginning to arrive in large numbers. Widgeon and Shovelers have been spotted in the area indicating that migrating ducks are begining to arrive from the North. Those seeking to view the birds should be aware that the upland bird season is open and they are advised to wear blaze orange clothing as is required for hunters.

Game Division:

Vancouver Wildlife League Presentation: Acting Program Manager Calkins spoke to the Vancouver Wildlife League on October 4th. Topics discussed included changes to deer hunting seasons particularly in the Glenwood and Battle Ground game management units; Hunter access program legislation the agency is proposing to the legislature and ongoing management programs in the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. Several of the group members are not pleased with the changes in the Battle Ground unit and concern was also voiced toward the new firearm restriction in the Trout Lake area and separation of the Deer and Elk muzzleloader seasons in the West Klickitat GMU.

The " Dusky" goose test was administered in Longview and 24 people attended to take the test.

SW Washington Goose Test: The " Dusky" goose test was administered in Longview and 24 people attended to take the test. One father/son team was disappointed to learn that the process involved home study and viewing a video before taking the test. The process for hunting geese in Zone 2a and 2b is outlined on pages 11 and 12 of the 2006-07 Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons. All hunters must complete the test and have permit in hand before hunting in these zones. Permit holders from 2005 that did not get their permit invalidated will receive a permit in the mail. This hunt program has reduced the harvest of the Dusky Canada goose and permitted liberal harvest of other goose sub species.