A favorite family-oriented outdoor activity is wildlife watching. A favorite annual trip for my wife, Garnet, and me is a trip to Steamboat Rock State Park for this very reason.

For the next three months plenty of bald eagles should be in the state park area. However, keep an eye out for them anywhere on the drove north. We have also seen a golden eagle, plus lots of other birds. Mule deer are the most seen big game animal.

At the end of December the annual Christmas Bird Count is conducted. This will be the 112th annual Audubon Society's count near the Christmas holiday.

This year the count will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2012, when tens of thousands of volunteers throughout North America will brave winter weather to add a new layer of data to the survey.

Every bird volunteers see on specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle will be counted. The numbers collected by observers allow biologists to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across the continent.

Counts are being coordinated in several communities in the region. If observers live within a CBC circle, they may arrange in advance to count the birds at their feeders and submit those data to their local compiler.

Counts within North Central Washington will take placed at: Bridgeport, Sat., Dec. 17,meet at McDonalds in Brewster at 7 a.m., contact Meredith Spencer at 509-686-7551, merdave@homenetnw.net; Moses Lake, Tues., Dec. 27, Contact Doug Schonewald at 509-766-0056, dschone8@donobi.net; Omak/Okanogan, Mon., Jan. 2, 2012 contact Heather Findlay at 509-429-8167, heather@eaglesun.net or Gordon Kent at 509-422-6116; Twisp, Sun., Dec.18, contact Leahe Swayze at leahe@methownet.com; Wenatchee, Sun., Jan. 1, 2012 contact Dan Stephens at dstephens@wvc.edu.

Commission will consider adoption of wolf management plan

After four years of development and extensive public review, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider adoption of a plan to guide state conservation and management of gray wolves as they reestablish a breeding population in Washington State.

The commission, which sets policy for Fish and Wildlife, is scheduled to take action on the department's recommended Wolf Conservation and Management Plan on Dec. 3, the second day of a public meeting set for Dec. 2-3 in Olympia.

The meeting will convene at 8 a.m. in Room 172 of the Natural Resource Building at 1111 Washington St. on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. An agenda for the meeting is posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings.html on WDFW's website.

Key aspects of the wolf conservation and management plan recommended by Fish and Wildlife would establish recovery objectives for gray wolves in Washington, along with strategies for addressing their interactions with livestock and wildlife species such as elk and deer.

Fish and Wildlife began developing the plan in 2007 anticipating that gray wolves would naturally migrate to the state from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and British Columbia. Since then, five wolf packs have been documented in the state - three in northeastern Washington and two in the north Cascades.

The gray wolf is currently listed as endangered throughout Washington under state law and as endangered in the western two-thirds of the state under federal law.

Since 2009, Fish and Wildlife's proposed plan has been the focus of 19 public meetings, written comments from nearly 65,000 people, a scientific peer review, and recommendations from the 17-member citizen Wolf Working Group, formed in 2007 to advise the department in developing the plan.

The commission also accepted public testimony at four workshops this fall, but will not hear additional public comments Dec. 3.

From Fish and Wildlife:

Steelhead fishing on the mainstem Columbia River usually picks up in December, as the action slows a little on the upper tributaries with advancing winter conditions. Areas to try include both above and below Wells Dam, at the mouths of the Entiat, Methow and Wenatchee rivers, and in the area across from the Eastbank Hatchery.

Selective gear rules are in effect for the mainstem, although bait is allowed. There is a mandatory retention rule on adipose-fin-clipped hatchery steelhead and a night closure.

Hunting: Success rates for waterfowl usually pick up in December, when wintery conditions move northern ducks and geese into the Columbia Basin. This is especially true for large, open bodies of water like Potholes Reservoir or Moses Lake.

The northern birds may now be in the area, but they are staying on the reserves, because of the heavy hunting pressure. They are expected to scatter during the next round of winter weather.

Goose hunters in Goose Management Area 4 will have four extra hunting days this month with the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Normally open only on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, goose hunting will also be open on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26 and 27, and Thursday and Friday, Dec. 29 and 30.

If snow accumulates this month, upland game bird hunting opportunities should improve, with pheasant, quail and partridge holding better for hunters with dogs. The season continues through Jan. 16.

The last releases of rooster pheasants from regional game farms this season were conducted just before Thanksgiving weekend. Dennis note: I'm headed out soon to try and find one of the remaining birds.

Local lakes will begin to freeze with upcoming cold weather. Fish and wildlife doesn't measure ice on lakes, so anglers are on their own. However, here are some tips to consider when heading out for an ice-fishing trip: Don't fish alone. Let others know exactly where you and your fishing partners are going and when you plan to return.

Keep fishing holes small and few. When drilling fishing holes with an ice auger, keep the diameter under eight inches. Bigger holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for others.

Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs; brush, logs, plants or docks. Also stay away from multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible, plus and dark-colored ice that may be weak.

Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.

Be prepared for weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear thermal underwear, fleece or wool, and wind and waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands and head. Take extra clothes, food, water, sand for traction, and a sled for easy on-ice transport of all equipment.

Be prepared for emergencies. Carry equipment such as ice picks or awls, rope, and personal flotation devices. Also pack a first-aid kit and matches for starting a fire.

Candidates for disabilities advisory committee sought

The Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking an applicant to fill a vacancy on its advisory committee for persons with disabilities.

The seven-member committee advises the commission on issues of concern for hunters and fishers with disabilities, including special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public land and recreational opportunities.

Committee members are appointed by the commission, which sets policy for Fish and Wildlife.

Qualified applicants must have a permanent physical disability and reside in Washington State. The vacant position represents WDFW Region 3, Kittitas, Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties.

Members serve four-year terms and are required to attend advisory committee meetings, held at least twice each year. Members serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

For an application form or additional information, prospective candidates can contact Dolores Noyes at Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2349.

To receive consideration, applications must be submitted by January 15, 2012 to Dolores Noyes, Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.

WDFW will accept applications for ALEA volunteer grants

Beginning yesterday, Dec. 1, Fish and Wildlife will accept grant applications for projects that benefit the state's fish and wildlife.

The grants, funded through the state's Aquatic Land Enhancement Account, provide reimbursement for organizations and individuals who conduct volunteer projects that conserve fish and wildlife or promote public appreciation of species ranging from steelhead to sage-grouse.

Fish and Wildlife currently expects to award about $180,000 in ALEA grants this year.

Five major types of projects are funded through the program: habitat restoration, research, education and outreach, facility development and artificial production. Other projects consistent with Fish and Wildlife goals and objectives also may be considered. Grants may not be used for salaries, wages or stipends.

Eligible applicants include individual citizens, non-profit organizations, tribes and political subdivisions of the state, such as public utility districts, schools and universities. State and federal agencies are not eligible.

Applications must be received or postmarked by Feb. 29, 2012. Application materials will be available for download from WDFW's website by Dec. 1, at http://wdfw.wa.gov/grants/alea/index.html. Those without adequate internet access can request a compact disc containing the application materials by contacting Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2700.

Hunter-access grant initiative comments wanted

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will accept public comments through Dec. 15 on a $1 million federal grant designed to provide incentives for more private landowners to open their lands to hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation in Eastern Washington.

Fish and Wildlife was one of 11 agencies nationwide to qualify for funding in the second round of the USDA's Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, established under the 2008 federal Farm Bill.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, USDA's Farm Service Agency recently determined that the department's plans for the grant money would not have a significant effect on the environment.

The federal findings are posted at http://bit.ly/mpufNQ. Public comments on those findings may also be submitted on that site.

Nate Pamplin, assistant director of the program, said the state agency has also raised $400,000 to expand hunter access to private lands through additional fees paid by hunters who apply for new permit-only hunts.

Fish and Wildlife also received a three-year, $1.5 million grant to expand access to hunting and fishing on private lands throughout the state during the first round of the program. The department is currently using that funding to establish contracts with landowners to open their lands to outdoor recreation.

The new $993,231 grant will be used to expand hunting and fishing opportunities in Eastern Washington in several ways: Provide incentives to private landowners to allow hunting on forested properties in Kittitas, Klickitat, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties; Work with landowners in Columbia, Garfield, Lincoln, Walla Walla and Whitman counties to improve habitat enrolled in both the federal Conservation Reserve Program and Fish and Wildlife access programs; Initiate a "Feel Free to Fish" program in southeast Washington, paying private landowners for shoreline access to river fisheries.

Commission will consider adoption of proposed wolf-management plan

After four years of development and extensive public review, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider adoption of a plan to guide state conservation and management of gray wolves as they reestablish a breeding population in Washington State.

The commission, which sets policy for Fish and Wildlife, is scheduled to take action on the department's recommended Wolf Conservation and Management Plan on Dec. 3, the second day of a public meeting set for Dec. 2-3 in Olympia.

The meeting will convene at 8 a.m. in Room 172 of the Natural Resource Building at 1111 Washington St. on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. An agenda for the meeting is posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings.html on WDFW's website.

Key aspects of the wolf conservation and management plan recommended by Fish and Wildlife would establish recovery objectives for gray wolves in Washington, along with strategies for addressing their interactions with livestock and wildlife species such as elk and deer.

Fish and Wildlife began developing the plan in 2007 anticipating that gray wolves would naturally migrate to the state from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and British Columbia. Since then, five wolf packs have been documented in the state - three in northeastern Washington and two in the north Cascades.

The gray wolf is currently listed as endangered throughout Washington under state law and as endangered in the western two-thirds of the state under federal law.

Since 2009, Fish and Wildlife's proposed plan has been the focus of 19 public meetings, written comments from nearly 65,000 people, a scientific peer review, and recommendations from the 17-member citizen Wolf Working Group, formed in 2007 to advise the department in developing the plan.

The commission also accepted public testimony at four workshops this fall, but will not hear additional public comments Dec. 3.