The Master Hunter Permit Program application period is now open and will continue through Feb. 15. All requirements of the program must be completed by Nov. 15 of this year. Look for complete MHPP details in next week's outdoors column.

From Fish and Wildlife

Angling

Rufus Woods Reservoir, upriver from Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, has big triploid rainbow trout that can be caught throughout the winter months. Boat anglers can launch at the Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp and can explore upstream any one of numerous back bays and shorelines that could hold triploids.

Most of these fish are in the 2- to 4-pound range, with larger fish to 8 pounds, according to Fish and Wildlife. Recommended for use by still fishermen is PowerBait. Anglers using a variety of gear use jigs and spinners, while fly fishermen use streamer patterns.

Dennis and Garnet note: We have yet to participate in this fishery at Rufus Woods, but are anxious to give it a try. Perhaps this is the year.

Hunting

January is the last, and possibly the best, month for waterfowl hunting. Migrant ducks and geese from the north are in the region and if large bodies of water remain open for their roosting use, they can provide good hunting opportunities.

Additional "Feel Free to Hunt" access is now available through the annual contracts made with Columbia Basin landowners in the Corn Stubble Retention Project, including acreage in the George area of Grant County.

Fish and Wildlife District Wildlife Biologist Rich Finger explains that since ducks and geese feed primarily on waste grain, such as corn and wheat, this program pays growers to leave corn stubble standing, rather than plowing it under, to benefit waterfowl and waterfowl hunters. These fields are all part of Fish and Wildlife's Feel Free to Hunt access program, and are available to hunters as soon as corn harvest is completed.

Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 16 and the last two weeks of the season could be productive if snow cover develops. Pheasant, quail and chukar numbers are fairly good in the Columbia Basin and birds will hold better with snow. Be sure to secure permission first to hunt private lands, or check out public lands such as Fish and Wildlife's Desert Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Complex between Potholes Reservoir and the town of George.

Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk or turkey are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2011 license, permit or tag purchased.

Whether reporting online or over the phone, hunters should follow the prompts until they receive a confirmation number for each report.

Hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 will be entered into a drawing for five deer permits and four elk permits in various areas of the state. Those who miss the Jan. 31 deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2012 hunting license.

Discover Pass

The Discover Pass must be displayed on a vehicle when visiting state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99.

The Discover Pass allows you to enjoy nearly 7 million acres of Washington state-managed recreation lands - including state parks, water-access points, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails and trailheads.

A one-day pass to these areas is $10 plus transaction and dealer fees. The Discover Pass may be purchased online; in person from any of nearly 600 recreational license vendors where state fishing and hunting licenses are sold; by phone at 866-320-9933; when you renew your vehicle license or at State Parks headquarters and region offices, and at state parks when staff is available.

Calling all northern pike anglers

Fish and Wildlife is concerned about the spread of northern pike in Washington waters and is preparing for a spring assault to halt the advance of the voracious, non-native fish toward the Columbia River.

In the coming months, state fishery managers plan to enlist anglers to remove as many northern pike as possible from the Pend Oreille River, a conduit for pike moving downstream from Idaho and Montana.

Anglers are expected to play a major role in the effort next spring. The proliferation of northern pike has increased at a rapid rate in the Pend Oreille River since 2004 and the concern is their threat posed to native fish species.

Biological surveys conducted in conjunction with the Kalispel Tribe and Eastern Washington University reveal a dramatic decline in native minnows, largemouth bass, yellow perch and other fish species that inhabit the 55-mile Box Canyon Reservoir.

Fish managers have traced the movement of northern pike into the Pend Oreille River from rivers in Montana, where they were stocked illegally. Last spring, Canadian anglers reported catching them in the Columbia River near its confluence with the Pend Oreille, just north of the border between Washington state and British Columbia.

Earlier this year, Fish and Wildlife held public meetings in Spokane and Newport to discuss possible options for controlling northern pike. Regardless of what other methods are used, anglers represent a major line of defense.

Fish and Wildlife says the fish they are targeting average 2 to 3 pounds, but can run up to 30 pounds. There are no daily catch limits or size limits on northern pike in Washington State, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Proposed changes to state fishing regulations include allowing anglers to fish with two poles in the Pend Oreille River and taking away the northern pike's designation as a game fish.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear public testimony on the northern pike proposals and other proposed fishing rule changes during a public meeting scheduled this weekend, Jan. 6-7 in Olympia.

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

Fish and Wildlife is now accepting 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.