OK, what's with the weather these days? Strange is a good word. In the low to mid-40s during the day and just below freezing at night is not encouraging for ice anglers. At least we had a taste of ice fishing for a few days, but this was not long enough for those who would enjoy a few more days on the ice.

The trouble with this warmer weather is the trees, bushes and other plants, perhaps even the winter wheat, will be fooled into thinking the temperatures will continue to warm and think it is really spring.

Next, and it is bound to happen, the temperatures will drop to normal January temperatures. This action may damage or kill the plants.

Hunting seasons winding down

Upland birds

The quail, chukar and Hun seasons will continue through Jan. 20.

Waterfowl

The duck, snipe, coot and goose seasons will continue through Jan. 26.

Hunter reports due

Reminder: 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 2013 license, permit or tag purchased.

The reports are simple to complete online.

Master Hunter open enrollment begins Jan. 1

Yes we have presented this information before, but we need to reach those hunters who are interested.

Fish and Wildlife will accept applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program from through Feb. 15, 2014. The program is designed to promote safe, lawful and ethical hunting and to strengthen Washington's hunting heritage and conservation ethic.

Fish and Wildlife enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property. Master hunters also participate in volunteer projects involving increasing access to private lands, habitat enhancement, data collection, hunter education and landowner relations.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices to qualify for the program.

Hunters enrolling in the program must pay a $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, pass a written test, demonstrate shooting proficiency, provide at least 20 hours of approved volunteer service and meet other qualifications.

Individuals who enroll in the program are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the written test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam.

About half of the questions on the 100 question written examination that must be passed by MHPP applicants came directly from the Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Student Manual and from Fish and Wildlife Hunting Regulation Pamphlets. Study all these materials in detail. The Hunter Education Student Manual Study Guide can be found on the Fish and Wildlife website under hunting and then hunter education.

Also each applicant is required to: Demonstrate proficiency with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun shooting shot, shotgun shooting slugs, or crossbow. Plus, attend Crime Observation and Reporting Training (C.O.R.T.).

There are about 1,850 certified master hunters currently enrolled in the program, which is now administered by Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Program.

Approved volunteer work conducted during 2013 will be honored for individuals applying in 2014.

Dennis note: Readers having questions about the program or fulfilling the requirements should feel free to contact me.

Ag producers offered free conservation workshops in Pasco

Agricultural producers and landowners can learn about conservation practices and programs that benefit them and wildlife at a series of free workshops Feb. 5 at the Red Lion Inn in Pasco.

Wildlife professionals from Fish and Wildlife and other organizations will discuss incentives for landowners who provide access to hunters, the federal Farm Bill and other topics at the workshops, offered as part of a weeklong conference.

The workshops are designed to give wildlife managers and private landowners a chance to discuss their experiences with conservation programs in Washington State.

Conservation of fish and wildlife and its habitat depends on cooperation among private and public land managers. With over half of the land in Washington in private ownership, private landowners will have a lot to say about the future of our state's fish and wildlife.

The conference is hosted by the Washington Chapter of The Wildlife Society, the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, Researchers Implementing Conservation Action, the Global Owl Project, and Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

Facts about hunters and shooters from the National Shooting Sports Foundation:

Sportsmen contribute nearly $8 million every day, adding more than $2.9 billion every year for conservation.

Hunters and target shooters have paid $6.8 billion in excise taxes since the inception of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937.

Hunting in America is big business, generating 600,000 jobs in the United States.

For more than 80 years, sportsmen have paid more than $13.7 billion for on-the-ground projects in every state, protecting our natural environment and our fish and wildlife.

The $4.95 billion in annual federal tax money generated by hunters' spending could cover the annual paychecks of 150,000 U.S. Army Sergeants.