The deer numbers seem to be lacking in my hunting territory and the dry conditions seem to be the culprit. A Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer relayed a lack of deer taken opening weekend, even though a sizeable number of hunters have been checked. He also said there seems to be fewer hunters in the field than usual.

We attribute the seemingly lack of hunters and deer to the dry conditions of eastern Washington. Sure, the rain of the last few days helps, but overall the dry conditions continue.

Still, continued good luck to all.

Deadline extended on proposed Columbia River Basin fishing rules

The public will have more time to review proposed changes to fishing rules for the Columbia River Basin under an extended comment period announced by Fish and Wildlife.

Under the new timeline, Fish and Wildlife will accept written comments through Nov. 13 on the proposed rules, about a month longer than previously announced.

After checking the proposed rules, this is one which will affect Columbia Basin anglers: Recommended for Public Comment: Number 14. Implement year-round season and statewide general rules for selected lakes to manage for mixed species populations. Rules Category: Region 2

Type of Rule Change Proposal: Recreational. County or Location Information: Adams and Grant counties.

Short Description: Convert regulations to statewide general rules (year-round) to increase fishing opportunity on mixed species.

Explanation: These lakes are no longer managed intensively for trout and are managed as mixed species fisheries. Seasonal to Year-round Regulation: Brookies Lakes (Grant Co.); Dot Lake (Grant Co.); George Lake (Grant Co.); Herman Lake (Adams Co.); Lower Caliche Lake (Grant Co.); Lyle Lake (Adams Co.); Mirror Lake (Grant Co.); Thread Lake (Adams Co.); and West Caliche Lake (Grant Co.). Special Rules to Statewide General Rules: Alkali Lake (Grant Co.).

Fish for the freezer

Two weeks ago we featured two photos: A nice fish caught by Dylan Berry and a bunch of packaged fish ready for the freezer. Here is the caption which was left off the second photo: The fish were caught and cleaned, so what's next? Mom, Tami Berry, packaged them in FoodSaver bags for the freezer. She says the fish will provide 10 meals for the family over the next year. Way to go mom. Courtesy photo

Dennis note: This is an important photo, because it shows not only the result of a day on the water, but also what the Berry family can expect 10 times during the next year.