Last week we featured a photo of 75-year-old Damien Martinez with a 22 pound catfish caught in the Potholes Canal. We now have word of a 31 pound catfish caught in Soda Lake, which is part of the Potholes Canal.

This is exciting news. If Fish and Wildlife continues to plant these fish or if they can reproduce on their own, we have an entirely different fishery. Wow, this is going to be fun. Wonder how big they will get in our lakes and reservoirs, 50 pounds, 75 pounds?

May 18 deadline for special hunt permits

Next Wednesday, May 18, is a big day for big game hunters. This is the deadline for hunters to apply for special hunting permits for fall deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and some turkey seasons in Washington State.

The winners will be selected through a random drawing conducted by Fish and Wildlife in June. Special permits qualify hunters to hunt at times and places beyond those authorized by a general hunting license.

Hunters wanting to apply for a special permit must purchase an application and hunting license for those species and submit the application with their preferred hunt choices. This is easily accomplished on the Fish and Wildlife website. I can purchase the license, tags and permits, then apply for the permits online in a few minutes for my hunt group of four.

New hunting opportunities were approved in several categories this year, so the new big game hunting pamphlet needs to be studies thoroughly. They include more antlerless deer hunts throughout the state and new youth hunts.

Hunters will also find additional hunting opportunities for bull elk in the Teanaway (GMU 335), along with more antlerless permits in various areas.

Applications and licenses are available from license vendors statewide or on Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Instructions and details on applying for special permit hunts are described on pages 12-13 of the 2016 Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations pamphlet, available at WDFW offices, license vendors, and online.

Results of the special-permit drawing will be available online by the end of June. Winners will be notified by mail or email by mid-July.