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What to do when you meet a bear or cougar |
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Written by Bill Chamberlin
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Saturday, 28 April 2012 09:55 |
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Ferry County, with its great variety of animal habitat and its relatively low human population is home to a plethora of wildlife. Two of the most majestic and perhaps the most feared animals found here are the black bear and the cougar. Though both animals are potentially dangerous at close range, the risk of an encounter is low and the risk of an attack even lower. Using a few precautions and knowing how best to react in the event of a close encounter will allow you to fear these two creatures less and respect and appreciate them more.
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Welcome changes coming to Discover Pass |
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Written by Bill Chamberlin
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Sunday, 01 April 2012 08:08 |
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There’s good news for users of Washington public lands! Changes are coming to the Discover Pass, the fee system for recreational use of Washington State public lands implemented last summer. In response to the initial lackluster sales of the pass and strong public sentiment regarding several aspects of the program, lawmakers recently passed legislation addressing these issues. The basic $30 Discover Pass will now be transferable between two family vehicles and a new $50 “Family Pass” will allow unlimited transferability between vehicles. These and several other rule changes will take effect once the bill is signed by the governor.
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Written by Bill Chamberlin
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Thursday, 01 March 2012 09:31 |
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The landscape has again been transformed. The fields and forests are covered with a fresh blanket of white, the new snow creating a clean palette for the wild creatures that are all around us.
Humans traveling in the woods rarely see the wild animals that live there. Many of the woodland creatures are out and about only in the twilight or nighttime hours, while the animals that do travel during the day are cautious and avoid human contact when possible. But by examining the evidence left behind, such as tracks and other signs, the outdoor traveler can become a track detective, creating a mental image of the animal’s presence and piecing together a scenario, a virtual story in the snow.
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Take advantage of dark winter nights |
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Written by Bill Chamberlin
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Sunday, 05 February 2012 15:46 |
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If you’ve read my column with any degree of regularity you know that I am a big fan of winter. I love the snow and the opportunities it brings: skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snowshoeing, and sledding. The cold freezes our local lakes, adding skating and ice fishing to the winter offerings. I don’t gripe much about the cold and snowy weather, but I have one perennial winter complaint: the days are too short! At this time of year, I get up and leave for work before daybreak. I work all day indoors only to arrive back home in the dark. As a consequence, my outdoor pursuits might be largely restricted to weekends.
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Snow peak cabin cozy in winter, if you can find it |
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Written by Craig Lasater
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Saturday, 28 January 2012 10:25 |
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Editor's note: Even though my column just a few short months ago featured a summer trip to Snow Peak Cabin, I thought this entertaining tale should be shared. Please be cautious in the backcountry, especially in the winter. Bring the Ten Essentials, including a map and compass (or GPS). Refer to the October View Extra, online at ferrycountyview.com, for more info on the cabin, including rental details. - Bill Chamberlin.
 Snow Peak Cabin is a great year-round hiking destination. Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, it can be reserved for 30 dollars per night. Last October Linell Harvey, Republic tax accountant to the stars, and I did a day hike to the cabin. It looked very cozy, with cots, cooking pans, stove and wood provided. That day, we witnessed two hunters hiking out with their harvested mule deer. They were struggling to pack out the 100 pounds of boned meat, deer heads and rifles. Tough hunters doing it the hard way.
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Page 3 of 7 |
Outdoor Recreation
