Head outdoors for deer, waterfowl, salmon and crab

Some of Washington's most popular hunting seasons get under way in October, when hunters take to the field for deer, ducks, geese and other game birds.

Migratory waterfowl are expected to make another strong showing this year, said Mick Cope, game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). With an increase in breeding populations of migratory birds, waterfowl hunters should expect great hunting this year, depending on weather.

“Big game hunts also look promising this fall,” Cope said. “Hunters had a pretty good season last year and, with the mild winter, that should be the case again this year.”

Hunters using modern firearms – or in areas open to hunting with modern firearms – are reminded to wear hunter orange clothing as specified by state law. While that requirement does not apply to non-hunters, Cope suggests hikers, mushroom pickers and others in areas open to hunting wear bright, colorful clothing to maximize their visibility.

Area-by-area hunting prospects around the state are available on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects/.

Meanwhile, nearly 1.2 million fall chinook, including 735,000 upriver brights, are expected to return to the Columbia this year. Both would be the second largest runs on record since at least 1938.

Coho salmon also are moving in increasing numbers into the lower Columbia River and many rivers flowing into Puget Sound.

Also in Puget Sound, recreational crabbing reopens Oct. 1 in most marine areas. Additional information on the crab season is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/.

For more information about fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing available this month, see the Weekender Regional Reports posted on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/. These reports are updated throughout the month to provide current information about recreational opportunities around the state.