Outdoors

Outdoors Notes

Turkey hunting workshop
Just in time for spring turkey season, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a turkey hunting workshop for adult participants (age 18 and older) on Saturday, April 13 at the EE Wilson Wildlife Area, 29555 Camp Adair Road, Monmouth.
The workshop will cover choosing the right gear, setting decoys and blinds, spring vs. fall hunting tactics, turkey behavior and biology, calling techniques and field dressing and cooking. ODFW will provide shotguns and ammunition for participants to practice shooting and patterning a shotgun.
The cost is $52 and includes lunch. Register by April 6 at ODFW’s Licensing website (be sure to use ”verify/lookup your account” if a returning ODFW customer). More information at theMyODFW.com event page.
”Turkey hunting is an exciting challenge, an American tradition and a great source of delicious wild protein,” says Brandon Dyches, ODFW hunter recruitment specialist. ”Join us and find out why so many hunters get hooked on turkey hunting.”
Spring turkey season is open statewide from April 15-May 31 each year and there is also a fall turkey hunting season.
Boating safety
Longer days and warmer temperatures herald the return of spring to the Oregon coast, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors to be safe while exploring the shoreline.
”People are so excited for the spring sunshine that sometimes safety takes a back seat,” said Lisa Stevenson, OPRD beach ranger. ”But preparation and common sense go a long way to keeping you safe on the coast.”
Stevenson lists several tips for ensuring a trip to coast is a safe one:
Always keep one eye on the ocean to keep from being caught off guard if a bigger wave surges up the beach. These ”sneaker waves” are unpredictable, powerful and especially dangerous for children.
Stay away from logs on the wet sand or in the surf. These logs can weigh several tons and can be moved by only a few inches of water. The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and roll it over you.
Be careful on cliffs and rocks. They can be unstable due to erosion. Stay on marked trails and do not climb over fences. Both are there to keep you safe.
Know when the tide is coming in, especially when exploring tidepools. It’s easy to become stranded by the incoming tide when attention is turned elsewhere. One can keep track of tides with a tide table; pick one up for free at an Oregon State Park or at many coastal businesses.
Be wary of rip currents; the fast-moving water channels can quickly carry even the strongest swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, stay calm! Rip currents are narrow channels of water; swim parallel to the shore to escape them, then swim back to land at an angle.
Ocean water temperatures can still be chilly, despite the higher temps on land. Don’t overextend an ocean swim, especially during evening hours. Periodically return to the beach to dry off and warm up.
Salmonberry Trail
The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Classroom Conference Room, ODFW HQ Office, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will open with a 90 minute work session for the continued development of a long-range strategic plan.
The business meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Items to be discussed: An update about the potential development of a new nonprofit dedicated to the development of the Salmonberry Trail, and updates about potential partners interested in trail development along the section of Salmonberry corridor in their communities.
The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 84-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and terminates in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.
STIA was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail.
For more information contact Dennis Wiley, Salmonberry Trail project manager, at 503-986-0723 or [email protected]. Individuals that need special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Dennis Wiley at least three days in advance.

Instagram

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

The Chronicle (@thechronicle1909) • Instagram photos and videos