Field Reports: New version of Fish Washington app launches
From staff reports
A mobile phone app that provides anglers with up-to-the-minute information about fishing regulations and more just got an update.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Tuesday that it has launched the new version of its Fish Washington app, which allows users to view regulations and bag limits for the state’s waterbodies on the go.
The app first launched in 2018. It shows users a map with the state’s rivers and lakes, allowing them to click on a particular waterbody and view the rules that apply to it.
Users reported problems with the app to WDFW over the years, including connectivity problems, the size of the app and issues with regulations being updated.
Developers rewrote the app and launched a beta version this winter. After a couple of months of testing, WDFW announced that the update is ready for wide use.
WDFW said in a news release that the new app is designed to use less data and memory. It also includes upgraded maps and information from U.S. Geological Survey stream gauges and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s tidal predictions.
Jacob Shapely, WDFW’s lead mobile developer, said in the release that changes in the code resolved bugs in the app, and that users should experience fewer problems with it.
“Anglers should see several improvements with the new version of the Fish Washington app,” Shapely said.
The upgraded version is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. Those who have the Fish Washington app should receive an automatic update in the coming days, according to the release.
Idaho releases draft elk management plan
Wildlife officials in Idaho have released a draft of the state’s elk plan for the next six years for public review.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is taking public comment on the draft Elk Management Plan through May 5.
The plan will guide the agency’s actions in dealing with elk from 2024 to 2030.
In a news release, Idaho Fish and Game said the plan is a revision, and not a complete overhaul. It sets population goals for the state’s 28 management zones, identifies limiting factors for elk herds and forms strategies for addressing problems facing elk.
The public can read and comment on the plan online at idfg.idaho.gov/form/elk-management-plan-2024.
The agency is also holding open houses throughout the state to discuss the document. One of the open houses is planned for Thursday at the Panhandle Regional Office in Coeur d’Alene from 4 to 6 p.m.
Idaho recruiting new volunteer safety officers at Farragut Shooting Range Center
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking for range safety officers at its shooting range in Athol.
The state agency said in a news release that volunteers who work as safety officers at the Farragut Shooting Range Center are expected to work at least two days a month and attend bimonthly meetings.
Experience in law enforcement or the firearms industry is preferred, but not mandatory, according to the release. Volunteers get free access to the range and training on a number of different topics.
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to range master Cory Blanchard at cory.blanchard@idfg.idaho.gov or by calling 208-683-1499.