WILDLIFE -- Gov. Butch Otter cried wolf by declaring the predators a "disaster emergency" in Idaho last year, according to The Wildlife Society, the international organization of wildlife professionals. The group's newsletter editors ranked that story No. 1 in their list of Top 10 Wildlife…
WILDLIFE -- The annual year-end survey of the Washington’s five confirmed wolf packs has documented three successful breeding pairs and a total of at least 27 wolves, the state Fish and Wildlife Department says in a media release posted today. Click here for details on…
WINTER SPORTS -- All of the region's ski resorts would like to have more snow. But at least the ones in the Inland Northwest have coverage. At southern Idaho's Bogus Basin, the situation is grim, as you see in this report that just moved on…
FISHING -- Ice fishing is still good in areas of the Idaho Panhandle, "but you have to be a bit more careful to keep from going swimming, especially around the shoreline," said Jim Hayden of Idaho Fish and Game. The warming trend has made ice…
We thought that first big snowstorm just before Thanksgiving was the beginning of the predicted big snow accumulation associated with an El Ninia year. However, to date, Idaho has accumulated only 73 percent of normal snowpack. Check out this SnoTel chart to see where the…
CONSERVATION -- Opinions among wildlife conservationists regarding legislation that could allow more motor vehicle use in federal roadless areas. Which side do you take? Hunting, fishing groups join environmentalists to fight federal legislation Members of Trout Unlimited, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Sportsmen…
WINTER SPORTS -- The recent snow fall was just what the Chelan Ranger District needed to officially open the Echo Ridge Ski Area for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. All but one of the area's trails are packed and tracked, giving skiers and snowshoers…
WILDLIFE -- Many of the wolves in northeastern Washington moved in naturally from Idaho. But the Gem State is a dangerous place for the wolves to return. A radio-collared wolf from the Diamond Pack in east-central Pend Oreille County was killed Dec. 20 by a…
CONSERVATION -- On the south face of the Cabinet Mountains overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, 921 acres of elk and moose wintering range have been permanently secured for wildlife habitat and public access in a land-exchange signed Dec. 22. The swap between Stimson Lumber Co. and…
Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.
