I’M NOT MUCH for Christmas creep before Thanksgiving is observed.
But once the leftovers have been parceled off and placed in the refrigerator, it’s game on for holiday lights, displays and the madness of Black Friday shopping trips.
With sunny but frigid weather forecast for this weekend, North Olympic Peninsula residents have options.
Folks can shop their hearts out today at area retailers, including Swain’s General Store and Brian’s Sporting Goods and More in Sequim.
Swain’s has everything, that we know, while Brian’s has ample items for that outdoors lover in the family.
Jerry’s Bait and Tackle and Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters in Port Angeles also carry gear for the avid angler.
If shopping isn’t in the plans this weekend, maybe an old-fashioned Christmas tree harvest.
The public can visit Olympic National Forest offices in Forks today and Quilcene today through Sunday to purchase a $5 tree permit.
Taking home a Christmas tree can also be paired with a snowshoeing adventure or a hike for a fun family outing.
For more information, phone the Pacific Ranger District in Forks at 360-374-6522 or the Hood Canal Ranger District in Quilcene at 360-765-2200.
Free day in park
Admission fees are waived today for Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks.
Many spots in Olympic National Park are still closed as a result of storm damage. A rundown of open and closed locations in the park is available on page B2.
Once location that should be open and should provide some stunning views in this clear weather is Hurricane Ridge.
Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Road will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday.
Current road conditions are available by calling 360-565-3131 or by following @HRWinterAccess on Twitter.
All vehicles heading up to Hurricane Ridge are required to carry chains.
Ski lifts are not expected to open until Sunday, Dec. 6, but those heading up can still have ample fun in the snow.
Frosty fishing
Anglers itching for a shot at a hatchery steelhead will have to dress warmly.
Below-freezing temperatures have greeted us for the past few days, so any early-rising fisher will need to be prepared.
Thanksgiving is typically considered the opening of hatchery steelhead season on the West End rivers.
And like clockwork, steelhead have been spotted in the Quillayute River system this year.
Apply for state panel
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking nominations through Monday for membership on its Puget Sound sport fishing advisory group.
Up to 20 qualified individuals will be chosen to serve on the advisory group for 2016 and 2017.
Those selected will provide guidance on issues affecting recreational fisheries in Puget Sound for salmon, rockfish and other marine fish species.
The advisory group meets three or four times a year, with most meetings scheduled February through April during the annual salmon season-setting process, known as North of Falcon.
Members also are expected to communicate fishery information and policy decisions to sport fishing groups in their areas, said Ryan Lothrop, a fishery manager with Fish and Wildlife.
Appointments become effective in January. Advisors do not receive direct compensation for their work.
Nominations must include the nominee’s name, address, telephone number and email address.
Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory group.
Nominee’s effectiveness in communication.
Name and contact information for any individual or organization submitting a nomination.
Nominations must be received by Monday.
Nominations may be submitted at PugetSoundRecFishingGroup@dfw.wa.gov or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Ryan Lothrop, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia WA, 98501-1091.
For more information, phone Lothrop at 360-902-2808.
Send photos, stories
Have a photograph, a fishing or hunting report, an anecdote about an outdoors experience or a tip on gear or technique?
Send it to sports@peninsuladailynews.com or P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
