OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TAKE note, the annual Washington Sportsmen’s Show, runs today through Sunday at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup.
With the big football game more than a week away and college basketball a month removed from March Madness, this event offers an entertaining mid-winter diversion.
More than 150 hours of fishing, hunting and survival seminars will be presented by those in the know.
This includes seminars on what to do if you are lost in the woods and survival myths and misconceptions offered by wilderness survival and outdoor safety expert Brett Stoeffel.
Yakima Bait’s indoor river will showcase pro staff anglers wading in and sharing tips and techniques for anglers with experience levels ranging from newbie to veteran.
Extreme archer Jim Burnworth, the host of Outdoor Channel’s Western Extreme, will discuss his experiences on big game hunts around the world.
Children also can fish at the Kid’s Trout Pond.
Hours are noon to 8 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $12 for adults age 17 and up, $5 for juniors ages 6-16 and free for age 5 and younger.
On-site parking is free each day.
For more information on the show’s speakers, topics and a complete schedule, visit www.thesportshows.com/shows/washington.
Clam digs start Friday
A five-day razor clam opening begins Friday at Copalis beach, and overlaps with three days of digging at Mocrocks.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the opening on evening tides at those two beaches after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on the beaches are safe to eat.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
•Friday, 6:26 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis
•Saturday, 7:01 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis
•Sunday, 7:37 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
•Monday, 8:13 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
•Tuesday, 8:50 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Derby tickets on sale
The annual Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby is coming up Feb. 17-19, the Friday through Sunday of President’s Day weekend.
Tickets ($40 plus any applicable service fee) are for sale online at gardinersalmonderby.org and at a host of retailers here on the North Olympic Peninsula and beyond.
The traditionally strong blackmouth chinook fishing grounds off nearby Protection Island usually produce the winner.
Marine Area 9’s continued closure to blackmouth fishing shouldn’t impact the derby.
The nonprofit salmon derby generates funds to support emergency and other services that benefit the Gardiner community.
Anacortes’ Danny Davis claimed last year’s $10,000 grand prize with a 20.7-pound blackmouth chinook.
Anglers will be entered into a drawing for a fully equipped 22-foot Hewescraft aluminum boat with trailer — a prize worth more than $85,000.
________
Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
