Not long and archers will have their first opportunity to get out in the woods in hopes of tagging a deer.
Bow hunting season begins Sept. 1 and with another mild winter and the ability to harvest antler-less deer in some units, outlooks look promising.
Most hunters will stay on this side of the mountains with a few venturing off to the eastern part of the state. Both sides, however, have their own unique differences and you should prepare now.
Just a few miles south of Greene’s Gun Shop archers will find a couple of places they can tune their bows in preparation for their hunts.The Whidbey Island Bowmen’s Club is an outstanding club for archers of all skill levels. It is open to the public and is located at Rocky Point Park. Their annual dues are only $25 for individuals and $35 for the family. It’s a small price to pay for the benefits the club offers. They have a standard range that has targets from 10 to 80 yards. They even have a course that offers 30 realistic targets and seven of them are from tree stands. It has changed quite a bit from when I was younger and the members are the ones that have made it that way. Visit their Web site at: http://www.galaxynet.com/~thumper/ for more information including meeting times and membership applications.
The North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association is another club that has an archery range. It may not be as elaborate as the Whidbey Island Bowmen’s, but it is a safe place to sight in your bow before heading out in the field. They have targets from 10 to 50 yards and believe it or not I’ve even seen a nice size buck that likes the way the grass tastes on the range. Visit their Web site at: http://www.northwhidbeysportsmen.org/ for more information. I will write more about them and the Central Whidbey Sportsmen Association in my next article.
I hope everyone went to the gun and knife show at the Skagit County fair ground this past weekend. Although small in size compared to some that I’ve been to, it had a lot to offer those who like to look for treasures.If anyone has a good picture from the Central Whidbey’s Sportsmen’s Assoc annual Rendezvous please e-mail it to me. I would love to put a picture in my next article.
Fishing report
Boy has it been slow, but I have had reports of silvers starting to trickle in around the island. It seems as if they are a little late this year, but better late than never. King salmon are doing a bit better this week and I had one reader tell me about a 52 pounder that was caught out of the Samish bay. I would love to see a picture of that. If it is true than the next few weeks should see kings flooding into the Samish and I know I’ve mentioned before that I love to fish the Samish. I will be sure to keep you posted.
Hunting report
Bear hunting is still on and you should have your best chance at one in September. I know of a nice cinnamon bear that was taken in the hills south of the Skagit River not long ago and I will soon have a picture of the 300-plus bear Bob Orwig took this year. Congratulations Bob.
Once again I look forward to hearing from you and get out and enjoy the last few days of summer.
Send pictures, reports, comments and even recipes to me at: whidbey_fff@yahoo.com.
