Outdoor Briefs March 11, 2010

Schweitzer hosts CAN DO for MS

The "CAN DO Multiple Sclerosis 2010 Vertical Express for MS," formally the Jimmy Heuga Vertical Express," is Saturday at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

This event challenges skiers and riders of every age and every ability level to form teams of three and raise a minimum of $450 to complete in two events: "Surmount the Obstacles," a timed obstacle course with four skills stations in Schweitzer Village, and an extended GS race on the NASTAR course.

Teams that raise $15,000 or more win an expense paid trip to Vail, Colo., to attend the awards celebration April 15-18. A chance for prizes, complimentary lift tickets, food, goodie bags and a ticket to the awards dinner are all included with registration.

For more information and to register visit www.verticalexpress.org or www.schweitzer.com or contact Event Directors Pam Burke (208)660-0661, or Billy-Bob Goyen (509)994-5493.

Wilderness group to meet April 30

The 2010 gathering of the Montana Wilderness Association will be held in Whitefish April 30-May 2 at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

Convention activities will feature a panel discussion following the convention theme, "Wilderness on our Horizon," a keynote address from Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, and we'll also hear from young wilderness advocates across the state.

There will also be outdoor activities such as trail maintenance projects, a horse packing demonstration, hiking and mountain biking.

For more information and to register, visit www.wildmontana.org or call (406) 443-7350 ext. 110

Mark's Marine to hold seminars

Mark's Marine is kicking off the spring fishing season with its annual spring seminar series.

The seminars are free and take place every Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. here at Mark's Marine, 14355 N. Government Way.

n March 11: Sonar Basics by Steve Binyon

n March 18: Trolling the Northwest Waters, techniques and TR-1 Autopilots by Jim Brewer and Robert Archer.

n March 25: Bass Fishing in the Northwest by Tony McCalmant

n April 1: Walleye Fishing in the Northwest by Brad Brodwell and Carl Haynes

n April 8: Learning to use your GPS by Steve BInyon

n April 15: Year Round Fishing on Lake Roosevelt by Alan Roberts

n April 22: Laws and Safety on Idaho waters by the US coast Guard and Sheriff's Marine Patrol.

Big Horn show begins March 18

SPOKANE - The Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, held March 18-21 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center is celebrating 50 years.

This year the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show will feature an air rifle range, silver mine, fishing world, dinner, auction, raffles and more than 300 vendors and exhibitors.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, students and military, and children 6 and under are free with an adult.

Commission to set big game seasons

Big game hunters might want to set aside some time later this month when the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set seasons for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear and mountain lion hunts.

The commission will meet March 17 and 18 at Fish and Game headquarters in Boise. A public comment session will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 17.

In the morning of March 18, in addition to setting big game seasons, the commission agenda includes presentations on guidelines for awarding auction tags and a preliminary report on the wolf hunting season. After lunch, commissioners will consider a land acquisition and donation and an update on pending legislation.

Commissioners also will consider a spring chinook salmon harvest season proposal. And hunter education instructor awards will be presented.

Times on the agenda are approximate and subject to change.

Horticulture series held until April 5

The 2009 Horticulture Workshop Series will be held each Monday through April 5, offering class from 6-8 p.m. at the University of Idaho Kootenai County Extension Office, 1808 N. Third St., Coeur d'Alene.

Class topics range from growing orchids, managing your backyard forest, the ice age of the Pacific Northwest and adaptive gardening.

Cost for each session is $5

Information: (208) 446-1680