Outdoors briefs April 11, 2013

Electronics Seminar begins at 6:30 tonight

Those new to fishing or looking to increase their capabilities with technology have an opportunity to learn about what's available tonight at Mark's Marine, 14355 N. Government Way, Hayden.

Mark Marine's Annual Electronics Seminar is at 6:30 p.m. and hosted by Mike Pentony from the Lowrance Electronics' west coast pro staff.

The seminar is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Mark's Marine at 772-9038.

Elk plan conversations scheduled

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans an online chat to talk about the ongoing elk management plan revision.

The online chat will be from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. To connect go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov and click on the link.

Learn about the process, ask questions of IDFG's wildlife managers, and share your thoughts about statewide management direction. Plan objectives are in still draft form.

IDFG also has set a series of regional open house meetings during April and May.

The Panhandle Region's meeting will be May 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. at IDFG's regional office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Ask Fish and Game: Hunter Education

Q. I want to sign up for a controlled hunt, but I can't until I have a license and to get a license I have to take a hunter ed class. How soon can I get in?

A. It depends on where you live. Check the IDFG Hunter Education website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/education/?getPage=30 or contact the nearest IDFG office for information about local classes. Several options are available; traditional instructor-led classes, a self-study workbook or an online course. All three require attending field days. Parental consent is required for students under 18.

Batch of Chinook clear Lower Granite Dam

BOISE (AP) - Idaho can add more one sign of spring to its list: Three Chinook salmon have crossed the final dam before entering Idaho - signaling the first days of warm weather and the onset of angling season for the big fish.

The Idaho Statesman reports the salmon are expected to arrive from their journey up the Columbia River in smaller numbers this year.

More than 600 fish had crossed the first dam in Bonneville by Monday, lower than the 10-year average of 4,757 by that date.

But that doesn't mean Idaho anglers should panic: A run delayed by a week or so can skew the first batch of numbers.

Last year, more than 116,000 Chinook crossed the Lower Granite Dam on their way to spawn in Idaho.