Cowlitz Game & Anglers

Many members have been flying the CG&A flag making kids happier.

The Earth Day event at the Cowlitz County Expo Center attracted a lot of people. Manning that booth was Ray Swanson, Jim Tomlinson, Steve White and Dick Miller. We were able to demonstrate the life cycle of a typical Salmon Egg Bucket (Remote Site Incubator) to a few hundred kids and their parents. Amazing how Salmon culture is practically unknown amongst most people. A significant percentage of your PUD bill goes for Salmon welfare so its best to learn a little about these critters. (We had 4 new members sign up so I guess our demo was somewhat impressive.)

At the Lake Sacajawea “Fish’in for Kids” 500 youngsters caught about 750 fish all cleaned by CG&A volunteers. At the cleaning table were Mike Medack, Gene Crocker, Steve White, Dick Miller and Dick Martin while Hollis Thruston, Dan Gourde, Ed Nichols, Destry & Pam Fierst, Skip Dunlap and Dan Howell baited hooks, untangled lines & made sure everyone caught a fish. What a ball !! (Lion’s Club gave us all free hot dogs)

We helped out at Bob’s Sporting Good’s annual fish tank. 250 four to 14 year olds had a ball bagging nice Rainbows with Kim Isaccson, Ed Nichols, Dick Miller, Skip Dunlap, Dan Howell, Dan Gourde, Destry Fierst, Gene Crocker, Hollis Thruston and Art Hills teaching the little boogers how its done.

Did you notice the repeating of many of the same names? Get out there & join the fun. Don’t let the dirty 30 have all the joy.

April 20 Mike Tyrrell, our fish Guru, led the annual Steelhead Smolts release at our Acclimation pond on the So fk Toutle River. 25,000 new fish were sent winging their way toward the sea. They looked to be the biggest, fattest & healthiest batch we’ve produced. About 15 adults & 22 kids witnessed the blessed event. The kids really had a great time exploring the river banks, watching the screens being opened and seeing the fish swim through the outlet creek. Carl Degner saved the day by clearing a huge debris pile from the end of the outlet creek with the help of a large “come-along” and a few of our members.

CG&A jackets can be ordered now. Price is $96.00 ea. Your first name will be on the front with the familiar Golden Elk embroidered on the back. See Dick Miller (274-7559) to order. —-We have a few CG&A hats at $10.00 ea

The Shooting Range made progress when Chinook GeoServices evaluated the composition of the LT-1 dredge spoil dirt earlier this month. Thanks to volunteer Paul Mobley. His backhoe work saved our budget many hundreds of $$$. We hope to have our submittal for the Special Land Use Permit ready in early June. Our expenses do seem to be escalating. Talk to your merchants, friends & neighbors for new pledges of financial support.

We need nominations for 2 boys & 2 girls to send to Summer Camp at Orcas Island. Girls camp is July 13 – July 19. Boys camp is July 20 – July 26. Campers must be 12 years old upon arrival and not older than 16. The prime age is 13 to 15. EVERY camper we have sent has gushed about how marvelous the camp was. Relatives & neighbors are eligible. This a fine place to learn leadership, water safety, shooting skills, self discipline and have fun swimming, canoing, hiking & singing around the campfire. Good food, good counselors & the ferry ride from Anacortes is a highlight for many.