Classes teach citizens how to help prevent poaching

OLYMPIA - Free classes will be held this month in four locations throughout the state for citizens who want to help prevent poaching of the state's fish and wildlife.

The two-hour training sessions - scheduled this month in Yakima, Longview, Belfair and Vancouver - are jointly sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Eyes in the Woods Association and other outdoor organizations and sporting goods stores.

The classes are the first of a series of Crime Observation and Reporting Training (CORT) sessions scheduled this year to train and certify citizens as non-confrontational witnesses in fish and wildlife enforcement efforts.

"Our goal is to create a network of citizens trained in identifying, documenting and reporting crimes against our natural resources," said Lt. Rich Mann of WDFW's enforcement program. "While no one but a certified law-enforcement officer should ever approach a suspect, we often rely on citizens' help in making a case."

All four meetings are scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Yakima: Jan. 11 at 2603 Ahtanum Road. The local co-sponsor is AS&J Archery. For more information contact Brandon Porter at (509) 457-4856 or ASJArchery@hotmail.com

• Longview: Jan. 12 at 1111 Hudson Ave. The local sponsor is Bob's Sporting Goods. For more information, contact Bob's Hunting Counter at (360) 425-3870 or http://www.bobsmerch.com.
• Belfair: Jan. 19 at 3680 Old Belfair Hwy. The local sponsor is KBH Archery Club. For more information, contact John Durst at (360) 871-8400 or jdurst4154@aol.com.
• Vancouver: Jan. 26 at 5016 NE Thurston Way. The local sponsor is Clark County Trout Unlimited. For more information, contact Tammy Mackey at (360) 513-3725 or cctroutunlimited@yahoo.com.

For a list of other CORT training sessions, see page 25 of WDFW's 2005 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules guide.