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 , 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 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 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 425-3870 or 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 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 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 .