Fly into Spokane, stop by a store, and buy a license. Right now, the turkey tag is included with the Small Game license. They are proposing a change that would seperate the tag from the license, requiring you to purchase a $40 turkey tag(non-resident) in addition to the Small Game license at ~$60(3-day NR). This won't be decided on until early April though. For information on locations of the different species' and harvest data, contact the WDFW at www.wa.gov/wdfw or the NWTF at www.nwtf.org.

The Merriam's are located primarily in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Orielle counties, with the heaviest populations along the Columbia River basin in Stevens Co. You can obtain a Colville National Forest map to get a better idea of land access in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Orielle Co., but there is definitely no shortage.

Rios can be found starting south of the Spokane River, with the greatest concentration starting at the base of the Blue Mtns and continuing south. The season runs April 15-May 15, and there is a ton of public land that holds lots of birds in the eastern part of the state. There are a few guide services, but you really don't need them. The birds are plentiful, and most of the residents are very helpful with a starting point. If I can offer more assistance, e-mail me at [email protected]. Good luck.

Hunt hard, live right, and tell your kids you love 'em!