Members and guests slowly trickled in throughout the afternoon on Saturday. Board member Sam Richardson had the longest commute. Although he lives in Spokane, he arrived at the ranch after attending an Eagle's concert in Weiser, Idaho. Sam made the normally five-hour trip in an astonishing eight hours. I think he fell asleep at the wheel and the ol' Dodge headed toward Arnold's lodge in northern B.C.. Luckily the customs agent at the border got him turned in the right direction.

    Finally, things were in place to begin the meeting about the future of bighorns in the state of Washington. Donny Morterello from WDFW enlightened everyone on what was going on with Olympia and the status of projects from their perspective. He encouraged all of us to check out the new Big Game plan that is available on the internet and make comments to the department. I think I can speak for the chapter in expressing our gratitude to Donny for his effort and passion about bighorns; it's nice to know we have someone on our side in Olympia.

    Keren gave everyone an update on the status of the Vulcan Mtn. Herd. He explained the current status of the habitat and the movement of the radio-collared bighorns in that area. Although he is new to the bighorn project, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the area. There are also landowner issues with this herd that the chapter is highly interested in that concern the Vulcan Herd.

    Enough with the business….its time for some buffalo burgers and west side steelies to hit the barbecue. Sam graciously provided the buffalo from his New Mexico bull taken last fall. Jerry Tyrrell applied his special seasoning to several steelhead he caught on one of his 158 fishing trips this summer. Both provided excellent main courses surrounded on our plates with the other fine food and cold beer brought by members. Dessert consisted of some outlandish hunting stories that ruined our appetites.

    Sunday's agenda consisted of the group traveling to Starbuck, Washington to view the old downtown buildings that have been refurbished by Becky's father. With some luck on the schedule next year, this will be the host of the summer retreat in 2003. Not are the buildings the most ideal location for a recreational gathering, but we all got to see Craig's huge (I mean huge) #3 All-time Boone & Crockett Black Bear he has in the dance hall. The day continued to improve as we moved to the trap house for a little shotgunning. The ranch has a full-blown trap house and five-station range set up for trap shooting. We all got our fill of trap shooting that morning and decided to call it a day when Sam broke out the black powder shotgun. Although no one really kept score, I kept as accurate of count as I could and only missed three clays out of 50. Can anyone top that shooting (lie)?   

   A big thanks to our gracious hosts Craig and Becky Martin for putting up with this rowdy group in June. Folks, this was one fun weekend. To often in these organizations all of our effort and attention is focused on projects and the banquet and it is important to plan recreational events as well. We had a great turn out of nearly 20 members but we need more next year. Mark your calendars and lets make it one heckuva bash next year!