Perhaps it is only fitting that a man who thrilled the baseball world with his Hall of Fame performance also should be among the most skilled and versatile outdoorsmen in the nation.
When the Fall Hunting Classic kicks off a three-week display Sunday, Aug. 9, Goose Gossage will make an appearance on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Gossage, a Colorado Springs resident, is an avid big game and bird hunter and also sparkles with the fly rod.
Gossage is but one of dozens of performers who’ll appear at sessions that continue Aug. 15-16 and Aug. 22-23. Schedules will be printed in Wednesday’s outdoor page.
Going for leftovers.
All leftover Colorado big game and turkey licenses will go on sale Aug. 11. These include limited elk, deer, pronghorn, bear and turkey that did not sell during the spring drawing/application process.
The offering includes 42,000 elk, 9,000 deer and 3,000 pronghorn tags. Hunters may purchase leftovers on a first-come basis at statewide license agents, Division of Wildlife offices and by phone, 800-244-5613.
Online purchases will be available at 8 a.m. Aug. 12 on the Division of Wildlife website. Applicants should bring a driver’s license, hunter education card, conservation certificate number and Social Security card.
Ducks go liberal.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday proposed continuation of liberal hunting season lengths for the 2009-10 late waterfowl seasons.
For the High Plains Mallard Management Unit, a 97-day season would be between Sept. 26 and Jan.31. The last 23 days would start no earlier than Dec. 12.
The Pacific Flyway is allowed a 107-day general duck season between Sept. 26 and Jan. 31.
Proposed species and sex regulations are similar to those of a year ago.
Parks free.
Colorado State Parks will celebrate Colorado Day with free admission at all 42 state parks Monday. In addition, Colorado Parks is celebrating a 50th anniversary.
While entry is free, all other parks activities, such as camping, will feature the usual charges.
River celebration.
The Colorado River Headwaters chapter of Trout Unlimited has designated Aug. 9 as Riverstock, a celebration to benefit the conservation organization’s efforts on headwater issues on the Western Slope. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12, and free for children under 5. Admission includes lunch, beverages, T-shirt and participation in all events, including fishing at the Lions Club ponds. For tickets, kklancke@netspeed.us
Walleye winners.
The Lakewood team of Judi and Eric Coe finished seventh in the prestigious Cabella’s Master Walleye Tournament last weekend at Devils Lake, N.D.
The event, won by the Illinois duo of Chris Clemmons and Bob Hausler, attracts dozens of teams from the country.
