Some of Washington’s most popular hunting seasons get under way in October, when hunters take to the field for deer, ducks, geese and other game birds.

Migratory waterfowl numbers are expected to be good this year, said Dave Ware, game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). With an increase in breeding populations of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, waterfowl hunters should expect great hunting this year, depending on weather.

“Big game hunts also look promising this fall,” Ware said. “Hunters had a pretty good season last year and with the mild winter that should be the case again this year.”

All hunters using modern firearms – or in areas open to hunting with modern firearms – are reminded to wear hunter orange clothing as specified by state law. While that requirement does not apply to non-hunters, Ware suggests hikers, mushroom pickers and others in areas open to hunting wear bright, colorful clothing to maximize their visibility.

Area-by-area hunting prospects around the state are available on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects/.

Meanwhile, fishery managers now project that 1.2 million fall chinook will return to the Columbia River this year. While that’s down from the preseason forecast of 1.5 million, the catch through September was still the fourth highest on record.

“Heavy rain in September moved a bunch of fresh fish into the river, which will help keep this fishery going for weeks to come,” said Joe Hymer, a fish biologist for WDFW.

Coho salmon also are moving in increasing numbers into the lower Columbia River and many rivers flowing into Puget Sound.

Also in Puget Sound, several marine areas reopen Oct. 1 for recreational crabbing.

On the coast, WDFW has tentatively scheduled 41 razor clam digs beginning this month through Dec. 31. Beach surveys indicate an average razor clam population at Copalis this year while Twin Harbors, Long Beach and Mocrocks show excellent numbers of clams.

“Overall, there are a lot of clams out there and we expect this to be another great season,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

For more information about fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing available this month, see the Weekender Regional Reports posted on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/. These reports are updated throughout the month to provide current information about recreational opportunities around the state.