DEER PARK, Wash. — It wasn't clear last month why some hunters were driving past the highway check station marked by big fluorescent orange signs while others willingly stopped and shared the information of their hunt with Washington Fish and Wildlife Department biologists.

Wasco and Sherman counties Osprey can be seen nesting along the Columbia River, as well as swallows. The Lower Deschutes River provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities. California Bighorn Sheep are frequently observed in the canyon and can provide fantastic viewing this time of year. The best spot to view sheep is from the BLM access road just downstream and across the river from Sherar’s Falls (along Hwy 216).

It looks like summer has finally arrived and for many of us that means it’s time to go camping. If you are like me I head to the mountains and the shade of the deep forest. Toss in a babbling brook and I’m in heaven. That also means that I have moved in to Mr. Black Bear’s living room. Over 25,000 black bear call Oregon Home and most of them live in my perfect camping spots.