Live the Wild Life

If fishing, river floating, backpacking and bird watching are on your "to do" list this year, you'll want to go online for the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation's 18th Annual Trip Auction beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, March 14, Mountain Daylight Time and ending at 9 p.m. Monday, March 24. This event, co-sponsored by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is the Foundation's only fundraiser, attracting hunters and anglers as well as hikers and wildlife watchers. The 2008 event promises to be the largest online auction for the Foundation with more than 30 trips. C-Market, an event manager for nonprofit organizations, will manage the on-line auction. Trip descriptions and bidding instructions are available by visiting www.ifwfauction.cmarket.com. Remember - you will need to pre-register in order to begin bidding. Trips are offered in every corner of Idaho. This year's adventures include:

• Three-day fly fishing extravaganza at Wapiti Meadows Ranch.
• Salmon River steelhead fishing trip courtesy Aggipah River Tour
• Sturgeon fishing and research in Hells Canyon
• Upland game bird hunt in Idaho's Magic Valley
• A special fish portrait courtesy Collier Imaging
• Harlequin Duck Survey and Float Trip
• Lake Pend Oreille Get-a-Way Package
• And lots more!

Trip auction benefits Idaho Fish and Game outdoor education program. The 2008 auction proceeds will fund the launching of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game programs to help children go outdoors and connect with nature. "We're looking forward to another great online auction for our largest annual fund raiser," said Gayle Valentine, executive director of the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. "There are trips for practically everyone - so sign up and get ready to begin bidding on March 14." Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1990 to protect and sustain Idaho's fishing, hunting and wildlife heritage. Board members represent each region of the state. For information contact Gayle Valentine, executive director Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation at 208-334-2648.