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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials, noting that most early September hunting in western Montana will be prohibited due to fire-danger land closures, are asking hunters to voluntarily stay home until conditions improve.
"Landowners in eastern Montana are especially concerned about the impacts an influx of hunters could have in areas of high fire danger," said FWP Director Pat Graham. "This is a time for patience, restraint and compassion. We are asking all hunters--and especially those in western Montana^s--to think about rescheduling early-season hunting plans until the state^s dry conditions and fire-danger subsides."
For those intent on traveling to eastern Montana, Graham stressed that if they do not already have permission to hunt they should understand that obtaining access to private land in many areas in eastern Montana is going to be very difficult.
The upland game bird season is scheduled to open on Friday, Sept. 1. Montana^s archery season is set to open on Saturday, Sept. 2. Most moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons are to open Sept. 15.
This week the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group, a team of fire experts that evaluate the risk of wild fire, is expected to place all of eastern Montana under Level IV fire-danger restrictions. While Level IV restrictions do not prohibit hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation, the restrictions do prohibit the use of fire and certain vehicles and equipment. For instance, in Level IV zones campfires, the use of propane stoves, as well as the use of
off-road vehicles are generally prohibited.
Graham stressed that while hunting is allowed where hunters can obtain legal
access, he reminded all hunters that they are required to ask for permission to
hunt on private land, and that they must be prepared to prevent wild fires on
public and private land. "This season, hunters must be aware of the fact that
anyone responsible for starting a wild fire is liable for all damage," Graham
said.
Graham asked all hunters to:
* Carry a shovel, bucket, axe, and garden-type weed sprayer full of water in
all vehicles.
* Restrict camping activities to designated camping areas.
* Do not build campfires. Do not use propane or gas stoves for cooking.
* Drive only on established roads. Take care to ensure that catalytic
converters and mufflers are in good repair.
* Do not stop or park vehicles over grass or brush.
* Smoke only inside buildings or vehicles.
For up-to-date drought and fire information hunters can call 1-800- 472-8455,
or visit FWP ^s website at: fwp.state.mt.us. Look for the "Fire/Drought Update"
on the homepage.
Uploaded: 8/30/2000
Uploaded: 8/30/2000