It is as important as making sure you have your bow/rifle and license as well as necessary items in your pack. Before you head out to hunt in 2021, make sure to check with your state wildlife agency, U.S, Forest Service (USFS) or Bureau of Land Management to get the latest status on possible land closures related to wildfires and information related to fire restrictions.
In California as of mid-September, USFS previously closed all forests due to firefighting activity, however it since lifted those restrictions for all of its forests in the state including the Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife also reopened its properties.
In Idaho, the North Idaho Timber Group, comprised of Hancock Forest Management, Molpus Woodlands Group, and Stimson Lumber Company, is opening access to private timberlands offered through Idaho Fish and Games’ private land access Large Tracts Program. Forest conditions are improving with recent rain and cooler temperatures. Some individual areas of North Idaho Timber Group lands with ongoing high fire risk, will remain closed. Officials lifted fire restrictions in most of southwest Idaho. Go here for details.
Oregon does not close hunting season due to fire danger but as of today, there are various restrictions and public land closures in effect. Find more info here. Find details here for Washington.
Weather and fire conditions can quickly change so be vigilant in monitoring the situation and check in with your individual state wildlife agency before you go afield.
(Photo source: Idaho Fish and Game)