Fires limit hunting access

Idaho Fish and Game officials issued an advisory last week urging hunters heading into the field this season to remain aware of fire situations in these areas along with possible area closures in their favorite hunting areas.

Fire season typically wanes as fall hunts begin, which could happen in parts of the state, but weather patterns in the Panhandle and Clearwater Basin are showing no relief from fires, fish and game officials said.

Access to some areas, including federal, state and private timberlands, remain closed, and hunters can expect some access restrictions in those regions.

"I think the message to folks is this is not a typical fire year," said Jason Kirchner, a spokesman with the Panhandle National Forest. "There are going to be some areas closed all the way into winter. When the fires are out, those closures will shrink, but not disappear."

Forest Service officials reported that northern Idaho has about 70 fires burning -- the most since 1926 -- and people concerned about their hunting spots should check the fire page on the fish and game's website for updates and conditions. Those with additional questions about access in the Panhandle area are asked to call the fish and game hotline at 765-7383 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for more information.

Fish and game's Clearwater region has issued fire restrictions on all wildlife management areas, lakes, reservoirs and fishing access areas owned or managed by the state agency across Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis and Idaho counties. Restrictions ban campfires, driving off road and operating chainsaws and other power tools.

Other parts of the state are seeing normal to below-average fire seasons, and while fires are burning in central Idaho, access closures are fairly localized.

As the fall season begins, fire activity typically decreases as nights get longer and cooler. The likelihood of fires flaring lessens, but it's still a possibility, said David Olson, a spokesman with the Boise National Forest.

"We know hunters want to get out," Olson said. "We have to balance hunter interest with public safety."

Firefighters are waiting for a "season ending" weather event, which according to the Forest Service is about two inches of rain or snow. There's typically a 50 percent chance of that happening by mid-September with the odds improving by mid-October when most general season and any weapon hunting seasons start.

However, there are early controlled hunts underway with most archery hunts starting Sunday. These hunters were advised to be prepared to postpone their hunts or move to different areas if their hunting spots are affected by fires.

There are lots of places available for people to hunt in the Panhandle, and "there's still going to be a lot of opportunity for big game after we have that big weather event," said Chip Corsi fish and game's Panhandle regional supervisor.

The state agency rarely alters hunts or offers rain checks for controlled hunt tags because of fires, officials said. Fires typically affect only a portion of a hunting unit and are usually put out, or controlled, before the hunting season ends. Hunters affected by a fire closure can choose between adjusting their schedules to hunt later in the season, or exchange general tags to hunt in a different area. Exchanges must be made before the season begins.