Hunters urged to heed fire restrictions

Hunters planning trips in the vicinity of the Pioneer Fire north of Idaho City will want to pay close attention to U.S. Forest Service closures and be prepared to alter their plans if necessary, according to officials with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Land closures issued by the Forest Service currently spread from the North Fork of the Boise River north to the Deadwood Reservoir area and east of the reservoir almost to Idaho 21 near Cape Horn.

Land closures include the areas adjacent to the Pioneer Fire, Buck Fire and Rough Fire between Deadwood Reservoir and Bull Trout Lake.

Current area closures and fire boundaries are posted online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov under its fire map link.

Boundaries are likely to change as summer progresses, but it's important that early season hunters know that Forest Service closures lie far beyond the boundaries of the current fires, Fish and Game officials said. Area closures include portions of hunting Units 33, 34, 35 and 39.

The Pioneer Fire recently crossed the South Fork of the Payette River west of Lowman and is burning a northeasterly direction. According to Forest Service officials, the Pioneer Fire is expected to remain uncontained for at least two weeks, and it could be well into September before firefighters have it contained.

People should also note that these land closures could continue into October, even if the fires are out. However, officials hope to reopen areas when they are safe.