Drought, Fire And Hunters

Friday, August 18, 2000
Headlines

This article was Archived on Monday, July 01, 2002

Montana is experiencing one of the most extreme and dangerous fire seasons in documented history-some experts say since 1910. Please be aware that conditions remain volatile. Your assistance in protecting Montana’s precious natural resources during this time will be deeply appreciated. Hunters are reminded to ASK FIRST before hunting on private lands-it’s the law--and to exercise caution with regard to the fire danger that is present in all areas of the state. Most forested lands in FWP’s Region 2-which is headquartered in Missoula -are at a Level V fire restriction, which means private and public land remain closed to public recreation due to fire danger Much of western Montana is under Level IV fire restrictions. Updates on these situations are provided on the fwp web site at fwp.state.mt.us. In general, these are the Level IV restrictions:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire or charcoal fire is prohibited
• Smoking is prohibited
• Using chainsaws or other equipment with internal combustion engines between 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. is prohibited.
• Possessing or using motorized vehicles such as, but not limited to cars, trucks, trail bikes, motorcycles and all terrain vehicles off of Forest Development Roads is prohibited, except for persons engaged in a trade, business or occupation in the area.

Although these restrictions are officially in place only in certain areas, all outdoor recreationists, including hunters, are urged to use them in guiding their outdoor activities.