While Montana hunters will encounter some fire restrictions or closed lands due to the extreme fire danger in the state, hunting season is generally proceeding relatively unhampered, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said today Montana’s upland game bird season opened Sept. 1, as did the big game archery seasons. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunting generally began Sept. 15. Conditions in September, even with intermittent rains, are fundamentally very dry and land use restrictions are still in effect in a number of counties. The restrictions generally ban open campfires, apply to cigarette smoking, and may confine some other activities to limited hours and locations. In areas with major wildfires this summer some land, road and trail closures are also in effect. FWP Director Jeff Hagener stressed that all hunters are responsible for knowing and abiding by land use retrictions that apply in an area where they are hunting. Hunters must also ask for permission to hunt on private land, and come prepared to prevent wild fires. In these dry conditions, FWP urges hunters to take these measures. · Carry a shovel, bucket, axe, and garden-type weed sprayer full of water in all vehicles. · Restrict camping activities to designated camping areas. · Avoid building campfires. · Drive only on established roads. · Take care to ensure that catalytic converters and mufflers are in good repair. · Don’t stop or park vehicles over grass or brush. · Smoke only inside buildings or vehicles. FWP is continuing to monitor conditions afield and communicate to hunters and anglers by way of the FWP web site. For details on fire and drought-related restrictions and closures, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click Drought & Fire.
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