[ODFW-News] Fire access restrictions may require changing hunting plans

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	
For Immediate Release	Thursday, August 28, 2003

Fire access restrictions may require changing hunting plans

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to check with local land management agencies about road closures and fire restrictions as they head out for Labor Day weekend activities. Active fires burning in northeast and central Oregon, as well as high fire danger in other areas, has led to road closures. 

Phone numbers and links to land management agencies statewide are posted to the ODFW Web site to give hunters easy access to the information. The Web address is http://www.dfw.state.or.us/Fire/2003_fire_drought.htm .

Many general season bow hunters will start their deer and elk hunts this weekend. In addition, hunts are ongoing for cougar, bear and pronghorn. 

ODFW does not close hunting seasons due to fire danger. However, hunters may need to hunt in a different area if their favorite hunting spot is the site of an active fire or a private landowner has closed access due to fire danger. Hunters also should be ready to walk on closed roads and have fire safety equipment in camp or in their vehicles.  

###


Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife