Idaho Fish and Game warns hunters about heat, fires
There will soon be more people recreating in the mountains with hunting season approaching. In fact, some archery and controlled hunts are already going on, but the weather conditions may not be too favorable. Idaho Fish and Game wants hunters to be on alert, and not just for animals.
“It’s very important to know where the fires are, where you can go, what places are shut down,” said James Brower with Idaho Fish and Game. “Before you head out you’d hate to get ready, geared up and head out into the woods and find out you can’t make it to the spot you were intending to get to.”
They ask hunters to be aware as they go into the desert for some hunts currently going on.
“Make sure that, you know, you’re not driving with your hot exhaust over really dry brush and weeds that could cause your own wildfire,” Brower said. “That’s not something anybody wants. Just be careful. Make sure you know the fire restrictions that are in place. Where you can have a campfire and where you can’t. Most everywhere in Idaho at this point is at least a level one fire restriction which is only in metal or concrete fire rings only.”
They encourage hunters to take precautions to avoid a heat stroke. Stop and cool down if you are getting overheated, and get to a hospital if it turns serious. They also say the hot weather could spoil the meat quickly. Most hunters bring a cooler for meat, but it is still important to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
“The last few nights we’ve been pretty cool, so it’s kind of an overnight thing, so you’ve got some time,” Brower said. “If it’s during the day when it’s 90 plus degrees you gotta get to it within, you know, 6-8 hours or so before it really starts to get, you have a little more time than that, but you gotta get on it quick.”
Idaho Fish and Game says if you get a tag, but decide the area isn’t good for any reason, maybe fires or smoke, you can exchange your tag, but only if the hunt has not started yet. If you want to check fire conditions before you head out for your hunt, you can do so here.
