Fire safety tips for bowhunters

Everyone appreciates a safe and fire-free hunting experience. The 2013 fall hunting season is upon us and the early archery-hunting season began mid-August. Landowners and land management agencies are concerned about fire danger despite the rains the area has experience.

We all need to do our part in the prevention of wildland fires by using common sense and being prepared.

“Hunters have an especially big responsibility to be fire conscious,” said Ron Aasheim, spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena.

Hunters driving on roads with drying vegetation along the edges or growing down the middle of a two-track road can cause autumn fire starts and that keeps landowners and managers on edge this time of year, Aasheim said.

These simple common sense guidelines will reduce the chance of a human caused fire:

• When parking your vehicle make sure no fuel (dry grass) is touching the catalytic converter or exhaust system. Find a bare spot along the roadside to park. Park your vehicle in an acceptable area. Don’t block the flow of traffic.

• Carry fire suppression equipment in your vehicle, such as water, shovel and or a fire extinguisher for example.

• When requesting permission to hunt, discuss the fire threat with the landowner so he/she knows you are aware of the problem and will act accordingly. You may be required to park your vehicle and walk.

• It’s important to find out the fire restrictions that may be in effect in the location you intend to hunt or camp. That information is readily available by calling the local land management agencies, county commissioners or the local fire department.

• Do not drive off-road when conditions are dry.

• Any county that has instituted Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibits an open fire that cannot be turned on and off, such as propane fueled stove.

For up-to-date details on fire and drought-related restrictions and closures, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click Drought & Fire.