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Fire closures and big game hunting in the Panhandle: Helpful resources and information

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Wednesday, August 23, 2023 - 4:37 PM MDT

Important fire-related information and resources for hunters going into big game seasons

Fire season is in full-swing here in the Panhandle, and fire-related closures are likely to present challenges for hunters wishing to access their hunting spots.

All of the Idaho Panhandle is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions; for more on what that entails, visit the Idaho Department of Lands' Fire Restrictions page.

Relevant land and access closures as of Aug. 23:

Clagstone Meadows
- Private land managers have temporarily closed the entire parcel to all public access until further notice. Fire conditions are being regularly monitored with a desire to reopen public access as soon as possible. The boundaries of the parcel can be viewed in our Idaho Hunt Planner.
North Idaho Timber group parcels enrolled in the Large Tracts Program
- All private land managers except Potlatch have temporarily closed all parcels to all public access. Fire conditions are being regularly monitored with a desire to reopen public access as soon as possible. The boundaries of the parcels can be viewed in our Idaho Hunt Planner.
Godde/Micah Bay Access Program
- Private land managers have temporarily closed the entire parcel to all public access. Fire conditions are being regularly monitored with a desire to reopen public access as soon as possible.
Ridge Creek Fire (GMU 3)
- Emergency Wildfire Area Closure in place. The closure extends from Hollister Mountain on the west to the Little North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River on the east and from Chilco Mountain on the north to Burnt Cabin Creek on the south.

2023 Ridge Creek Fire Map in North Idaho

Buckskin 2 Fire (GMU 4)
- Emergency Road and Trail Closures in place on portions of Bunco High Drive Road, Buckskin Creek Road and U.S. Forest Service Roads 332 and 277.

Sawtooth Fire (GMU 9)
- Emergency Road and Trail Closures in place on all or portions of U.S. Forest Service Trails 12, 40, 50, 108, 113 and 141 .
Kootenai River Complex (GMU 1)
- Emergency Road and Trail Closures in place on all of Ball Creek Road and Trout Creek Road. There is no active fire; the closure is for public safety due to past wildlife effects.
Consalus Fire (GMU 1)
- Emergency Road and Trail Closures in place on all or portion of U.S. Forest Service Road 333.

What does this mean for hunters?

That’s the question on every hunter’s mind, and justifiably so. Sportsmen and women wait all year long for the opportunity to leave civilization behind and head for the mountains of Idaho to try and outsmart some of the state’s wariest game.

Idaho Fish and Game rarely alters hunts or offers rain checks for controlled hunt tags because of fires. That’s because fires typically affect only a portion of a hunting unit and are usually put out or controlled before the hunting season ends.

Hunters affected by a fire closure can choose between adjusting their schedules to hunt later in the season or exchange general tags to hunt in a different area. Exchanges must be made before the season begins.

Hunters with controlled hunt tags may also exchange them for general season tags before the controlled hunt begins, but controlled-hunt fees would not be refunded.

Helpful resources and tips before heading into the mountains

Check the Fish and Game Idaho Fire Map to ensure the area you want to hunt isn’t closed or on fire. This map is your single most valuable resource for researching closures.
Leave your house with 2-3 hunting areas in mind in case you need to unexpectedly alter your plans.
If your preferred hunting areas are inaccessible, take advantage of the opportunity to explore new areas or consider postponing your hunt to a later date if that’s an option.
Try to avoid hunting fresh burns. They will likely have a lot of people, machines and activity, decreasing the chances that game is still in the area.
Please pay attention and adhere to all fire-related signage at all times.
Expect to encounter downed trees on roads and trails. Bring a chain or tow rope and a chainsaw to help you get where you want to go.
Watch for smoke from smoldering fires and stay away from those areas.