Don't Spark a Wildlands Closure

After one of the hottest and driest summers on record in most of the state, The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking hunters to be extremely cautious this hunting season. "The Forest Service has reported to us that fire conditions are extremely volatile out there," Kelton Hatch, Magic Valley regional conservation educator said. "Hunters need to adhere to the rules and think before acting. If someone starts a fire out there, the person responsible could be held liable for the cost of putting out the fire and the loss of resources and be arrested and fined." "We will have thousands of people out pursuing game animals this season," Hatch said. "All it takes is one misguided step from one person to close down a whole area for the season or until snow flies." When hunters head out to the field, here are a few ideas to keep in mind. - Park vehicles on areas clear of vegetation - Make sure cigarettes are out - There may be campfire restrictions, check with land management agencies - Check and make sure ATVs and motorcycles have spark arresters that are in good working order To stay current on closures and other Forest Service access issues, go to the Fish and Game website at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/index.htm. Click on news, new additions and then alerts, or contact your local US Forest Service or BLM office.