As you head out to hunt on Idaho Department of Lands parcels, the please keep these three things in mind:
Fire season isn't over yet, and people cause most fires.
Although temperatures are expected to drop and relative humidity to rise in the coming weeks, we are still very much in fire season and will be through the end of October. Fires will continue to burn until we experience a "season-ending weather event," meaning enough rain or snow for fire managers to call the fire season to an end.
Most wildfires today are not naturally occurring. On lands protected by the State of Idaho, people - not lightning - are responsible for more than three-quarters of the fires this year, accounting for 98.4 percent of the acres burned.
There are still restrictions on campfires and smoking outdoors right now in parts of southern Idaho. View current fire restrictions online here. If campfires are allowed where you plan to hunt, make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before leaving it so you do not unintentionally start a wildfire. View other campfire safety tips here.
Endowment lands are available for you to enjoy, so please respect them
Timber sales and leases on state endowment trust lands produced more than $73 million in payments to Idaho public schools and other State of Idaho institutions this year. Revenue-generating management activities take place largely without interference from hunters and recreationists.
The Land Board and Idaho Fish and Game recently affirmed their support of public hunting and recreational access to endowment lands. More than 96 percent of endowment lands are accessible for recreation by foot, watercraft, or vehicle. You can view accessible endowment lands on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Hunt Planner Map Center.
Help us maintain these lands' potential and your riding privilege by keeping Off-Highway Vehicles on established roads and trails.
Free camping is allowed on endowment lands, but only for up to 14 days
Free camping is allowed on endowment lands for no more than 14 consecutive days. If you plan to camp on endowment lands longer than 14 consecutive days, please contact an IDL area office to obtain the required permit.