Here's an overview of wildfires that may affect hunters. This post will be periodically updated, but wildfires are dynamic and situations can constantly change. We will do our best to keep hunters informed about what fires are affecting early season hunts. This is for general information on a large-scale basis. Please follow links for more details.
F&G has more detailed information on links on its Fire Information Page.
Here's a statewide map and overview of fires and hunting units.
Updated Sept. 8 (See below for a map of regions and hunting units)
Panhandle region
Light fire activity. The Buck Fire is burning in Unit 7. According to the Forest Service, the fire is located on the St. Joe Ranger District, approximately 17 miles southeast of Avery, Idaho and is burning in steep terrain and heavy fuels along Buck Creek. Here's more information about the Buck Creek Fire.
Clearwater Region
Major fire activity in Units 12, 17, 16A, 19 and 20, as well as fires in 8 and 18. People heading to the Clearwater area, especially the Lochsa/Selway areas, should check for fires and fire closures at the Nez-Perce/Clearwater National Forest. The Hanover Fire is also burning south of Grangeville and north of the Salmon River.
Southwest Region
The Highline Fire is burning in Unit 20A and there is a large fire closure area that includes portions of Unit 26. Also a large fire and closure area in Unit 34 and a large closure areas around Deadwood Reservoir area caused by the Bearskin Fire Complex.
There's also fire rehabilitation from last year's Pioneer fire that affects a small portion of 33 and 39, adjacent to Idaho 21. Popular campgrounds are affected include Whoop Em Up, Edna Creek, Willow Creek.
Magic Valley Region
Little fire activity in the region except the 1,500 acre Piney Fire on the Nevada border in Unit 54 that is 99 percent contained. Also, the 400-acre Meadow Creek Fire in Unit 56 is 60 percent contained.
Southeast Region
Currently no wildfires in the region.
Upper Snake Region
Currently no fires in the region.
Salmon Region
A fire and closure area are in Unit 27 in the backcountry west of Challis caused by the Ibex Fire.
Fish and Game's policy on hunts that are affected by fires
Hunters have the option of exchanging tags at any Fish and Game regional office, but they must do so before their hunt starts.
All hunters should consider that fire conditions can change quickly with favorable weather and forests can reopen. Fire season tends to taper off by late September and is usually over by mid-October when most any-weapon hunts start.
Fish and Game's standard policy is to not change hunts or rules due to fire closures because entire hunting units are rarely closed, and fire restriction rarely last through the entire hunting season, however, in rare cases rain checks are issued if an entire hunt unit is closed and will likely be closed throughout the season.
