DFPA Reminds Bow Hunters to Check Fire Restrictions Before Heading to the Woods
With bow season opening this weekend, DFPA is reminding hunters and other forest users to check current fire restrictions before heading into the woods, including rules covering campfires, vehicles, smoking and other activities.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - With bow season opening this weekend, the Douglas Forest Protective Association is reminding hunters to check current fire restrictions before heading into the woods.
DFPA officials said restrictions remain in place across the Douglas District as dry conditions continue to create a risk for human-caused wildfires. The association's Public Use Restrictions have been in effect since May 30 and limit several activities that could spark a fire.
Smoking is prohibited in wildland areas except inside vehicles or boats on the water. Campfires, cooking fires and warming fires are also prohibited outside designated locations. Portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
Vehicle use is also restricted. DFPA said vehicles traveling in wildland areas, including dirt bikes and ATVs, must have a properly working exhaust system and remain on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. Off-road driving and trail riding are prohibited.
Vehicles must also carry an axe, shovel and either one gallon of water or a fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds.
Other activities currently restricted or prohibited include nonindustrial use of power saws, fireworks, tracer ammunition, exploding targets and sky lanterns.
DFPA cautioned that its restrictions may not be the only rules hunters encounter. Private industrial timber companies and public land management agencies can have additional closures or restrictions on the lands they manage.
Hunters and other recreationists are encouraged to check conditions and access rules for the specific area they plan to visit before leaving home.
Information on private industrial land closures is available through the Oregon Forest Industries Council at https://ofic.com/landclosures/.
BLM fire restriction information can be found at https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.
A complete list of DFPA Public Use Restrictions is available at https://www.dfpa.net/public-firerestrictions. Current restriction information is also available by calling DFPA's information line at 541-672-0379.
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