DFPA Reminds Hunters Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect as Fall Season Begins

Hunters heading into the woods this fall are being reminded that fire season is still in effect across the Douglas District, where dry grass, brush and other vegetation can ignite from a single spark.

The Douglas Forest Protective Association is urging hunters to check fire restrictions before leaving home, choose safe locations for target practice and carry the required firefighting equipment. Campfires remain prohibited except at designated sites.

Take Precautions When Sighting In Rifles

For hunters preparing their rifles for the season, DFPA warns that a day of target practice can lead to a wildfire if sparks or hot fragments reach dry vegetation.

Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are prohibited during fire season. Metal-jacketed ammunition, ammunition with metal cores and incendiary ammunition can also cause wildfires under the right conditions, according to the association.

Regardless of the ammunition used, shooters should select a backstop completely free of dry grass, brush and other flammable materials. The area around the target should also be checked for vegetation or other materials that could ignite.

DFPA encourages hunters to consider both their shooting location and current fire conditions before practicing.

What Restrictions Apply?

DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions apply to lands protected by the association and all forestland within one-eighth mile of those lands.

The restrictions outlined in the release include:

• Campfires and open fires: Campfires, cooking fires and warming fires are prohibited except at designated sites.
• Portable cooking appliances: Stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. Users must have one shovel and one gallon of water, or an ABC fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds.
• Motor vehicles: Vehicles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are restricted to improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used to cultivate or harvest agricultural crops.
• Required vehicle equipment: Passenger vehicles traveling on forestlands must carry an axe, a shovel and either one gallon of water or an ABC fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds. That requirement does not apply when traveling on state highways, county roads or driveways. ATVs must carry an ABC fire extinguisher weighing at least 2.5 pounds.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in wildland areas except inside vehicles or at designated locations.
• Other prohibited activities: Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns are prohibited.

Check Access Before Heading Out

Fire restrictions can vary depending on where hunters plan to go. Private landowners and public land management agencies may have additional rules or closures beyond DFPA’s restrictions.

Hunters should check with the landowner or managing agency before entering an area, even if they have hunted there before.

Information on hunting during fire season is available through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters can also check private forestland closures through the Oregon Forest Industries Council.

Current Public Use Restrictions for the Douglas District are available at dfpa.net.