Oregon deer-hunting season set to open; woods still dry

Oregon’s most popular hunting season (centerfire deer) opens Saturday statewide, with warm, dry weather still in the forecast, prompting a plea Wednesday by state officials to be careful and check on any fire restrictions or closures in the area where you’re heading.

“We have had a very tough fire season, with the number of human-caused wildfires well above average,” said Oregon Department of Forestry’s Tom Fields. “Fire danger remains high in many areas, and the slightest spark still carries a great deal of potential to turn into a large fire.”

Fire restrictions and closures are still in effect in some areas. It is each hunter’s responsibility to know access conditions and restrictions before heading out. Here are some places to find that information:

Oregon Department of Forestry, https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/Firerestrictions/PFR.html Click on any area in the map to see a list of fire restrictions in areas protected by ODF. Click within public lands areas to find out the land manager and contact info. Corporate Closures, http://www.ofic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-Closure-Form.pdf (pdf) (Covers several private industrial timberlands in Oregon) Keep Oregon Green, https://keeporegongreen.org/ US Forest Service, https://www.fs.fed.us/ Bureau of Land Management, https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington InciWeb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ (Current fires and fire-related closures in Oregon)

Here are some of the most common fire restrictions, according to ODF:

Campfires are either prohibited or only allowed in approved campgrounds in many areas. Exploding targets, tracer ammunition, smoking and off-road driving (incl. motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) are prohibited in most areas. Vehicles must have either a gallon of water or a fully charged and operational 2½-pound fire extinguisher and shovel (except when travelling on state highways or county roads). ATVs must have a charged and operational 2½ pound fire extinguisher.

Fields with the Oregon Department of Forestry also notes these other fire prevention measures to keep in mind:

Keep vehicles in good working condition. Hot particles exiting exhaust systems through faulty catalytic converters can ignite multiple fires along roadways. When towing, keep chains from dragging and generating sparks. Where campfires are allowed (approved campgrounds), be sure and fully extinguish the fire before leaving or going to bed. In lieu of campfires, use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied fuels (check local restrictions).