Fire season and hunting season overlap, so take precautions

With fire season underway in Montana and several counties already implementing fire restrictions, Montana Fish, Wildife and Parks is asking hunters to remain aware of the regulations in place in the locations they plan to hunt.

About 5,000 Montana archery hunters can head afield beginning Aug. 15 with their 900 series antelope hunting licenses. Montana’s archery-only hunting season for deer, elk, antelope, black bear, wolf and mountain lion begins Sept. 3. Most upland game birds seasons open Sept. 1 and the bighorn sheep archery season begins Sept. 3.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges hunters to check in with the regional fish and game offices or online about potential closures before making final plans.

Hunters can exercise precautions by:

• Driving only on established roads

• Avoiding roads with tall vegetation in the middle track.

• Never parking on dry grass and other vegetation.

• Carrying a fire extinguisher or water-filled weed sprayer, shovel, ax and cell phone for emergency calls.

• Restricting camping activities to designated camping areas.

• Building campfires only in established metal fire rings, if allowed.

• Smoking only inside buildings or vehicles.

• Checking on any fire restrictions in place.

For up-to-date details on fire and drought-related restrictions and closures, visit the agency’s website at fwp.mt.gov and click “Restrictions & Closures.”