With leaves changing and general season deer and elk hunts fast approaching, the US Forest Service wants to warn hunters and campers about extended fire restrictions that are still in effect.
If you are planning on getting out into the wilderness this fall for one of Utah’s general season hunts, the Forest Service has extended stage 1 fire restrictions until October 15th in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests. It is possible the restrictions could be further extended if fire conditions do not improve.
Under stage 1 restrictions, campfires, as well as charcoal and wood stoves are only allowed in developed campgrounds. The regulations also restrict smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed campgrounds, or while stopped in an area cleared of flammable material.
Although wood and coal fires are prohibited outside of designated areas, using a camp stove that runs on liquid fuel and can be turned on and off is allowed in areas cleared of debris that could easily catch fire.
Many of Utah’s state wildlife management units have also been closed to target shooting since August due to increased wildfire concerns.
With dry vegetation across the state, a bullet ricochet can easily start a fire and state officials ask hunters and recreational shooters to respect the closures and be mindful of what is behind their target if they do end up pulling the trigger.
Utah’s general big game hunting season is currently underway and runs through early November. For more information about hunt dates and regulations, a link to the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources can be found here.
