Fire and Fall Hunting: What Idaho hunters need to know

Consider another part of the hunt area

A fire or temporary closure may affect only a portion of a hunt area. Hunters should check current fire restrictions and closures and consider hunting another portion of their hunt area that remains open and accessible.

Before heading into the field, hunters should make sure they understand which lands are open and any fire-related restrictions that may apply. Restrictions can vary by location and can change as wildfire conditions develop.

Consider hunting later in the season

If fire activity or a temporary closure affects a hunter's preferred area at the beginning of a season, another option may be to wait until later in the season. Many fire-related closures are temporary. If the fire is contained and restrictions are lifted while the season remains open, hunters may still be able to pursue their hunt later in the season.

Hunters should continue monitoring Fish and Game updates and local fire information throughout the season.

Controlled hunt tag options for resident hunters

Resident hunters who have drawn a controlled hunt and determine that wildfire impacts will prevent them from hunting their intended area have additional options if their controlled hunt tag season has not started.

• Before a controlled hunt begins, hunters may exchange a controlled hunt tag for a general season tag. Controlled hunt fees are not refunded as part of the exchange.
• All controlled hunt tag exchanges must be completed at an Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office.
• Hunters considering an exchange should contact or visit a Fish and Game Regional Office for information about their specific circumstances and available options.

Stay informed before heading into the field

Wildfire conditions can change quickly, and a hunting area that is open one day may be subject to restrictions or closure later. Hunters should check for the latest information before each trip into the field.

Fish and Game regional offices will provide information about closures and other changes affecting Fish and Game-managed lands through regional updates and press releases.

Hunters should also remember that fire restrictions and land closures can apply differently depending on who manages the land. Hunters are responsible for knowing the restrictions that apply wherever they are hunting.

See current Idaho fire closures