Why It Matters: As the hot, dry summer months drag on, many western states are being impacted by drought and fire conditions. Heat, fire, and reduced water flows are having an impact on fish and wildlife, leading to access restrictions as state fish and wildlife agencies scramble to balance wildlife health, public safety, sporting access, and fire abatement.
Highlights:
- Over 1 million acres of land in Oregon have been impacted by fire, leading to closures of several wildlife areas throughout the state in order to protect wildlife and the public.
- Fish in Montana are vulnerable as water temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas, causing Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to introduce restrictions on the timing of fishing activities in particularly vulnerable waterways.
- Sporting access could be reduced through much of the west well into the early fall hunting seasons as a result of the hot, dry summer.
From the Snake Fire in Oregon to drought conditions in Montana, sporting access and wildlife habitats are being impacted by dry summer conditions. These conditions have led to the introduction of several special restrictions and closures affecting sportsmen and women throughout the western states.
With 117 active fires impacting over 1 million acres of land, Oregon wildlife is feeling the heat. In the interest of public and wildlife safety, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has announced the closure of over a dozen wildlife areas. It is unclear yet how these closures will impact the fall hunting seasons, but ODFW is monitoring the impacts to hunters. Should fires close units for the duration of a hunting season, ODFW will consider refunds and preference point reinstatements. Updated statewide sporting access information is available on myodfw.com.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) has begun introducing “hoot owl” restrictions – restrictions on the time during which anglers can target, catch, and handle fish in temperature-sensitive waterways – on fishing throughout the state. As daily water temperatures rise and flows are reduced, fish become more susceptible to disease and mortality. FWP introduced these fishing restrictions when water temperatures reached 60-66 degrees Fahrenheit for three straight days. Most rivers will be closed between 2:00 pm and midnight MDT, daily, to ensure that fish are only handled in the morning hours when water temperatures are lower. The full list of restrictions and closures, along with a virtual map, are available on FWP’s website.
While it can be disappointing to have long planned trips impacted by seasonal closures, it is important that we do our part to help local fish and wildlife during these vulnerable summer months. Finding the balance between sporting access, public safety, and wildlife conservation can be tricky when extreme summer weather sets in. CSF is proud to work closely with state agencies as they weigh the pros and cons of these decisions that affect our fish and wildlife, as well as our opportunities to enjoy them. Likewise, we will continue to advocate for the use of active forest management practices designed to decrease the intensity of wildfires, particularly in the west. Be sure to check in with local state fish and wildlife agencies before heading outdoors this summer and early fall.
