My 2 Cents
It’s important to address a topic that we’ve had many conversations about this fall concerning dry conditions in various parts of the state. We’ve received several calls asking us to close, or at least postpone, the hunting seasons until we receive some precipitation. The concerns are understandable as the dry conditions are more than a slight inconvenience. They’re a real risk if you live in a rural landscape where a wildfire could significantly alter your farm or ranch operation.
As we enter the deer gun season in North Dakota, the approximate halfway point in our fall hunting seasons, the Game and Fish Department, along with other agencies, believe that with the right guidelines, hunters can mitigate the risk of fires. Hunters can follow precautions, such as avoiding dry brush, carrying fire extinguishers, and not smoking in high-risk areas, to reduce wildfire risk without closing the season.
Hunting is a tradition in our state and a long-valued part of outdoor recreation. Restricting access to public lands can feel like an infringement on those traditions and is only used as a last resort. Finding a balance between protecting the land and allowing hunters to continue their activities responsibly is always the goal.
Hunting seasons are set based on conservation goals, which include controlling population levels of certain species to maintain ecological balance. Even in dry conditions, managing wildlife numbers is crucial to prevent overpopulation and habitat degradation. These seasons are also planned far in advance, and sudden closures can be logistically challenging. And as North Dakotans, we know that weather patterns can quickly shift, so what may seem like dangerous conditions one week might ease with a little rain the next, making closures impractical.
One of the many benefits of North Dakota’s strong hunting heritage is the significant role it plays in local economies, especially in the rural parts of the state. From lodging to gear purchases, to food, fuel and license fees, closing a season would hurt those businesses that rely on hunting season revenue.
As I write this on the first day of November, it’s snowing in Bismarck, which you’d think would make this conversation about the dry conditions wasted chatter. Unfortunately, one of the annual challenges in North Dakota is that rain or snow, or lack thereof, is not consistent across the state, or even portions of the state. That means conditions can vary, sometimes widely. Which is why hunters and other outdoor recreationists need to consult the daily rural fire index issued by the National Weather Service, which helps identify certain areas of concern versus blanketing the entire state.
Recent precipitation events aside, the extended forecast is calling for mild temperatures and not much precipitation. Meaning, hunters and others wandering the rural landscape need to adhere to continued cautiousness. First, watch for any local fire restrictions. With dry grasslands and the abundance of flammable brush, obeying these guidelines is crucial. If campfires or open flames are restricted, bring alternatives for warmth and cooking to avoid risky situations.
When driving, stick to established roads and trails. Parking vehicles over dry grass can ignite fires if the hot underside of your vehicle comes in contact with vegetation. Make sure to carry a small fire extinguisher in your vehicle or ATV, just in case.
When setting up, opt for areas clear of dry vegetation. Keep an eye on gear, too. Avoid items that might spark if they contact metal or rocks. Take extra care with anything that could ignite under dry conditions — matches, cigarette butts, or even a camp stove left unattended.
Finally, stay aware of weather updates. Windy days, especially combined with dry air, increase fire risk exponentially. We’re all out here to enjoy the land and the hunt, so let’s take every precaution to keep it safe for generations to come.