Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife addresses concerns over wildfire impacts on 2024 hunting season

As Oregon faces a record-breaking wildfire season, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has reached out to hunters, expressing concerns about the significant impacts on wildlife, habitats, and the upcoming fall hunting opportunities. In a recent communication to current hunting license holders, ODFW acknowledged the challenges posed by the fires and outlined steps being taken to address them.

For many hunters, the anticipation of the fall hunting season is the culmination of years of preparation, including saving points to draw a coveted tag. ODFW recognizes this investment and is committed to ensuring that hunters either have a quality experience this year or the option to defer their hunt to a future season if their hunt has been significantly impacted by wildfire.

Balancing act: decision-making amid uncertainty

ODFW emphasized the delicate balance required in making decisions about reinstating points or refunding tags. The agency is cautious about making premature decisions, given the fluid nature of fire conditions and public land closures. For larger "mega" fires, ODFW aims to evaluate and make decisions within about two weeks of opening day. This assessment considers the extent of the fire across the hunt unit, the duration of the hunt, and input from public land managers. However, for some hunts, decisions may not be possible until after the season has ended.

ODFW staff are closely monitoring active fires and related closures, working in tandem with public land managers, including the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These agencies understand the importance of hunting seasons, and there is ongoing communication to ensure that closures are minimized or adjusted in time for hunters to proceed with their plans.

Factors influencing decisions

Several factors play into ODFW's decision-making process regarding point reinstatement and tag refunds. These include the proportion of the hunt area affected by fire, the availability of accessible land, the timing of land reopening, the length of the hunting season, and the severity of the burn's impact on big game. The agency also aims to balance current hunting opportunities with preserving the quality of future hunts, recognizing that any disruption this year could have ripple effects on future draws.

Hunters who are offered point reinstatement may still choose to hunt during the current season. This approach helps reduce hunter densities in areas with significant closures, benefiting both the environment and the remaining hunters.

Current impacted units and hunter guidance

As of now, the hunting units most affected by wildfires are Silvies, Ochoco, Fossil, and Heppner. ODFW has proactively reached out to hunters with archery deer and elk tags in these units, offering point reinstatement or tag refunds, as was previously done for pronghorn hunts.

With the archery deer and elk seasons set to open on Saturday, August 31, ODFW is hopeful that conditions will improve and that more areas will reopen before the season closes on September 29. Hunters are encouraged to remain flexible with their plans and to stay informed about the status of their hunt areas.

Communication and preparedness

ODFW stressed the importance of maintaining up-to-date contact information in their licensing system, as email will be the primary method for communicating point reinstatement and refund opportunities. Hunters are advised to check the email address listed in their Electronic Licensing System (ELS) profile and to inform their hunting partners to do the same.

It is important for hunters to understand that choosing not to hunt due to fire activity, without prior notification from ODFW, does not automatically qualify them for point reinstatement. Partial closures, fire restrictions, or the inability to scout before the season also do not constitute grounds for reinstatement. Additionally, once a hunter begins using their tag, they are no longer eligible for point reinstatement.

For more information, hunters are encouraged to visit ODFW's hunting and fire danger page. If a hunt area faces substantial closures and the hunt is set to begin within two weeks without any communication from ODFW, hunters should reach out to the department at (503) 947-6301 or via email at [email protected].

As fires continue to shape the landscape, ODFW appreciates hunters' patience and flexibility, underscoring the agency's commitment to navigating these challenges while maintaining Oregon's hunting traditions.