Hunters face less than ideal conditions

An early starting date, a full moon, and tinder dry conditions are among the obstacles facing deer hunters when the deer rifle season opens at the end of this week.

On Saturday, September 29, hunters will head into the woods around Sisters in pursuit of Central Oregon's mule deer.

Not only do dry conditions make it difficult to stalk deer, but those same conditions can make the woods downright dangerous, too.

Jinny Pittman is part of the Forest Service's fire prevention team in Sisters, and she wants to make sure that hunters are aware of the extreme fire danger.

"Unless there is widespread significant rainfall throughout Central Oregon," she said, "the current Public Use Restrictions will remain in effect."

A few showers aren't going to help.

At press time, the local fire danger was listed as "extreme."

Current restrictions include a prohibition of vehicle travel on roads or areas with vegetation. Translation: keep vehicles out of the grass, brush and even marked roads if vegetation is growing on the road.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on ALL trails and smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles and buildings. ANY open flames are also prohibited, except campfires in Forest Service designated campgrounds with established fire rings.

Violations of restrictions can result in hefty fines and jail time.

Propane cooking stoves and enclosed stoves with screens are permissible.

Even when permitted, hunters and other wildland-users are cautioned to be extremely careful with fire, and always carry emergency fire fighting equipment such as a fire extinguisher, shovel, ax and bucket.

The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-op will be hosting a hunter's safety booth in Sisters to provide hunters with up-to-date information on conditions in the woods and all federal and state lands.

Hunters may also obtain copies of hunting regulations and purchase area maps at the booth.

According to Pittman, they will also be providing "fun stuff for kids."

The safety information booth will be located at Ray's Food Place at the west end of Sisters and is scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 27 and 28.

The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-op includes federal and state agencies with fire responsibilities, as well as local city and rural fire districts.

Pittman said that the restrictions currently in place will only be lifted "once this area experiences ample precipitation."

In the meantime, all burning -- including the Forest Service's own forest fuels control program -- is on an indefinite hold.

Fire restriction information may also be obtained 24 hours a day by calling (800) 523-4737 from a touch-tone telephone only.

Other inquiries must be made to appropriate agencies during regular working hours or by visiting the special information booth.