CLOVIS – Hunting season for the archer will begin in California Hunting Zone D7, on the Sierra National Forest (SNF) on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Forest officials would like to inform the public of closures and restrictions that are in place due to the Ferguson and Lions Fires.
The Ferguson Fire has burned 96,824 acres and is close to being fully contained, however areas in and around this fire have been closed under Forest Order #05-15-51-18-15. This order will remain in effect until the Ferguson Fire is declared out.
The Lions Fire burning in the Ansel Adams Wilderness is 10,765 acres and is 70 percent contained. The Lions Fire Trail Closure Order #05-15-51-18-11 will remain in effect until the Lions Fire is declared out.
Campfire restrictions are also in effect until the end of the 2018 Fire Season. Forest Order #05-15-00-18-14 – Fire Restrictions with exhibits.
“We encourage all hunters to exercise caution when traveling through the forest and especially when choosing a location for hunting,” said SNF Supervisor Dean Gould. “With areas that have burned and the high degree of tree mortality, the risk of trees falling increases significantly.”
Entering burned areas presents potential hazards which include loose rocks, falling trees and limbs, and flash flooding and debris flows when it’s raining. Also, portions of the trail may be damaged or blocked.
“I advise everyone to do their research before the trip and be prepared for changing conditions,” said Gould. “Know your destination. Being prepared and minimizing your risk to exposure are the best tools you have.”
Be sure to tell family members where you’re going, what your plan is, and when you will be home or back to camp.
For information on California Hunting Rules, Regulations, and safety tips please follow the link provided to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting
“Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.”
For information regarding the Sierra National Forest, the High Sierra Ranger District office in Prather at 559-855-5355, the Bass Lake Ranger District North Fork at 559-877-2218, or the Forest Supervisors office in Clovis at 559-297-0706.
You can also find information about Hunting online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sierra/recreation/hunting.
