The fading hours of daylight may suggest that we are in the heart of autumn and moving  towards winter.

No argument there, but Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has asked us to spread the word about not spreading fire. We may be moving towards winter, but with so many hunters out in the hills and fields, be aware that fire danger across parts of north central Montana and especially along the Rocky Mountain Front remains high. Hunters and all other outdoor recreationists are reminded to be extra cautious to prevent any new fire starts.

While parts of the state have experienced some precipitation over the past few weeks, large portions of Region 4, especially along the Rocky Mountain Front, have not seen any measurable moisture.  Coupled with the extreme drought of the past spring and summer, current dry conditions and high winds, the potential for human caused fires to start easily and spread rapidly still exists.

In fact, in just the past month, six human-caused fires have started on the Rocky Mountain Front, including the Crown Mountain Fire, which is still actively burning. Due to these human starts, the Rocky Mountain Ranger District and parts of the Lincoln Ranger District have returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions.  Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, fires are allowed only in Forest-Service provided metal rings at designated campgrounds and developed recreation sites.

Montana FWP posted that announcement just yesterday (Wednesday), and while weather can quickly change to colder and wetter, the old "better safe than sorry" advice is still pertinent.

While the regions listed may not be in your hunting wheelhouse this weekend, we want you to do your part and use extreme caution. And by all means, bag that trophy critter!

We suggest taking a look at FWP's most current wildfire info updates at the location you will be hunting and camping here.

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