HUNTING -- Wildfires are likely to impact many hunters this year, but hunting seasons will not be closed, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say.

Sportsmen should monitor the federal Incident Information System -- InciWeb -- before heading to their hunting spots to make sure no land-agency closures apply. Access to some hunting areas may be closed because of wildfires for the safety of the public and firefighters. The Forest Service, BLM, tribes and state agencies can make that call.

But the hunting seasons, even for people with special permits, will continue, agency officials say. I

It's difficult to get word out and enforce an emergency closure.

Officials point out that most hunting seasons open now or later this month are open in multiple Game Management Units that provide alternatives for hunters