Hunt for water, too

Water could be as important to hunters as it is to fishermen this year.

Going into mid-September, walking through the mountains around the Inland Northwest was like a stroll through a bowl of corn flakes. Judging from tracks and sign, critters ranging from mountain grouse to elk were clearly concentrated near water.

A good soaking rain would be welcome, but the relief would be brief if it were followed by more dry weather.

Hunter must pay close attention to dry weather factors in the early season.

Fire danger could limit hunter access and activities on public and private lands. Check Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife and BLM offices for possible bans on campfires and use of chainsaws. Use common sense even if restrictions aren’t in force. Don’t drive off roads into dry grass or fields.

Game concentrates near water during dry periods. You can rule out a lot of real estate during early grouse, chukar and big-game hunts by scouting areas within a mile or so of water.

Dogs can die when allowed to hunt their hearts out in hot weather. Bird hunters should restrict their outings to the first few cool hours of the morning. Carry plenty of drinking water for both the hunter and the dog. Soak the dog when possible to help keep it cool.

With several large wildfires burning and fire danger high throughout Washington, campfires were banned on most public lands going into the Labor Day weekend. Such restrictions can come and go throughout September until the weather makes a dependable change toward damper conditions.

The open-fire ban likely will extend through September, said Mark Quinn, who oversees 830,000 acres as lands division manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Some popular wildlife areas, such as the Oak Creek Wildlife Area near Yakima, are posted for no open fires through Oct. 15.