Dry Conditions Spark Access Closures, Message of Caution from GFP

PIERRE, S.D.—Due to extremely dry conditions, the Game, Fish and Parks Department is limiting vehicle access in some game production areas.

“In preparation for the upcoming hunting seasons, GFP personnel are doing all that they can to minimize the risk of wildfire,” said Secretary John Cooper.

In that effort, access to game production areas will be limited to foot traffic from the western border of the state to the Missouri River and in those counties east of the river that are affected by the drought. All traditional recreational activities will still be permitted in those areas.

Restricted vehicle access trails will be posted with signs that say “No Vehicles Beyond This Point.” The signs will stay up until the fire danger has passed.

“Just like any responsible landowner, GFP is taking precautions,” Cooper said. “All of our crews have stopped mowing trails due to the fire danger and they’re equipped with water pumpers or engines and extra firefighting equipment.”

In addition, GFP is also planning on other special efforts during the fall should the extreme fire danger conditions continue. During hunting season opening weekends GFP plans to have firefighting equipment, including firefighting aircraft, on standby.

As the department has in the past, it also plans to use spotter aircraft and have firefighting equipment in GFP vehicles while staff members are on routine patrol during season openers. Often GFP staff members, in cooperation with hunters, have been able to provide rapid response to an emerging fire hazard.

According to Cooper, watching out for fire dangers doesn’t end with the GFP effort.

“People who are recreating outdoors have a responsibility to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers, water, blankets, rakes, shovels and anything else that will help them douse a fire,” Cooper said. “Over the past few years there have been virtually no fires started by individuals legally hunting during a season. But in these extremely dry conditions, it’s more important than ever that hunters check with the landowner first before hunting.”

The fall’s first hunting season, archery antelope, starts on Aug. 19.

Other fire safety tips include:

•Extinguishing cigarettes with water or dirt and using an ashtray.

•Limiting vehicle traffic to only designated areas.

•Never parking a vehicle over dry grass.

--GFP--