November 22, 2016 - With gun deer hunting season in full swing, U.S. Forest Service officials are reminding all visitors of guidelines designed to make trips to national forests safe and enjoyable.
“Hunting season is one of the busiest times in the forest, but safety is always our primary concern,” said Forest Supervisor Eddie Taylor. “We’ve noticed the drying trend in the national forests, and we’re very concerned about the forecast showing nothing more than isolated scattered showers for the next couple of weeks. Given the dry conditions, even the slightest breeze could whip a fire out of control easily.”
For the safety of both hunters and campers, visitors to the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston National Forests must camp in designated campsites or developed recreation areas through Feb. 1.
In counties with burn bans in place, no open campfires are allowed in national forests in those counties including developed recreation areas and hunter camps. Only gas and propane grills, lanterns and stoves are allowed. In counties with no burn bans, open campfires are allowed in recreation areas and hunter camps, but be extremely cautious with campfires and make sure it is doused with water and cold to the touch before leaving an area.
Here are some other precautions:
- Much of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are remote, and medical assistance may not be readily available. Cellular phones do not work in many areas. Visitors should take adequate food, water, first aid supplies and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather.
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use is only allowed on the multiple-use trail in the Sam Houston National Forest. Cross-country and off-road use of motorized vehicles is prohibited.
- All hunters and those accompanying them must wear daylight fluorescent orange at any time when hunting, except when hunting at night or when hunting turkey or migratory birds. A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange must be visible (144 square inches on both the chest and back, and a daylight fluorescent orange cap or hat.)
- Portable deer stands are limited to 72 hours in one location. To prevent damage to trees, the stands must not be nailed to trees. When hunters do not remove deer stands, it causes damage to forest and creates an expensive, time-consuming cleanup.
- Vehicles should not be parked near gates or in areas that would impede traffic and block roads.
Hunters may also visit the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas website at www.fs.fed.usda.gov/texas and click on the Hunter Camp Maps – 2016 link for more information.
