HUNTING
FLAMES THREATEN MORE THAN FOREST WILDFIRE CLOSURES COULD AFFECT DEER SEASONS THIS MONTH
By Chris Cocoles
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nother year, another unwelcome flurry of devastating wildfires throughout California, particularly in the northern half of the state. And in late August, when the U.S. Forest Service announced the closures of nine national forests throughout the Sierra and the northeast corner of California, the ramifications could affect deer hunters who purchased licenses and tags. Many of the state’s deer seasons begin this month around the affected areas and closures, prompting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to warn deer tag holders about the consequences.
THE CLOSURES On Aug. 19, the Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Region’s closures affected the following national forests: • Klamath National Forest • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit • Lassen National Forest • Mendocino National Forest • Modoc National Forest • Plumas National Forest • Shasta-Trinity National Forest • Six Rivers National Forest • Tahoe National Forest And as the devastating Caldor Fire in the Sierra burned on and forced mandatory evacuation orders for South Lake Tahoe, on Aug. 30 the Forest Service announced all national forest land in the state – 17 in total
Crews battle the Haypress Fire in the Klamath and Shasta-Trinity National Forests, which are among nine national forests in California closed until Sept. 6. The wildfires burning throughout Northern California and the Sierra could shut down deer hunting seasons this month. (ARTURO ZEPEDA/SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CREW) calsportsmanmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2021 California Sportsman
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