Hunters urged to be cautious of potential fire hazards

It takes just a single spark to ignite a wildfire. With the pheasant and rifle deer season openers approaching, hunters are reminded to act responsibly in the field and to do their part to prevent wildfires.

Though drought conditions have eased greatly in the past 12 months, 27% of the state still is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln drought monitor.

Driving vehicles or parking on dry, tall grass is a primary threat. Grass can ignite within seconds of contacting a hot surface, such as a vehicle’s exhaust/catalytic converter systems.

With that in mind, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to take the following precautions to avoid the risk of wildfire:

• Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
• Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
• Restrict the use of campfires.
• Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
• Ensure your vehicle, trailers and other equipment are well-maintained.
• Make sure no chains are dragging from your vehicle.
• In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.
• Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.

Nebraska’s pheasant, quail and partridge seasons open Oct. 28 and run through Jan. 31, 2024. The November firearm deer season runs from Nov. 11-19, 2023.