Fire danger closes some private lands to hunting

Access restrictions have been imposed on some private forest lands, due to hot, dry weather which is raising fire danger.

The closures affect some areas where the Sept. 1-14 early archery season is open for deer and elk hunting.

Several private timber companies in southwest Washington have temporarily closed their lands to the public until weather changes reduce the risk of fire. Closed areas include: all Weyerhaeuser properties in Washington, Hampton Tree Farm, Willamette Industries land; Longview Fibre property and portions of Champion Timber Co. lands in Klickitat and Yakima counties. Other private landowners are considering temporary closures.

Game management units (GMUs) affected by the current closures include: Margaret, Toutle, Winston, Mossyrock, Coweeman, Ryderwood, Grayback, Willapa Hills and Skookumchuck. Other GMUs may be added to the list if the fire danger continues to increase. Hunters should check with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regional offices or private landowners before setting out to hunt.

U.S. Forest Service lands in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, state Department of Natural Resources lands and WDFW lands remain open with campfire restrictions in place.