DFPA NEWS RELEASE: 2026 FALL HUNTING SAFETY REMINDER

FALL HUNTING SEASON IS HERE. KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU GO.

As fall hunting season gets underway, many hunters are sighting in their rifles and preparing for the season. With dry fuels still present across the Douglas District, hunters and other forest users are reminded that fire season is still in effect and campfires are prohibited except at designated sites.

Before you head into the woods, know the restrictions in place and remember, It Only Takes One Spark to start a wildfire.

Target Shooting and Fire Safety

A day of target practice can quickly result in a wildfire if proper precautions are not taken.

Tracer ammunition and exploding targets are prohibited during fire season. Metal jacketed ammunition, including ammunition with metal cores or jackets, as well as incendiary ammunition, can cause wildfires under the right conditions.

Regardless of the type of ammunition being used:

• Use a backstop that is completely free of dry grass, brush and other flammable materials.

• Inspect the area surrounding your target and ensure that vegetation and other combustible materials are not exposed to sparks or hot fragments.

Hunters are encouraged to carefully consider their shooting location and current fire conditions before practicing with firearms.

Know the Current Fire Restrictions

Douglas Forest Protective Association's (DFPA) Public Use Restrictions are currently in effect on lands protected by DFPA and all forestland within one-eighth mile thereof.

Under the current restrictions:

Campfires and open fires: Campfires, cooking fires and warming fires are prohibited except at designated sites.

Portable cooking appliances: Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. Where these appliances are allowed, users must have one shovel and one gallon of water, or a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Motor vehicles: Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are restricted to improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation, except when being used for the cultivation or harvest of agricultural crops. Passenger vehicles traveling on forestlands, except on state highways, county roads and driveways, must carry an axe, shovel and one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher. ATVs must have a 2.5-pound or larger ABC fire extinguisher.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in wildland areas except within vehicles or at designated locations.

Prohibited activities: Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns are prohibited.

Know Before You Go

DFPA's Public Use Restrictions may not be the only restrictions in effect where you plan to hunt. Private landowners and public land management agencies may have additional restrictions or closures.

Hunters should always check with the landowner or land management agency before entering the area they plan to visit.

For information about hunting and fire danger in Oregon, visit ODFW:myODFW: Hunting and Fire Danger in Oregon

For information about private forestland closures, visit OFIC:OFIC: Private Forestland Closures

For current Public Use Restrictions in the Douglas District, visit:Douglas Forest Protective Association

Please hunt responsibly and recreate responsibly. Help us Keep Oregon Green this hunting season.