NDOW
Reminds Hunters To Practice Ethical Behavior In Burned Areas
By:
Maureen Angel
With
this summer's wildland fires burning over 1.5 million acres in
Nevada, Division of Wildlife reminds hunters and other outdoor
enthusiasts to practice good ethical behavior while out in the
field this fall and winter.
According
to Larry Barngrover, NDOW eastern regional manager, Elko, "We
are concerned about activities in or around the burn areas and
in close association to the wildlife that may remain in these
areas."
"Many
of the wildlife species that are in these fire areas are still
disoriented and are probably still trying to adjust to whatever
habitat is left."
Barngrover
went on to say that historically, fires tend to burn in a patchwork
pattern. There will be patches of unburned vegetation left in
the burned areas, and the wildlife left in these areas will seek
out these small patches of sagebrush, aspen, or whatever vegetation
is left.
"We
would recommend that people try to leave these animals alone and
not increase the impacts on them by chasing them with four-wheelers,
motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles," Barngrover said.
"I believe that most people consider it to be unethical to
pursue or intensively hunt those animals in the little patches
of vegetation that have not burned. It's just not a sporting proposition."
Wildlife
managers point out that another reason for not using off-road
vehicles in the burned areas is the potential damage to the land
itself. Vehicle traffic can accelerate erosion once the areas
start receiving seasonal rains. The off-road activity will leave
trails and tracks throughout the area, further intensifying the
erosion cycle.
Several
governmental agencies are currently planning major reseeding efforts
to rehabilitate many of the burned areas. "These areas will
be rehabilitated not only for wildlife habitat, but also for livestock,
soil cover and erosion purposes," Barngrover added.
