Forest closure in the Panhandle

[Bow4Elk]

For anyone hunting in the Panhandle and specifically unit 4, you need to read the Panhandle NF updates. They have closed basically all of unit 4 north of I-5, West of Hwy 95, south of forest road 332 and west of the Montana border. Not what anyone wants to hear if you planned on hunting there especially with only a week till the opener. I don't understand all the reasoning to close this big of an area but we are not given a choice in this matter. Wonder is the Idaho F&G will put any pressure on them to lessen the restricted area? Hopefully not many have purchased tags that you don't get a refund for.

[wawhitey]

I don't understand all the reasoning to close this big of an area .

The reasoning is simple. Extreme fire danger. The last thing they want is any more new fires. Some guys just insist on having a fire at hunting camp, or park their hot quads on top of dry grass, or any number of things that can result in thousands more acres being burned and potential loss of life and property.

[Northidahoarcher]

Yeah, it's a huge disappointment. I couldn't believe it when I heard it. Thankfully if there's one thing that the Panhandle tag has, it's lots of public land. Just gotta adapt and overcome. Hopefully they don't shut down much else.