Hunters can check online for fire damage maps

According to a recent press release by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), hunters can find out where recent fire damage has occurred in Nevada and other parts of the West by viewing updated maps available online through the U.S. Forest Service.

"It would be a good idea for big game and upland game hunters to go online to view the fire maps before they begin their hunts," said Fred Henson, NDOW game warden. "There has been a tremendous amount of acreage destroyed or damaged this summer, particularly in the southern counties of the state."

Maps of the areas that were hit by wild land fires can be viewed at website www.activefiremaps.fs.fed.us.

"The maps will give hunters a good idea of areas hit by the fires. They can then use the maps as indicators of where they want to do their scouting for game," Henson said.

With the recent destruction, the NDOW is urging hunters and other users of the outdoors to drive only on designated roads in order to prevent further damage to burn areas.

"Federal and state agencies are now working on recovery efforts to rehabilitate these areas so that they can again be productive for wildlife. Hunters can help by sticking to the roads and not causing even more destruction to these fragile burn areas," Henson said.

Information about hunting can be obtained from all NDOW offices and online at www.ndow.org.