Skerhunter
WKR
I agree! If the risk is too high, closures make sense. I will be really disappointed if I don't get to archery hunt MT this year, but that's out of my control. If it's going to happen, I just hope it does before September.Unfortunately, I don't think a full shutdown would be overkill. The risk is real, and the resources available are already spread thin. This means the impact of a fire is potentially higher because it would burn uncontrolled and cause more damage.
I am swayed to that thinking because 'people' are freaking stupid. I am pretty sure I witnessed the cause of the Taylor fire currently burning in central Montana: there were some contractors burning what I would guess was excess building materials alongside a home build. As dry as that country was it should have been obvious how risky it was. I do think 99% of the folks that would show up to hunt would be responsible and conscientious; but it's the 1% I am quite certain will be idiots.
Edited to add: I myself have a tag and don't want a shutdown, but Montanans are some of the best folks I've ever come across. Friendly, generous, modest, and incredibly resolute. I don't want elk steaks in my freezer if it comes at the cost of their homes or livelihoods.