2016 B Zone Deer Hunting Season guidelines.
Archery season for deer began Aug. 20 and will run until Sept. 11.
General hunting season begins Sept. 17 and ends Oct. 23.
With deer season now upon us, the Mendocino National Forest reminds all hunters of fire restrictions in the forest and that falling trees are a severe hazard when traveling in the Forest due to the high degree of tree mortality from previous fires.
All visitors to the forest are reminded to keep the following in mind:
· Shooting steel core or incendiary (e.g. tracers & dragons breath) ammunition is not permitted on National Forest Lands due to the risk of sparking a wildfire.
· Remember, if you are hunting on private property you must obtain, and have in your possession, written permission to hunt on private property.
· Do not rely solely on cell phones for safety as many areas of the forest have no cell phone coverage.
· Bring an ax or a chainsaw to remove fallen trees from roads if you do become trapped.
· When driving in remote areas of the forest, park close to a main road rather than on a spur or one-way section. If trees fall across the road you could become trapped.
· Pitch tents and park vehicles in areas where they will not be hit if trees fall.
· Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds that could blow trees down. If you are already in the forest when the winds pick up, head to a clearing out of reach of potential falling trees.
· Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid dense patches of dead trees. Trees and branches can fall without warning.
· The current fire restrictions mean that no fires or open flame will be allowed outside of the designated fire safe recreation sites and designated wilderness areas. For more information about the designated fire safe recreation sites please stop buy your local Forest Service Ranger Station or call us at (707) 983-8500 for more information and how to obtain a campfire permit at no cost to you before heading out to the woods.
Thank you,
Mendocino National Forest, Covelo Ranger District Staff