BOISE, Idaho — Wildfires are sending some Idaho hunters' plans up in flames.
People are having to find new places to hunt because forest closures mean they cannot get to their usual spots, said Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game spokesperson.
In response, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is offering Sawtooth Zone A tag owners a refund or an exchange for another uncapped elk zone that is not impacted by wildfire closures.
However, IDFG said in a news release, "If you have hunted on the tag for any portion of the season, you are ineligible for any exchange or refund request."
Residents with a Sawtooth Zone A tag must request their refund or exchange before Sept. 30. Authorities said tag holders must submit an affidavit stating they haven't hunted on the tag, and the tag will be surrendered to IDFG.
For more information or to request an exchange or refund, contact the License office at Licenses@idfg.idaho.gov.
Nick Fasciano, Idaho Wildlife Federation executive director, said bow hunters are most affected right now.
"If a hunter has found a spot where they really like to go for deer, elk, or anything, and it's actively on fire, that's obviously very frustrating because they're not going to be able to get a good hunt in this year," Fasciano said.
While hunters might be frustrated now, he said the fires can benefit them long-term as long as they do not burn too hot and start to sterilize the soil.
Fasciano said when fires come through and burn the canopy, that area will see a lot of growth, which is good for deer and elk since that is what they primarily feed on.
"Hunters generally understand that fire is a really central part of ecosystem health," Fasciano said. "When you get better habitat, you get better wildlife, better wildlife numbers. And that benefits hunters across the board."
Phillips said it is important for people to remember wildfire season is just a season.
"The roads tend to reopen relatively fast," he said, "and the entire hunting season is rarely an area closed for all hunting throughout its entirety."
During an interview with KTVB Wednesday, Gov. Brad Little said he understands the frustrations.
"My friends and myself that hunt in the fall, they say we're going to close this area off or control burn ... all my hunting friends and family don't like that, but that is necessary in some areas," he said.
A Boise National Forest manager told KTVB hopefully, wildfires season winds down in the next month. However, the fires can linger well into the fall and even winter.
Phillips said it is essential for hunters to pay attention when hunting in burned areas since there are likely hazards like downed trees and roadblocks.
He recommends people reach out to the local sheriff's office or forest service if they have any questions about where they want to hunt.