• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • TSCRA Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Young Cattle Raisers
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
    • Students and Youth
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Summer Meeting
    • Policy Conference
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Prevent wildfires during hunting season

Source: AgriLife Today | Oct. 28, 2020

With hunting season underway, many hunters and campers across the state are headed to the wild outdoors. However, this greater movement of people into wildland areas increases the potential for human-caused wildfires to start.

People and their activities cause more than 90% of wildfires in Texas, increasing the need for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution outdoors and be mindful of activities that may cause a wildfire.

campfire burns behind two men dressed in hunting gear with guns
Take extra precautions when using campfires while hunting.

Winter weather is beginning to creep in across the state, having an impact on wildfire conditions of which hunters should be aware. Freezing temperatures in the West will begin to cure grasses, making wildfires easier to start. Although there is no elevated wildfire weather forecasted, the possibility of wildfire is always a concern. And it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. 

“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants Texas hunters to have a safe and successful hunting season,” said Chris Schenck, TPWD Wildlife Division state fire program leader. “One part of that safe season is to practice good campfire safety. Smokey Bear’s message is still very important to Texas hunters.”

Texas A&M Forest Service and the TPWD encourage hunters to be cautious with campfires, as well as all activities that could spark a wildfire, including using certain ammunition. 

Hunters should know their ammo. Jacketed bullets and high velocity ammunition should be avoided when fire danger is high, and target practice should occur over dirt or gravel.

Avoid accidently starting a wildfire while hunting

Other tips to help avoid accidently starting a wildfire while hunting and camping include:  

  • Avoid driving over and parking on dry grass because the heat from your vehicle can easily ignite it. Always be ready to put out a fire should one start. Have a shovel and water with you in camp and have a fire extinguisher with you at all times.
  • Always check with local officials for burn bans or other outdoor burning restrictions. Each county in Texas sets and lifts their own burn bans. Make sure you know your county’s burn ban status and if it restricts open flames and other heat-causing activities such as using charcoal. 
  • When using a cooking fire or campfire, never leave it unattended. Always make sure the fire is completely out by drowning it, stirring it and feeling to ensure that it is out cold before you leave.
  • If you are taking a trailer out on your adventures, make sure that the tires are properly inflated, chains will not contact the road, and that any loose metal will not continually hit anything else, all of which can cause sparks.

Written by:
kristin
Published on:
November 2, 2020

Categories: Disasters, Natural Resources, The Cattleman Now, The Cattleman Now - App, Wildlife

Recent Posts

Texas, Oklahoma weekly livestock auction summaries for May 26

May 26, 2023

Texas Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers sold mostly 5.00 to 10.00 higher. Trade …

Continue Reading about Texas, Oklahoma weekly livestock auction summaries for May 26

U.S. drought monitor and summary report for May 23

May 26, 2023

This week's drought summary Showery weather across the southern half of the Plains provided …

Continue Reading about U.S. drought monitor and summary report for May 23

Crime Watch: Cows missing in Washington County

May 26, 2023

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Brent Mast, District 22 in East …

Continue Reading about Crime Watch: Cows missing in Washington County

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
TSCRA Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Young Cattle Raisers
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Media Kit
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE