Sportsmen Urged to Continue Fire Vigilance

Because of Oklahoma's unprecedented high fire danger, the Wildlife Department urges sportsmen to continue their safety vigilance. "Our dry conditions are so extreme that even a conscientious sportsmen can innocently start a fire," said J.D. Peer, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Fire experts report that because of the severity of the statewide situation, it will take several things to improve the outlook - cooler, wetter weather and higher air humidities. "Nearly one-hundred thousand archery deer hunters are already out exploring the landscape. They can be our state's first line of defense; the eyes and ears for spotting and reporting wildfires in rural Oklahoma," said Peer.

He continued by urging hunters to be extremely careful while afield as well. If you plan to be outside, please follow these suggestions: * Use battery-powered lanterns. * Take only pre-cooked foods that do not require re-heating. * Dispose of cigarettes and cigars properly.

* Avoid parking or even driving in tall grass. Stay on maintained roads.

Oklahoma hunters and anglers have always held to a strong ethic of responsibility for the outdoors. The Wildlife Department only asks that whether hunting, fishing or just taking a hike though the woods, sportsmen be extra conscientious of the state's current fire danger situation.