ODFW manages wildlife and its users through regulated hunting seasons. Except for ODFW-owned wildlife areas, ODFW does not have authority to control or limit access to privately and publicly owned lands. This authority rests with the landowner or land managing agency. Although access restrictions imposed by land managers have resulted in impositions to hunters, ODFW historically has not closed hunting seasons in response to elevated fire danger. For up to date information on fire restrictions and closures visit the Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Information page.
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Effects on Fish
Fish are stressed by low water flows, higher water temperatures, and competition for space and food. Low water conditions in spring and fall can cause spawning failures and increased predation on young fish. If conditions worsen, stress from higher water temperatures, lower oxygen levels, and reduced resistance to disease can cause fish to die. These threats impact future adult fish populations.
Effects on Wildlife
When drought persists and water is scarce, some wildlife adjust. Some species get sufficient water from morning dew, or extract water from forage during digestion. Some larger animals migrate to permanent water. Some smaller species reduce their activities and hibernate until conditions improve.
Effects on Habitat
A severe drought by itself can lead directly to changes in wildlife habitats, reduce water availability, and affect the number, type and quality of plants available to wildlife. Prolonged or repeated drought conditions and resulting changes to habitat tend to reduce the quality of habitat for wildlife. Drought-caused changes to wildlife habitat are most dramatic when caused by forest or range fires. Much of Oregon's big game habitat evolved with periodic fires. As a result, controlled fires are sometimes used to improve habitats for wildlife. Some uncontrolled fires cause serious damage and completely destroy critical habitats. Loss of critical habitat can lead to changes in animal distributions and migrations, or increase mortality in all age classes from malnutrition or exposure.Large scale uncontrolled fires have mixed results. Fire tends to burn at different intensities in different parts of the landscape. The net result is a patchwork where some areas lose valuable resources, some habitats improve, and some areas do not burn at all and remain unchanged.
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