As hunting season approaches, it is timely to remind hunters about shooting restrictions that are in place at the Bass Creek Recreation Area, Stevensville Ranger District, to provide for public health and safety.
Several years ago, increased public use necessitated the adoption of shooting restrictions within the developed portion of the recreation area. Based on public feedback, the Forest Service has changed shooting restrictions in the Bass Creek Recreation Area by dividing it into an East Zone and West Zone. No shooting will be allowed in the developed high use, or East Zone, area of Bass Creek Recreation Area. Hunting will be allowed in the West Zone for the pursuit of game birds and other game aninals during the legal hunting season. This change will protect public safety while allowing for hunting in areas previously closed to shooting. A map of the two zones is posted on bulletin boards within the Recreation Area, and at the Stevensville Ranger District.
The Bass Creek Recreation Area is popular, with a diverse mix of camping, horseback riding, hiking and day use opportunities. It is estimated that approximately 45,000 visitors use the area annualy with an additional 5,000 students participating in environmental education classes in the spring and fall.
Prohibited acts in the West Zone include :
No Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun except in the pursuit of game birds and other game animals during the legal hunting season.
Possessing or using a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles, off National Forest System roads.
Prohibited Acts in the East Zone include:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, camfire, or stove fire except for fires inside the fire rings provided at designated campsites.
Possessing or using a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles, off National Forest System roads.
Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun.
Camping except in designated sites at Charlies Waters Campground, Larry Creek Group camp and the dispersed sites at Larry Creek.
Motorized vehicle are prohibited on Forest Development Trails in the Bass Creek Recreation Area.
For more information, call the Stevensville Ranger District at 406-777-5461.
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