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WINNEMUCCA, Nev. — Fall is typically hunting season for a variety of wildlife species.  During this time, the mountain ranges within the Winnemucca District will have increased number of people and vehicles in the higher elevations participating in a variety of activities.  This includes but is not limited to the Montana Mountains and Pine Forest Range.  

Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14-day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28-day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25-mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days. Please practice “Leave No Trace” principles and pack out what you pack in.   More information about camping on public lands can be found at www.blm.gov/programs/recreation. 

Use of motorized vehicles may be limited in certain area, such as Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas.   

Pay attention to signage and stay on designated routes.  Contact the BLM Winnemucca District Office at 775-623-1500, or wfoweb@blm.gov, if you have questions about motor vehicle use. Here is more information on how to use OHV’s responsibly: https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/utvohving/.   

• Always check for fire restrictions in the area you plan to visit. For fire restriction information go to www.nevadafireinfo.org. Here are some additional tips for building a campfire- Look for existing fire rings or grates and use these when available. 

• Choose a level area with no overhanging branches. 

• Clear away all vegetation if it is not in a ring. 

• Circle the ring with rocks or a portable metal fire ring. 

• Have a shovel and water close by. 

• Completely extinguish the fire “dead out” before you crawl into your tent for the night or leave the area. 

BLM law enforcement rangers routinely patrol and monitor public lands and make contact with public land users to provide education or assistance. Here are some tips our Rangers recommend for those visiting public lands: 

• Have back up communication while visiting public lands due to the spotty cell phone coverage in northern Nevada. 

• In order to keep firearms safe, prevent theft, or unwanted accidents it is encouraged that those carrying firearms in their vehicles while recreating on public lands, secure them properly.  Firearms should be stored in a locked compartment such as a vehicle safe or locking storage that can be cabled to a secure place in the vehicle when not in use. If you leave your vehicle or campsite to scout areas, make sure your firearms are secured and not left unattended. 

• Always pack extra supplies in case you get stranded, since it could take a while to get your information out and for help to come to you. 

• Always let someone know when and where you are going and when to expect you back. 

• Read about hunting regulations and license requirements at Nevada Department of Wildlife

  For additional tips go to www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/know-before-you-go.