You are correct in that I do know a little about this Burning thing.
Also make sure you keep the FS issues seperate formt he STATE issues. The feds have nothing to do with hunting seasons for deer or spikes.
I have to say that I absolutly do support them conducting a burn during "someones" once in a life time hunt. I also completly understand the frustration/anger that, that "somone" would have. I get it. However, if the USFS didn't do "it" or canceled a burn everythime it impacted or interfeared with "someone's" event, then when do they do it. Or do they do it at all?
Just remember that is the exact tactic that enviormentalist use to stop Timber Sales; anti hunters use to stop Wolf hunts etc... "My singular opinon or wants is more important than the rest of you" "you (forest service) MUST listen to ME!" They do not seem to care about local ecomomy, or much of anything else jsut as long as they are getting their way.
What do you think would happen if the USFS shut down that unit for ATV use? I am positive that would help the quality of bulls in the unit. Potentially, it would improve the "quality" of the hunt as well. I will tell you that the hate mail would roll into the Forest Supervisor's office by the truck load.
Take for instance that thread that is on the 14 day camping. It is active right now. I am sure there are mulitple reasons behind that rule. However, there is no doubt that rule was in direct responce to HUNTERS complaining about it. My local Newspaper is full of letters to the editor every fall from HUNTERS complaining about all the campers reserving spots. Now the only time the FS enforces that rule is during hunting season, because that is the only time it is ever an issue. I am sure the FS law dogs use it to keep tabs on unsavory dudes durign the summer as well. But very few complaints are generated.
I am kind of rammbing now, but if it is enough of a big deal, the FS WILL listen or act.
In the "South" very, very little burning happens during Turkey season. the number of arson fires also goes way down! Why? because turkey hunting IS a big deal, a very big deal. They burn like hell just prior to it, but the matches are snuffed out the day before season. That is an entire population, not just a "few LE tag holders".