Cooking and burn bans

[Bob Frapples]

Since this year will be my first trip for elk I was originally looking to just go cold camping but my buddy that doesn\'t want to hunt but wanted to go and camp was/is looking to get a jet boil or the like to have a hot meal here and there.

I got to looking myself and liked the solo stove until I found it was made in China but found nomadic makes the same stove here in the US. I don\'t like the idea of packing fuel around so this caught my eye, but then I wonder about burn bans in the elk woods? I hate to buy one only to not be able to use it.

Almost yearly Arkansas has burn bans around July and August but these would be legal as they are classified as contained fire, so my question is would these be illegal and the gas burner be legal during these times in the elk world? What would you guys recommend?

I\'m looking to bivy most of the time but maybe camp at truck a few times, a lot depends on if I wind up solo or find a buddy. Right now my plans are at least the first two weeks of the season in CO assuming the LE draws keeps my perfect strikeout record unscathed.

Solo stove: <!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solo-Stove-Ultralight-Wood-Burning-Backpacking-Stove-/301144767765\">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solo-Stove-Ultr ... 1144767765</a><!-- m -->

Nomadic : <!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://www.nomadicstovecompany.com/#\">http://www.nomadicstovecompany.com/#</a><!-- m -->

 

[cnelk]

Some info for you:
From last year

(LARAMIE, Wyo.) July 1, 2013 ?
Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect on the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests at 12:01 a.m. on July 2, 2013. This decision, which was made in coordination with multiple agencies and counties, was prompted by a combination of factors that include rapidly drying vegetation, ongoing drought conditions, growing fire danger, and unfavorable fire weather forecasts.

?Despite improved snowpack and a relatively wet spring, conditions are quickly changing and forest vegetation that was recently green is now at increased risk of burning,? said Phil Cruz, Forest Supervisor for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB). ?Last year all but one of our four large fires was started by lightning; however, even one human-caused fire is too many and we hope to proactively reduce this risk by implementing restrictions that are now warranted.?

Fire restrictions are needed to help protect public safety and natural resources. They primarily limit where and what types of fires are allowed, however, all prohibitions listed below should be noted and followed. Unless noted by an exception, and until restrictions are rescinded, forest visitors cannot:

1. Build or maintain a fire, or use charcoal, except within permanent fire pits (steel fire rings) or grates provided at Forest Service developed campgrounds or picnic areas. *Note: personal and/or homemade fire pits/rings are not allowed.
Other excepted devices include:
? Portable stoves, lanterns and heating devices that use petroleum fuels such as pressurized liquid gas or propane that can be readily controlled by a valve.
? Fully enclosed woodstoves with a ?? spark arrester screen.
2. Use explosives. This includes all fireworks, which are always prohibited on National Forest lands, as well as exploding targets used for recreational shooting.
3. Smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc; except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
4. Operate acetylene or other torch with open flame (includes welding), unless specifically authorized in writing by the Forest Service.
5. Operate internal or external combustion engines (e.g. chainsaws, ATVs, dirtbikes, generators, etc) without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.

Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both. Anyone responsible for starting a wildland fire could also be held financially liable for fire suppression costs.

At this time, fire restrictions are not in effect on the Thunder Basin National Grassland. Conditions will be monitored throughout the summer to make future decisions on maintaining or rescinding Stage 1 restrictions, or elevating them to Stage 2, which is a complete fire ban.

 

[Bullnuts]

Yea, depends on the type of restrictions that are in place. Stage 1 isn\'t too terrible but when you get to stage 2, don\'t even think hot thoughts!
Luckily, late August and September are typically monsoon season in Colorado. We usually see rain every afternoon, which comes in the form of heavy thunderstorms, and those usually take care of the fire season. That will be something to consider when you set your bivvy camps, too. Lots of lightning and a ton of rain will make bivvy hunting a true wilderness experience.

 

[Bob Frapples]

........ and a ton of rain......

Maybe I should reconsider the tent and go for the tree bed?

 

[Bullnuts]

I think I\'d rather be in a tent, just have to plan your camps with flood potential and lightning in mind. Stay out of aspen groves - most of the roots are interconnected so if lightning hits one, it hits them all. Otherwise, lower, protected areas would be ok as long as you\'re not in a ravine :crazy:

 

[WW]

Here is my entire cook kit. Works great in fire ban areas. The little Trangia stove is legal because it can be snuffed out instantly.

 

[timberland]

Do you bring a generator to plug in the ambiance light? :haha:

 

[Curvebow]

I use a MSR Pocket Rocket stove with an isobutane cylinder. The stove weighs just a few ounces and the cylinder (available in 2 sizes) weighs about 10 ounces (small one). I always use it carefully; remove nearby vegatation and place it on top of a flat rock. Even when fire restrictions apply, these types of stoves can be use safely IMHO.... Friends have used the Jet Boils, but I find them to be too heavy. Another friend has a stove similar to the MSR, but it has a built in spark lighter that is handier than using a lighter or matches. I still use the MSR and don\'t see any need to upgrade in the near future......

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