Fires and Game

[boomhand]

There's some good size fires burning near the happy hunting grounds and wonder how the deer deal with it? Do they move and stay just ahead of it or do they go several miles or drainages away? Also when the fires are out would they move back close to the burn or stay where they are by October? And would they migrate towards the prevailing wind side of the burn to avoid the left over ash and smoke?

 

[Icicleoutfitters]

We have been packing for the Tinpan fire in the Entiat. The fire fighters come off the hill talking about the bucks they have seen. The deer are seen feeding 100 feet from the slow moving fire. This is a wildland wilderness fire that is being allowed to burn, pretty much, naturally. The deer are definately not in a panic at all.

We also know from experience that migrating deer will stay on their traditional route and walk right through the burn. If the migration happens early enough in the Methow, the Tripod/Spur fire will make it very easy to spot and harvest those moving through. This year's General Season ends early enough that migrators will probably be safe. Hunt the fire boundary in 06 (if open) or 07. If migrators are moving through hunt the burn.