JFBNORTHERNHUNTER
Active Member
- Messages
- 398
I was lucky enough to drew the first rifle Bull hunt for Unit 51. It is this coming weekend, I have been scouting since June and know the area really well. I have had trail cameras throughout the unit and been doing my home work for this hunt.
I went out this weekend for the first time since I picked up my cameras which was the first part of September however I was not expecting for the Carson National Forest to be having prescribe burns and also for the dirt tanks in the area I hunt to be completely dry. what I found was two key water sources were dry and there was very little to no grass. In August there was about 40-50 cattle in this area and they didn't leave much beyond, they even feed on the sage. Also saw every little sign of elk and I did not hear any elk bugling or see any thing that would make me think the rut is still on. The few tracks I did find seem to by cows with calf?s and in groups of 4-6. Completely different then what I saw in June, when I counted over a hundred elk with a couple being nice bulls.
Also this week they started to do control burns in the area. I know control burns are good for the habit and fire management but not so good for my hunt as the smoke may have pushed elk out of the area. My question is has anyone noticed the same things in unit 51 in other locations and also in areas like El Rito where they had these control burns in the last couple weeks have the elk moved back to the area?
I see humanity now as one vast plant, needing for its
highest fulfillment only love, the natural blessings of the
great outdoors, and intelligent crossing and selection.
Luther Burbank
I went out this weekend for the first time since I picked up my cameras which was the first part of September however I was not expecting for the Carson National Forest to be having prescribe burns and also for the dirt tanks in the area I hunt to be completely dry. what I found was two key water sources were dry and there was very little to no grass. In August there was about 40-50 cattle in this area and they didn't leave much beyond, they even feed on the sage. Also saw every little sign of elk and I did not hear any elk bugling or see any thing that would make me think the rut is still on. The few tracks I did find seem to by cows with calf?s and in groups of 4-6. Completely different then what I saw in June, when I counted over a hundred elk with a couple being nice bulls.
Also this week they started to do control burns in the area. I know control burns are good for the habit and fire management but not so good for my hunt as the smoke may have pushed elk out of the area. My question is has anyone noticed the same things in unit 51 in other locations and also in areas like El Rito where they had these control burns in the last couple weeks have the elk moved back to the area?
I see humanity now as one vast plant, needing for its
highest fulfillment only love, the natural blessings of the
great outdoors, and intelligent crossing and selection.
Luther Burbank