Fires Getting Me Worried - Is There Going To Be Anywhere Left....

[taylorb]

I’m starting to get worried that there won’t be much left to hunt this year if these fires keep up…  I haven’t been hunting in Washington too long (few years) but I know in other states they have pretty much closed the season when the fire danger was this high – has Washington ever done that?

-taylor

[Huntbear]

I’m starting to get worried that there won’t be much left to hunt this year if these fires keep up…  I haven’t been hunting in Washington too long (few years) but I know in other states they have pretty much closed the season when the fire danger was this high – has Washington ever done that?

-taylor

It can happen.... usually the NF will stay open unless there is an active fire inside the borders...  state land, private timber land... gone...

[Woodchuck]

I seem to remeber seasons being postponed many many moons ago 

[golfguy0912]

they already have several areas shut down, and I dont see some of them being opened up till the snow flies

[sled]

  I agree.  I am starting to get sick to my stomach thinking about the fires.

[JimmyHoffa]

they already have several areas shut down, and I dont see some of them being opened up till the snow flies

I wouldn't exactly count on just snow.  The FS will probably have to go through the area to make sure it is safe. 
In Sep 2011 there was a fire along the Duckabush River on the peninsula.  The FS didn't open the area until maybe a month and a half ago ().  They said the fire knocked down trees and moved rocks and made the ground unstable---making the area unsafe for people.  They had to have trail crews go in and out and finally give the approval to reopen.

The rangers were saying it was a violation to enter the area (they put up all kinds of signs) that could be punished by $5K and/or 6 months in jail. 

[bobcat]

I know one thing- I'm sure glad I don't have an east side elk tag this year! The areas that are still open will be more crowded than ever.

[Ridgerunner]

The bigger question is what is the damage to the wintering range?

[Ridgerunner]

They won't cancel hunting season lots of areas of the state are still open.

[Sawbuck]

Anybody know what they (WDFW) have done in the past with special permits if an area is closed? Are you just screwed?

[Huntbear]

The bigger question is what is the damage to the wintering range?

That is the 64,000.00 question right there....   unfortunately... the elk and mule deer will die of starvation while the question gets answered.

[NW-GSP]

My thoughts about the fires is that they have been prevented for so long that fuel has been building up on the Forrest floor till it has reached a dangerous level, now when a fire does start it is burning hotter and longer then it would have if allot more controlled burns had been done.

It is going to be bad news this season and a few to come but realistically this is going to be great for wildlife a few years down the road. Think of how many more meadows are going to be providing food for the deer and elk.

I am no expert but that is just my 

[NaturalSelection]

In a few years, all that burnt ground will be awesome for game. It's the woods way of starting over. It's good in the long run.

[huntandjeep]

Anybody know what they (WDFW) have done in the past with special permits if an area is closed? Are you just screwed?

  I sure hope were not screwed. I got a Rimrock any bull tag (modern) in my pocket

[Huntbear]

My thoughts about the fires is that they have been prevented for so long that fuel has been building up on the Forrest floor till it has reached a dangerous level, now when a fire does start it is burning hotter and longer then it would have if allot more controlled burns had been done.

It is going to be bad news this season and a few to come but realistically this is going to be great for wildlife a few years down the road. Think of how many more meadows are going to be providing food for the deer and elk.

I am no expert but that is just my 

Well, I hope you are young enough to be able to see it.. cause it may be 20 years before the game comes back like it is now.. with wolves, tribal hunting, and winter starvation... gonna be a long row to hoe...