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...

[Special T]

I think it will just be harder to keep the whitetails from taking over the Mule deer territory.    NWGSP 's comment bring up the point that there has been much less  forest management going on and more letting "nature" take its course... and then they claim management.

[bobcat]

You guys are sure pessimistic. I think you'll be amazed at how quickly everything comes back, including the vegetation and the wildlife.

It will take 2 or 3 years, yes, but then that country will be full of wildlife.

They ought to make it permit only hunting for deer and elk starting next year, and leave it that way, just increase permits as deer and elk numbers increase. It could turn into some great quality hunting.

Of course the Yakama tribe would need to limit their take as well.

[Heredoggydoggy]

It may take a bit longer, being a fall burn.  But I was amazed at how fast the Swakane recovered after it burned a couple of years ago.  The deer were back nibbling on the vegetation as soon as it started sprouting out of the barren ground.  It seemed like they moved back in as soon as the ground cooled!

[Special T]

HDDD that is the case as long as the fire isn't too hot. if the temp gets too hot is kills everything off. most spring burns have the ability to burn the dead wood but not get temps too high because there is still moisture  that the fire has to combat. The super dry conditions make it much harder to have a deadwood only fire. If the fires are small in size i would think that it would benefit the animals a lot creating a new meadow in a place where there once was Forrest. 

[Heredoggydoggy]

HDDD that is the case as long as the fire isn't too hot. if the temp gets too hot is kills everything off. most spring burns have the ability to burn the dead wood but not get temps too high because there is still moisture  that the fire has to combat. The super dry conditions make it much harder to have a deadwood only fire. If the fires are small in size i would think that it would benefit the animals a lot creating a new meadow in a place where there once was Forrest. 

The Swakane fire burned mostly brush and Sage, but it cleared out a lot of dead trees that a previous windstorm knocked down.  Fortunately, it was early enough in the year to burn up to the green vegetation at the receding snow line and didn't get into the higher elevations.  It could have been much worse.

[spin05]

Dont worry the WDFW will refund all our money...................Not.     I swear in the past i remember them actually cancelling a special permit season even thou people were drawn.....Not sure thou

[brokehunter]

I know they got Sierra Pacific closed where I want to walk in for deer for modern, and Weyerhauser land closed where I want to hunt elk. I'm sure by the time modern opens everything should be opened back up. I was talking to my hunting buddy a couple days ago and we were thinking if it doesn't rain, we'll be back on forest service land on hunter hill where the deer are scarce and a sea of trucks and orange will be the only thing seen!