Observatory Bull rifle tag

[CJ1962]

Finally joined after a few years of lurking.

My two hunting partners and I drew the Observatory Bull rifle tag this year.  Normally we hunt the Naneum, but with the Table Mountain fire last year we decided to apply on the other side of the freeway.  We have been scouting a lot and had found several areas that we felt had potential.  Wasn't real worried about the number of animals we have seen, since by the time late October rolls around they will have gotten pushed around some.  But now the Manastash ridge fire has started and the road closures that are in place impact the areas we have been scouting and were planning to hunt.  So I am reaching out to those of you that are more familiar with this unit, for ideas on other areas to explore/hunt.  PMs are welcome and Thanks In Advance.

[boneaddict]

Think of it this way.  The closures keeps x amount (more than I thought) bowhunters from chasing and killing all those fine bulls, so when that rifle hunting (Griz's ides) forest ranger decides to lift the closure just before your season, you have all that nice country in there.

[CJ1962]

I would definitely be more worried if I had the Archery Bull tag.  But my experience with the forest circus, is that even after the fire is out they keep the roads closed until they can clean out burned trees that could fall across a road.  Which in the case of the Table Mountain fire was well into this year before they opened it up.

[boneaddict]

For the most part, the fire isn't near the road.   Unless they do some backburning.  With the rain, I am not sure if that is in action or is just a contingency plan.