Cold Camp or "Stoke that Fire"

[JPhelps]

I usually have a cold camp because I'm too wore out to build one. 

I'm of the belief that scent elimination is black magic and that hunting the wind right is the most important...besides natural wood smoke is a natural smell.

[Jingles]

That is the good part of hunting in the wilderness Fire restrictions don't apply so a camp fire is a given when cold and or wet

[jackmaster]

I wont hunt without a fire, I use it to dry my clothes, cook and just flat out relax by, ain't no better food than food cooked over a camp fire... the best part is camp fire smoke is the best cover scent known to man and that comes from the fact of huntn blacktails for a very long time and I know how effective campfire smoke is

[highmuley]

I read an article some time ago written by an "expert" NE elk hunter that suggested "stoke that fire". His claim was that the animals were very used to the smell of burning wood (wild fires, scheduled burns, etc.). And that it is a matter of preference (or superstition....) whether or not to have a fire. I personally have a fire back at camp. If I am not going back to camp, I still have a fire....it gets cold sometimes in October on the East-side.... I do like to isolate my clothes from human smells though, when possible. There are sometimes that I really don't care. I haven't noticed a huge difference in success. I have been busted by my smell a few times though...at least I can assume....I've never asked my quarry....

[Shawn Ryan]

Early season, no fire, too tired and no time to make a fire.  I don't think smoke spooks elk. I've read that smoke carbon adsorbs other odors. Don't know if that's true.

[sakoshooter]

I like a camp fire. It can make a camp complete. Usually have my wood stove in the wall tent also but this last year the burn bans even prohibited the use of the stove in the early season.

[kentrek]

For those who hunt in from a base camp and are worried about "polluting" the area with smoke...look into building a rocket stove....they burn hot enough to burn up the smoke but are very efficient on wood...I built one for a fishing camp an its pretty awesome..building one for elk camp this year as well

[Bean Counter]

After a few days of hiking I don't think i can apply enough scent killer to cover all my B.O. A few minutes near the campfire and its good to go.

Last weekend I scouted for elk with my buddy who had the hunt last year. Nice campfire after a long, exhausting day. Shortly before bed we were accosted by a county sheriff deputy who kicked around our camp yelling about "Stage 1 Fire Restrictions" and threatening to ticket one or both of us. I handed him a piece of propaganda from the USFS that stated that campfires inside of metal rings at established campgrounds were permitted under the current restrictions. He made some calls inside his rig and later apologized and was on his way. 

[wiremonkey]

Fire for sure 

[fishngamereaper]

Fire at camp and if cold enough fire mid day in the woods during lunch at a nice high lookout point, warm my butt while glassing for elk ...Friends that guide in Montana actually start fires everyday during lunch, they have killed alot of elk that wander into the area curious about whats going on.