Fire affected deer area

[aorams]

This may have already been covered but my searches yielded no results. I'm wondering what effect a fire will have on deer. Do many die?  Do they leave the area completely?  Do they stay along the fringes of the burns?  I'm a newbie so any information no matter how basic will be valuable!  Thanks for taking the time!

[Skyvalhunter]

May be an interesting year for those Alta and Chiliwist permit holders

[Graham_Hunter]

I had the same question.  I've was planning to hunt an area that I've hunted in the past.  The area is just a few miles north of (and higher in elevation than) one of the large burn areas.  I'm wondering if the fires will help or hurt the hunting prospects in my area.  Does anyone have any insight?  Also, does anyone know about road conditions in/around fire areas?

[scoutdog346]

I think most of the area that is being burnt is their wintering land.  I know that I s good for deer population in the long run cuz of the food it creates.

[bigmacc]

I had the same question.  I've was planning to hunt an area that I've hunted in the past.  The area is just a few miles north of (and higher in elevation than) one of the large burn areas.  I'm wondering if the fires will help or hurt the hunting prospects in my area.  Does anyone have any insight?  Also, does anyone know about road conditions in/around fire areas?

Could be slim pickins this year ....lot of activity over there,fires,helicopters,airplanes,firefighters in the woods etc. The deer could be run into the next county,over the hills into different drainages or onto private stuff that hasnt burnt,just speaking of the local herd. As for the migrators,i hope its a very mild winter and they all stay up high....If theres even a season this year,not sure anyone knows yet what the plan is gonna be ...As of right now,lots of road closers....just my opinion and

[tgomez]

Yes, the fire will have an effect on the deer their. Their will be many deer and other of God's creatures that will lose their life to the fire. But their will be new growth in the years to come, that will bring fresh lush green grass. While fire is a terrible thing it is also the best thing for new growth. Should be some dandy deer their in years to come, but this year I'd be looking else where for sure, otherwise, you may be eating a tag sandwich!

[scoutdog346]

Does it make more since to think for the most part that only the resident mule deer population in the burn areas will b affected and that most deer r smart enuf to not get burnt to death I said MOST of the deer. Also the migratory deer will start coming down from the wilderness this winter, find less food then last year and then keep moving until they find a area that has food rather then thinking they will die off because of the lack of food and the flames burning them to death? r the deer being questioned migatory?

[AlpineMuley]

I'll join the club.  I have two hunting spots affected by the fires.  One is completely gone and the other is burning right now with three cameras going up in smoke.  I will be switching to plan C.  I guess the pumpkin patch just got a little thicker.  We will all be staring at the same patch of green brush.  See you on the hill.   

[mxryder909]

Was scouting elk and mullies in blewett pass, as well as other areas towards leavenworth (highway 2)....
Didnt see a sole in the woods as far as deer, saw tracks, saw droppings, and im pretty sure they left on a quick vacation to somewhere tropical. Say, leavenworths beer garden or hawaii.
Not sure where to hunt this season as i usually do well for archery up in that area...
Not my season, whidbey island monster bucks here (late hunt) if i find nothing up in i-90 corridor...
Cheers and
BEST luck to ya

[boneaddict]

I'm not sure what is going to happen.   I have been affected by several fires but none of this magnitude.   Considering all of the combined data I know from previous experience of what it normally looks like on the opener, I can surmise that this year will be a lot different.  I imagine better for some, worse for others.   With the general lack of cover and escapement, normal feed and water sources this year ought to be interesting.  As we approach the season opener for archery, many of the normal roads and trails aren't even open.    There are huge drainages still closed because of fire.   Your guess will be as good as most.  Too many factors to truly predict what its going to be like.

[Alchase]

If they follow what they did in past seasons after a fire. There will be no access in the burned out areas.
Quite a few GMUs will probably be closed to hunting. or people will hike in.
I just hope they do not wait for the last minute to inform everyone what their Plans are.

[birddogdad]

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/home/?cid=stelprd3812214

for starters... also wdfw has page

[4fletch]

Is it too late spread clover grass seeds out for them

[vandeman17]

It has rained a good amount the last few days over here and I am going to bet that at least some of the areas that burned will be green again before we know it. This won't really effect hunting this year but should at least help the deer this winter. Reports are saying that majority of the Entiat fire was low intensity so that should come back just fine. Carlton is different but still should have some spots come back 

[Alchase]

It has rained a good amount the last few days over here and I am going to bet that at least some of the areas that burned will be green again before we know it. This won't really effect hunting this year but should at least help the deer this winter. Reports are saying that majority of the Entiat fire was low intensity so that should come back just fine. Carlton is different but still should have some spots come back 

How hot was the Carlton Complex or the Cougar Flats area fire?

It sounded like the Falls Creek burn was pretty bad (hot) there was a ton of fuel on the ground up there.

I have seen areas that were burned so hot all that is left is the holes where roots of trees were. Then you see 100 plus year old pines that have been through lots of fires still standing?

[vandeman17]

It has rained a good amount the last few days over here and I am going to bet that at least some of the areas that burned will be green again before we know it. This won't really effect hunting this year but should at least help the deer this winter. Reports are saying that majority of the Entiat fire was low intensity so that should come back just fine. Carlton is different but still should have some spots come back 

How hot was the Carlton Complex or the Cougar Flats area fire?

It sounded like the Falls Creek burn was pretty bad (hot) there was a ton of fuel on the ground up there.

I have seen areas that were burned so hot all that is left is the holes where roots of trees were. Then you see 100 plus year old pines that have been through lots of fires still standing?

Carlton burnt hotter I know that but haven't heard any reports released. I read the other day about the Entiat fire that something like 80% or more was low intensity. I know at our property close to Liberty when the fire moved through you could sure tell where was high and where was low. The low was green a few weeks later and the high intensity patches were scorched and looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

[Skyvalhunter]

None the less it makes seeing the wolves and cougars alot easier.

[vandeman17]

None the less it makes seeing the wolves and cougars alot easier.

What scares me about critters not being able to hide is tribal harvest come winter time 

[rem/sav300]

no food = no deer....... but those Masher bucks like to check those burns out in the years to come. usually those big horns are covered in ash