Grizzly Bear Fire-Wenaha

[trophyhunt]

I spose they want heed the fire closure anymore than they do the supposed tribal hunting boundaries down there. Wouldnt that be something they can have the place to themselves!!!

[AntlerHound]

Anyone have any updates...?  sure would like to get some cams back...

[frazierw]

Wilderness is still closed, same with the roads around it.  Fire is basically in mop up mode.  I would bet you can get in there by the beginning of October.

[Woodchuck]

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4511/29589/

[Sumpnneedskillin]

New update on the fire from about 10 min ago.

Grizzly Bear Complex continues to see active fire behavior

 The Grizzly Bear Complex continues to burn actively in the interior portions of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness near Melton Creek, Second Creek, Crooked Creek, Monument Ridge, and Grizzly Bear Ridge. Smoke columns could be seen in several areas yesterday as the fire moves through unburned areas within the fire perimeter. All suppression lines along the wilderness boundary have been completed, and are prepared for burnout operations should the fire approach.

 The increased fire activity is attributed to continued warm and dry weather conditions over the fire area. Although showers were in the forecast last week, storm clouds, along with any chance for moisture, dissipated before reaching the Blue Mountains. Temperatures remain in the upper 60’s and low 70’s over the fire area and the relative humidity has dipped into the low teens during the afternoon over the last few days, with poor humidity recovery overnight.

 Work continues to occur in three separate divisions on the fire: 1) south end along the 62 Rd.; 2) north side near the 46/64 Rd. junction; and 3) west of the 40/4039 road junction. The fire’s edge, adjacent to forest roads in each of the divisions, is secure and remains in patrol status with adequate resources available to respond if fire behavior increases. Activities on the south side include: suppression of hotspots and flare-ups still occurring in the Big Hole area and grading and improving the 64 Rd.

On the north side, work includes monitoring fire activity in the Melton Creek, Second Creek and Crooked Creek drainages and along Monument and Grizzly Bear Ridges. Structure protection remains in the Slick Ear and Turkey Tail cabins and Godman guard station areas. Suppression repair activities, log processing and pile chipping work was recently completed on the north side of the fire, resulting in the release of additional heavy equipment resources.

 The closure order issued on September 18, 2015 remains in place; closing for entry the area (in general terms): north of Forest Service Road (FSR) 62 and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area east of Sawtooth Trail and south of TeePee Trail. See the Closure Order on the Forest website for more specific closure locations: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umatilla/alerts-notices/…

[gaddy]

Thanks for the update!

[HoopsNHorns]

I was just looking for an update.  Thx.   Still holding out hope that I'll get to use my modern E. Wenaha permit but certainly have my doubts at this point.   

[packerfan66]

I'll be down there in 2 days for the muzzy season. Can't wait!

[DaleVR]

Which unit packerfan? A friend of mine has the East wenaha muzzy tag and has been contacted by F&G typical to the archery guys in that unit about returning the tag for points.

[jackelope]

I'll be down there in 2 days for the muzzy season. Can't wait!

Wenaha east or west? I heard there's 800 acres of land in the east open to hunting and that's it. Muzzy permit holders have been contacted for points refund.

[willapawapiti]

My family has the Godman Guard Station rented for the last 5 days of deer season, up to the night of 27th.  We've been hunting the West Wenaha for a few years now, looks like most of our "hotspots" are true "hotspots" and literally burnt up and CLOSED.    Been trying to gleen as much info from calls to the USFS (not much help), Inciweb & fellow members here on HuntWA.  I'm leaning toward not going this year, even if they open it up, figuring the deer situation up top might be a little messed up.  How do the deer handle the increased activity? Do they displace far?  Any local opinions willing to help out this wetsider with his decision?

[packerfan66]

Which unit packerfan? A friend of mine has the East wenaha muzzy tag and has been contacted by F&G typical to the archery guys in that unit about returning the tag for points.

I'll be down there in 2 days for the muzzy season. Can't wait!

Wenaha east or west? I heard there's 800 acres of land in the east open to hunting and that's it. Muzzy permit holders have been contacted for points refund.

No tag holder this year  .  Hunting the elusive spike in lick creek and probably mountain view.  So actually northeast of the fire

[Branden]

My family has the Godman Guard Station rented for the last 5 days of deer season, up to the night of 27th.  We've been hunting the West Wenaha for a few years now, looks like most of our "hotspots" are true "hotspots" and literally burnt up and CLOSED.    Been trying to gleen as much info from calls to the USFS (not much help), Inciweb & fellow members here on HuntWA.  I'm leaning toward not going this year, even if they open it up, figuring the deer situation up top might be a little messed up.  How do the deer handle the increased activity? Do they displace far?  Any local opinions willing to help out this wetsider with his decision?

I didn't look into the West Wenaha but the East Wenaha that I looked into wasn't burned very much. There were patches that were crispy but it wouldn't stop me from hunting it if it was open. Unless you are hunting on the road or trail I doubt there was much activity in the actual wilderness.

[willapawapiti]

Thanks Branden 

[ron9909]

I was a medic on that fire for 2 weeks so I got to do a lot of driving and sitting. There was tons of wildlife everyday. Elk, deer, bear. With all the traffic on the roads I would think they would all be hiding. I would say if they open the roads and you planned on hunting up there this year. I would still go.