Share Your Experiences with Elk Hunting and Fires

[LittleJohn]

With all the fires around I thought some of you could share your experiences with Bulls and their behavior with wildfires.

Lots of fires here in NW MT. I don't have much personal experience with elk hunting with fires in the area.

Any info would be great. I'm planning on hitting it like normal and see what happens.

Thanks guys and good hunting 

[Naches Sportsman]

I have run into so many elk and even called a few bulls on fires and prescribed burns.

[LittleJohn]

I have run into so many elk and even called a few bulls on fires and prescribed burns.

While they are actively burning?

[mburrows]

Was hunting with my friend and we were in elk each day while a fire was within 2 miles or so. We were on the outskirts of a large meadow when one of the helicopters landed in the meadow, checked their water bucket then took off again. Sure didnt see any elk after the chopper left.

[Naches Sportsman]

I have run into so many elk and even called a few bulls on fires and prescribed burns.

While they are actively burning?

Yes. Seen them well interior of fires at night.

[trophyhunt]

About 6 or 7 years ago I drew for unit 18 in Idaho, that year about half the unit burned.  I camped right on the burn line and hunted where it wasn't burned, I swear the elk were concentrated on the green area, saw hundreds of them.  My hunting partner had 3 friends that drew the wenaha one year for muzzy, they hunted it while stuff was still on fire!  All three got elk, one one around 360".  I don't think the fires will bother you too much just as long as it's not a deadly situation, of course.