Weird season hard to get excited about hunting

[BUTTER]

I know it seems impossible to not be excited about hunting but with this season's crazy weather and all the fires in the state and people losing there home and a few life's that have been taken due to the fire season its hard to swallow when some people complain about the fires and ruining there plans I fought fires for three summers and know how it can be and ultimately life and safety comes first and believe the firefighters are doing the best they can if my wife wouldn't kill me and I wouldn't lose my job I would love to strap into the old fire boots and get out and help sorry rant over

[h20hunter]

I agree and here is a bit of my mindset. I'm planning on going, bowhunting, and conducting business as usual. I'll be responsible and hope that my little extra money spent along the way will help. If I see donation areas along the way for those affected I'll have a little cash to drop as I go. If plans change and I can't go I will not be upset or complain.

[ELKBURGER]

My only feeling of relief comes in knowing I have a multi season elk tag. Gives me some options.

[Eli346]

I'm already donating and plan on spending more if I get there but I wish I could do so much more. I feel really helpless sitting over here on the wet side when I know there's thousands of people whose lives have been changed forever on the other side of the mountains.

[BUTTER]

It's appears the Wenaha Grizzly complex has blown up and ran all the way into Troy Or where a level three evac is happening

[shootnrun]

I am a FF/PM here on the wet side. A few of our brethren have the opportunity to travel across the state and fight the beast, I am left back protecting the home front. As exciting it is to look forward to my first archery season and having a mess of elk on our cams, it is a sombering thought to think about all my brothers and sisters out on the front lines, my friends and family that are affected by the blazes, and the turmoil our state finds itself in..

[ghosthunter]

I agree and here is a bit of my mindset. I'm planning on going, bowhunting, and conducting business as usual. I'll be responsible and hope that my little extra money spent along the way will help. If I see donation areas along the way for those affected I'll have a little cash to drop as I go. If plans change and I can't go I will not be upset or complain.

 

Unless they lock me out I will be muzzy elk hunting. And modern deer around Twisp. But if it locks up than the dog will get her first pheasant season, grouse and early duck.

I just don't like the patch work stuff. If it is too dry than its too dry every where. But they better decide because Labor day weekend is almost here.

[fastdam]

I'm super excited to fill the "anybull" muzzy permit I have waited 7 years for. As long as they don't close cowiche I'm good to go.
 Hopefully this years fires will lead to better management of wildlands in the future, but I doubt  it will.

[fishngamereaper]

I'm already donating and plan on spending more if I get there but I wish I could do so much more. I feel really helpless sitting over here on the wet side when I know there's thousands of people whose lives have been changed forever on the other side of the mountains.

I could never see myself donating anymore money to the state after the new special permit applications costing about 150 bucks to apply, another 220-240 for tags and licenses, plus another 35 for DISCOVER pass and 30 for a permit to park at wilderness parking lots. Add another 140 for a multi season deer permit that I can't apply for special permits with because its over the counter. Plus another 375 for Hancock pass, understand that's not from state but it's close to home. If they can't manage the money I already spend then sorry no more.

Pretty sure he meant donating to those in need, displaced families, small business owners etc....nothing to do with the state.

[WAcoyotehunter]

it is sure tough to get excited about hunting NE Washington.... the fire closures are all over and the smoke is so thick you can barely breathe or see.  Not good.

[Bango skank]

it is sure tough to get excited about hunting NE Washington.... the fire closures are all over and the smoke is so thick you can barely breathe or see.  Not good.

Yup, seems like all of my good areas are either on fire, choked with smoke, closed to access or all of the above.  I am taking all of september off work, but now it seems kind of pointless. 

[bobcat]

Looks like Idaho and Montana are burning up too. Looking at the "Incident Management Situation Report," Idaho, Montana, and Washington have 12 fires listed for each state.

What's amazing is Wyoming has none. Zero.

I'm thankful for that since Wyoming is my first hunt of the year. We'll be leaving in 2 1/2 weeks. Will be nice to get out of this smoky state for a while!

[cryder]

Well, good luck to all that dare to chance being circled by unescapeable flames started by some slack jawed yokel in a jeep or full blown headers in a 74 chevy or that fool who just cant say no to his trophy child, and has to roast marshmellows just so he can have the total camping exsperiance. I for one will be skipping this firey start , and will be focusing in on some snowy trail chaseing this late bow season, and as I said good luck out there to you and our fire fighters,im sure there will be a lot of success this year but there is allways next year.At least fish and feathers didn't soak me to bad I haven't even bought a license or tag yet, so its not that big of a loss I geuss . ( OR IS IT ? )

[WapitiTalk1]

I just looked at the weather forecast for many of the fire areas in several mountain states (WA, ID, MT) and it looks like there is rain forecasted during the next few weeks starting this weekend, area dependent.  Some of the forecasts call for pretty significant showers in some areas, other areas intermittent rain for a few days at a time.  I hope it's enough to help control some of the on-going fires and save further loss of life and property.     

[Netminder01]

I've been having the same conflicted feelings; Especially after coming back to my truck this weekend during scouting, breathing smoke and seeing ash on my truck.  Makes me wonder if my priorities are right (tbd).