Free: Contests & Raffles.
As hunters we should be supporting controlled burns on state and National Forest lands. I've seen many times where people, including hunters, will complain about controlled burns that the Forest Service has planned. After decades of putting out fires, we need to get our forests opened back up and healthy again, and as a result we will see a lot more game. So when you hear of a controlled burn in the works, or a wildfire that the forest service has decided to let burn, don't complain!
QuoteAs hunters we should be supporting controlled burns on state and National Forest lands. I've seen many times where people, including hunters, will complain about controlled burns that the Forest Service has planned. After decades of putting out fires, we need to get our forests opened back up and healthy again, and as a result we will see a lot more game. So when you hear of a controlled burn in the works, or a wildfire that the forest service has decided to let burn, don't complain! I don't really understand where you are going with this. Maybe I need better understanding? Every forest fire I have seen has been very destructive and there are many areas that are still nothing but barren wastelands from previous fires. Also, most "controlled burnings" I have seen become un-controlled burnings.
Okay, what about the other side of Lake Chelan. Manson unit particularily. Also, when you compare the deer harvet before and after the fire you will see that the fires haven't helped out much.
Here's an idea for the WDFW, they should go around and light the woods on fire. This is the fix to our mule deer herds!
Positive Benefits for WildlifePrescribed fire activities produce many positive benefits for big game animals such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and whitetailed deer. The absence of frequent low intensity fires in the landscape due to past fire suppression has caused a decline in forage quantity and quality in many areas of the Blue Mountains.. Also, with years of conifer encroachment, browse species such as bitterbrush, mountain mahogany, aspen, choke and bitter cherry, willow and other hardwoods species have declined or are essentially unavailable as forage. These hardwoods are an important source of high quality forage for deer and elk, especially as they prepare for winter, and again in the spring as they replenish lost body mass from the previous winter. Prescribed fire invigorates both hardwoods and native grass species, making them more palatable and nutritious for big game species. Prescribed fire conducted on big game winter ranges not only improves forage quality and quantity, but it can help keep deer and elk on public lands for longer periods and away from private lands where conflicts can occcur.
I'd bet many hunters and most biologists would disagree with that.