Watching my New Mexico elk tag burn!

[LivinTheDream]

Man, the last couple weeks have made me sick! Watching the largest fire in state history creep into the unit I drew, then consuming about +25% of it, has taken the wind out of my sails for sure. With low humidity, high winds, 18% containment and temps in high 80's... theres not to much of an end in sight. Just sitting here wondering how much more? Keep thinking how much harder this will make it? If it stopped now, I wouldn't be too worried but it wont. I believe burns are a good thing and in time should make for better hunting, but come on!! Anyone been through this before?? How did it turn out for you? 
Tyler

[et1702]

I feel for you.  The big fire last year in New Mex. was the Las Conchas fire near Los Alamos.  It also consumed about 30,000 acres of the NE corner of the Valles Caldera (where I drew a tag this year).  Managers at the Caldera closed the area last yer due to erosion control issues.  Ash & sediment just about killed all the trout in San Antonio creek within the Caldera.  Sounds like it's still going to be closed this year too. 

Unfortunately, I'm sure the area will be closed for a couple years or more after they get the fire under control.  So, just pray for cooler weather and less wind.  The summer monsoons don't really start down there until July & August.  So, they might not get the upper hand on this monster fire for quite a while.  I noticed an air tanker crashed over the weekend trying to fight it. 

I'm watching New Mex VERY close too, and hoping for the best in north central near the Valles Caldera.

ET

[NoBark]

Feeling for you!   I would encourage you by saying September is  a long way off yet, and some good things could happen between now and then.  While 25% is astronomical to think about, it also means there's still 75% thats not burned.  IF, and this is the biggest question, they dont close the unit due to danger, I'd go in a heartbeat.  And, I'd hunt the fringes and pockets of unburned trees within a burn.  The elk didn't get burned, they just moved out of the way. They will be back and they will hang along the edges.   

Keep your head up!  It'll be a great hunt.

[Woodchuck]

For what it is worth, the season of the big fire here was really a good season. They fire was out in Sept and by the end of Oct the elk were right back in there and visibility was good so to speak. Keep baby wipes handy to wash all the black off.

[bmorkert]

I'm in the same boat. I drew a 16A tag for the 3rd archery season (Sep 19-24). I've read that a fire can actually improve hunting (provided of course they put it out) as the animals like to eat the new vegetation that pops up. Looks like they're making progress on containing the fire. Hopefully that trend continues. We'll see...

[washelkhunter]

I wouldnt be too glum yet. Look on the positive side; itll be easier to spot them now in some places right?

[RubblesPH]

If you have any info, what units has the fire effected?  Since I unfortunately didn't draw an archery elk tag, 6 years running, I haven't been following it that closely.  Congrats on your tag and good luck.

[bmorkert]

Looks like its affecting the southern half of 16A, part of 22, and part of 16B.

Here's a link to the closure area.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5337179.pdf

[UncleChunk]

Boy, that would be tough to get drawn and have them keep the area closed.

Hopefully it gets opened up again before the season.

[MtnMuley]

Your biggest concern is getting access to your unit.  Without a doubt, this fire will have a negative impact on the Gila for this hunting season.  Without knowing which 16 you drew, it's hard to say the exact impact this will have.  Bad year to draw a great tag.  Last time I drew NM elk, it was an extremely wet year.  Finding elk was actually harder than a drought year with all the vegetation spreadout.   Hopefully the monsoons arrive shortly and get control of this ripper.  Best of luck.

[trophyhunt]

I know it's not the same quality but the one year I drew unit 18 in Idaho most of the unit burned that summer. I hunted right on the edge of the burn which happened to be the wilderness boundry and the elk were everywhere. I thought it had something to do with the elk being concentrated on the area that wasn't burned. Maby if the fire doesn't spread too much more it will help you out with pushing the elk in a tighter area? Best of luck to you, hopefully they put it out soon.

[bmorkert]

Just an FYI, here's a link to more up to date information. The fire progression map shows you exactly where it's at. Not a very positive picture. Wish I could send them some of our rain.

http://nmfireinfo.com/2012/06/07/whitewater-fire-update-5-20-12/

[WAcoueshunter]

I'm in the same boat. I drew a 16A tag for the 3rd archery season (Sep 19-24). I've read that a fire can actually improve hunting (provided of course they put it out) as the animals like to eat the new vegetation that pops up. Looks like they're making progress on containing the fire. Hopefully that trend continues. We'll see...

Hey, cool deal, I've got the 2nd season tag.

I think we'll be fine.  The monsoons will green things up in July/August, and a lot of good elk area didn't burn anyway.  My biggest concern is that the Forest Service doesn't open up the roads and you either can't get to the place you want to hunt and/or the hunters are more concentrated than they otherwise would be.

[400out]

For what it is worth, the season of the big fire here was really a good season. They fire was out in Sept and by the end of Oct the elk were right back in there and visibility was good so to speak. Keep baby wipes handy to wash all the black off.

I saw elk! They don't blend very well