Camp fire

[Whitetail180]

I've been doing back country Elk hunts for many years now and I'm wondering everyone's opinion on to or not to, build a fire when camping in Or around Elk. I have mostly not and stayed in a cold camp. But, does it matter. A fire sure is nice while in the back country by yourself....let me know what you all think...

[Indian Summer]

Fire is natural and will not have any affect at all on elk. Makes a nice cover scent too. One time I was out hunting and it was downright freezing out. I built a fire and some elk came across a trail above me. They were so curious they bailed off of the trail and came down to see what all the smoke was about.

Welcome to the ElkNut forums Wes!

[ElkNut1]

Wes, welcome aboard bud, nice to have you!

We too have fires on a regular basis no matter where we elk hunt, I do not worry about them & neither do the elk! Don't camp in the middle of their feeding areas & no problem. Even if you did move them around a bit it's not a big issue to find them.

ElkNut1

[WapitiTalk1]

Welcome to "the" elk forum Whitetail80! Great first thread. I fought the whole fire thing in my camps for years and years (SEP/OCT archery only for me) but as I got a bit older, I finally saw the light (so to speak.. ...). I don't see any problem with an evening fire to dry clothes if necessary, to cook a brook trout on a stick (or throw a piece of loin in tin foil onto coals), or to just stand around and discuss the day's hunt and the next morning's game plan. I don't have fires all the time, especially when the weather is as nice as it usually is during the elk rut, but.... if required by cold weather or wet clothes, I don't have a problem with backcountry hunt campfires. As IS and Elknut mentioned, the smoke doesn't seem to really bother the wapiti. I still watch the wind in all endeavors as nothing disguises human scent, not even smoke ..

[Whitetail180]

Thank you guys for your input, I really didn't think it would bother them, but airing on the side of caution, I've always went with a cold camp when spiking out. And yes, I Archery hunt, is there another way? I am completely consumed with it. Thanks again for your input.....

[Swede]

Deer and elk will feed and bed down in areas still smoking from forest fires or slash burns. As Indian Summer mentioned some people use smoke as a cover scent. I don't care for it. I am not totally sure why, but I just don't like the smell of smoke on me. There were probably just too many days of living in smoke when I worked for the Forest Service.

[Pop-r]

I can't say that I agree with some of yall. I have to think one would be better off trying to remain as "scent free" as possible & in areas that haven't seen fire since any elk that lives there has been alive or possibly years longer I feel the scent will alarm them in a calling setup! Sure no more than human scent but I hope I don't stink like I know I do after being arnd a fire.

[CrazyElkHunter]

As Swede said, Fire or no fire, to each his own. I do not feel that smoke bothers elk or deer. I just do not like the smell of smoke on my clothes and my gear and prefer to not add another scent to the nose of a elk. The smoke circles in different directions and adds it's smell to everything in camp. I also have watched deer and elk bed and roll in ashes of a smoldering burn area. I just prefer to stay as scent free as possible and the wind in my face.

[Lefty]

,..... but airing on the side of caution, I've always went with a cold camp when spiking out.
,....... Thanks again for your input.....

I try to reduce all odors.
The area I hunt has burns every year,.. ( and I may have been burned completely out last year).
My perception is any smell alerts many game animals,.. I do not see any reason to smel like smoke

Do I like fires,.. you bet, but not during hunts unless it is nessisary,..
Campfires can be a huge part of any type of camp,.. since I hunt alone, I sit by a fire when camping not elk hunting

[>>>---WW---->]

If you feel like building a fire, that is up to you. The elk don't mind. But for me, just to have a campfire is a waste of time unless you have spacific purpose for it.

[sreekers]

I use a floorless shelter with a stove. I used to be adamantly opposed to fire and smoke.....then we had a summer like this past and it doesn't matter. Smoke was thicker than fog well into September.

[Whitetail180]

That's where I am with it, I don't like the aftermath of a camp fire, ie; smoke smell on your stuff, I'm not going to worry too much I usually spike camp a mile from where I locate bulls. Your guys input is awesome....thank you.

[Washington Wapiti]

This was exactly the topic I've been looking for!Over the last three years, my "day trip" elk hunts have progressively morphed into multi-day stays in the back-country. This is the first year I've considered a fire anywhere near the core area my brother and I hunt. I love me a good fire! Now I feel a little better about doing so. Thanks for asking Whitetail 180 and greetings everyone . . .

[Madison COunty]

Are there any areas on public land that you can't have a camp fire?

[Bowhunter]

Due to dry weather many areas will have a burn ban. You will have to check with the local forest service around the time you plan to hunt.

[Mikeha33]

Whitetail180, where in KS are you from? I'm down in the SE corner, in Pittsburg.

[Madison COunty]

When you have a fire do most people just cut up brush? A fire sounds nice and warm in elk country when its cold outside

[cnelk]

Madison Co.

See my wood pile behind me? Thats enough for a 10+ day hunt.



And youre right, a good fire fits the bill when its chilly at elk camp

[WapitiTalk1]

Madison Co.

See my wood pile behind me? Thats enough for a 10+ day hunt.



And youre right, a good fire fits the bill when its chilly at elk camp

Holy heck.. Are you..........deep frying fish in that caldron? I sure hope so

[cnelk]

RJ
Those are potatoes.
Right before the walleye went in

Here is the walleye

[Sawdust]

Cnelk, now that Is what I call a meal in elk camp!!!!!

[cnelk]

Sawdust
It happens once every year, we come in from the morning hunt and have a feast.

Cold beer and bacon for appetizers
Then walleye and potatoes
And apple pie for dessert

[WapitiTalk1]

Yummmmmm.

[Buglemaster]

Bradly, why is it you always have to post pics of them dad gummed walleye fillets? I swear your doing it just to stir us all up! Worked.... Again...

[Sawdust]

Cnelk, anytime you need a hunting buddy give me a call, just make sure you bring some walleye!!!

[cnelk]

I have often wondered why many want to hunt with me.
Is it the elk hunting or the walleye?

[Madison COunty]

Cnelk, that is an impressive wood pile that you have there. My family goes up to a lake in northern Minnesota every fall and the walleye are always tastey It looks like you eat good in elk camp, I enjoy your pictures and can't wait until my first elk hunt in your beautiful state.

[Huntrgathr]

I'm usually lucky to get in my 3000 calorie dinner before I pass out. I only make a fire if I'm wet or its so cold that I can't stay on the mountain without it... Late season hunts can be a test of endurance...

I hunt the wind and forget what I smell like.

[cohunter14]

Sawdust
It happens once every year, we come in from the morning hunt and have a feast.

Cold beer and bacon for appetizers
Then walleye and potatoes
And apple pie for dessert

I can't say I would be worth much for the afternoon hunt after that feast...but I wouldn't care! My stomach is absolutely growling at me right now.