Hot/Dry Year Effect on Elk Plans

[WapitiTalk1]

It's a record book hot/dry year in the elk states as evidenced by the quantity of fires and drought conditions in many of the states we hunt elk. How will this affect your elk plans this year? Does your plan of attack change significantly, moderately, or not at all for the area(s) "you" hunt? I have my personal beliefs but am curious to hear what you other Elknuts think.

[bald9eagle]

Tell me something....I know that turkeys and deer will be all over newly burnt stuff here in AL. Can the same be said of elk? How long before they return to a burned out spot?

[Ridge Ghost]

Tell me something....I know that turkeys and deer will be all over newly burnt stuff here in AL. Can the same be said of elk? How long before they return to a burned out spot?

Expect them to return as soon as new grass is growing up.

[elkstalker]

The areas I plan on hunting haven't been affected (yet), and based on scouting last week there should be plenty of water still. If I was hunting a more arid unit I would probably seek out water sources and target them, as well as green fields (although not my favorite style of hunting), or head higher in altitude. I will target burnt areas the following years after fire, as critters usually flock there for the freshly fertilized grass.

[Ridgernr]

North Idaho is being hit hard right now with fires and restrictions, As for elk, water will be key and so will good heavy thermal cover.
as for the weather lets just hope and pray for rain and hope the forest service does not shut down the woods like so many timber companies are doing.

[Huntrgathr]

The elk are right where we left them last year. Smoke and fires are a concern but not currently affecting our area. Crossing my fingers so hard right now...

[Swede]

The fires around the State are going to displace a lot of hunters. It is impossible to know all of the effects until the hunt starts. There is fire near where I hunt. That means a lot of people all over the area and some forest is closed. I am concerned about the situation now, and it could get worse.

[bald9eagle]

Tell me something....I know that turkeys and deer will be all over newly burnt stuff here in AL. Can the same be said of elk? How long before they return to a burned out spot?

Expect them to return as soon as new grass is growing up.

What I expected. The turkeys hit it up while it is still smoking here. Bugs and acorns. The deer go in after the acorns too. I wondered if the elk started going back in soon looking for fresh browse on new growth or if the conditions didn't allow fresh greens to sprout until the next spring.

[wawhitey]

My "plan a" spot, a good wallow, is all dried up and im afraid the elk will mostly move down to nearby private land for water, so im taking matters into my own hands and hauling a few hundred gallons of water, a pump, and a bunch of hose yp there and filling that thing. My plan b spot, well i dont know if that water is dried up or not. Ill be home in a week but the last thing i want to do is risk running elk out of the area to go look at that wallow. Checking my cameras in the draw a half mile uphill should tell me all i need to know there. Sure wish wed get some good rain in the next couple weeks

[elkaholic]

So far there is no change in plans. But that can change quickly have a fire starts. Fingers crossed

[Charina]

RJ, the area I hunted in UT the last couple years was dry. Compared to where most of you hunt it was likely drier than your worst drought years. The only way cattle ranchers have been able to run cattle on this blm land is to build retention ponds, which along with a few rain collection guzzlers, are the only water sources within 5 miles of some areas. Now, I recognize that the elk in these areas are used to this arrangement. So, the comparison to usually-wet areas that have gone dry is of very limited value. Yet, I wanted to comment that despite the limited, concentrated, and highly utilized water sources, elk are found pretty much everywhere there is suitable cover and food. The limited water situation doesn't seem to be a driver of their habits or habitats. Obviously, were there not water within 3,4, perhaps 5 miles, it likely would change where they were or what they did. But with just one or two water sources within 2 or 3 miles the elk in this area inhabit the typical n-facing bedding areas, feed in typical spots, despite the lack of close-by water.

[Lefty]

RJ, the area I hunted in UT the last couple years was dry. Compared to where most of you hunt it was likely drier than your worst drought years. The only way cattle ranchers have been able to run cattle on this blm land is to build retention ponds, which along with a few rain collection guzzlers, are the only water sources within 5 miles of some areas. Now, I recognize that the elk in these areas are used to this arrangement. So, the comparison to usually-wet areas that have gone dry is of very limited value. Yet, I wanted to comment that despite the limited, concentrated, and highly utilized water sources, elk are found pretty much everywhere there is suitable cover and food. The limited water situation doesn't seem to be a driver of their habits or habitats. Obviously, were there not water within 3,4, perhaps 5 miles, it likely would change where they were or what they did. But with just one or two water sources within 2 or 3 miles the elk in this area inhabit the typical n-facing bedding areas, feed in typical spots, despite the lack of close-by water.

I hunted the desert the past few years. The only sources of water were stock tanks either pumped or hauled in and stored in those huge 5,000-25,000 gallon steel storage tanks.
On trail cams when those are dry I have gotten one elk in a few hours travel over 18 miles and back to feed and drink on ag fields. Two years ago while sitting on water at 6:30 Pm and 97 degree heat I watched elk travel from a bedding area a mile north of me , pass fresh water to travel 4 1/2 miles to ag fields. Elkare big animals and can go a day without drinking in extreme heat

[wawhitey]

Well all the timber company land i hunt elk on is now closed due to fire danger. Much of the national forest too (i think ill have some molten trail cams.) Soo, archery elk is a bust. I have until sept 1stvto decide, but i believe ill be trading my arch elk tag in for rifle. Rifle starts oct 31st, and i already have the time scheduled off work since that time is covered by my quality deer permit. Man this summer blows.

[_rj_]

I'm surprised at how well the water and feed is doing around me. And I'm by the fire in John Day. I'm not too worried. Only 10 days left.

[ElkNut1]

I see this hot/dry stuff every year, it makes no difference to us here, we will hunt elk as usual as long as they allow us!

ElkNut1

[Toothy]

fortunately, no fire where I'm hunting this year.

http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/data/ac ... 2_0300.jpg

[bald9eagle]

I've read that this èl Nino that is occurring right now is the strongest ever recorded. How bad is that on you western guys?

[Trophyhill]

Been a great year for moisture in our "elk state". Be safe hunting and camping in those burn areas.