Fire impact on deer

blacktailcentral

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 17, 2024
Messages
145
Location
California
Hi roksliders,
Last week a week before my rifle season opens up I found the biggest buck of my life. Then a fire breaks out in this area completely burning this area, what would you guys do and where would you think this buck went?
 
I've seen some eastern WA radio collar data from migratory mule deer response to fire and it really only displaced them for a couple of days, then they migrated back up through burning timber to cruise up to their summer range. No idea how that helps for BT hunting but was super cool to see!
 
As was mentioned, the deer will be back if they didn't have to go too far to get out of harms way. The bigger question is can you get back there? If it was on public land don't expect the area to be open a week from now. Make sure you check the closure orders and call the local jurisdictions info line before you head out.
 
As was mentioned, the deer will be back if they didn't have to go too far to get out of harms way. The bigger question is can you get back there? If it was on public land don't expect the area to be open a week from now. Make sure you check the closure orders and call the local jurisdictions info line before you head out.
Totally, it’ll probably be a month till i can get back to this spot as its deep and it will be closed for some time
 
When you saw that were the deer going to water because there was no feed left?
There was no vegetation left as everything was burnt to the ground; hence lunar landscape. No trees, no bushes, no grass, no cactus, nothing. Fire was so bad the guardrails in the area looked like overcooked bacon.

There were small pockets of habitat left unscathed which was interesting to see. Did not take long for some critters to find them. But it took a couple of years before the numbers began to tick up.

Deer didn't tell me where they were headed to. Going to water? Looking for a new home? Looking for something to eat? The point is to not overlook something that literally was glowing a couple of days previously.
 
The bigger question is can you get back there? If it was on public land don't expect the area to be open a week from now. Make sure you check the closure orders and call the local jurisdictions info line before you head out.

Lotta truth here. My area.. Fire means decommissioned roads and new gates👎
 
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