Fire impact on deer

[blacktailcentral]

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?

 

[Steve300xcw]

You'd have to post up some pics of the area. Even a screenshot of a map would help us brainstorm this for you.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I'd eyeball the closest hole that didnt burn. Then start workin back towards where you had him

 

[blacktailcentral]

I'd eyeball the closest hole that didnt burn. Then start workin back towards where you had him

Thats my thoughts exactly, if he doesn’t have to go far he probably won’t. And who knows he might be in the exact same spot .

 

[Steve300xcw]

Still not seeing any maps or screenshots so sorry I cant be more help

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Keep an eye on the burn area. Seen deer walk across lunar landscape mere days after everything being burnt to the ground.

 

[blacktailcentral]

Keep an eye on the burn area. Seen deer walk across lunar landscape mere days after everything being burnt to the ground.

When you saw that were the deer going to water because there was no feed left?

 

[Steve300xcw]

Theres feed left..

 

[JohnB]

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!

 

[OutHeavy]

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.

 

[blacktailcentral]

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

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

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.

 

[Steve300xcw]

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

 

[Huntindog45]

you will be shocked how rapidly deer move back into burnt areas.

 

[‘Ike’]

This ^^^ I’ve actually seen Deer moving through a area that had burned maybe two days before…

 

[limpet]

I found my best buck while out mopping up a fire on day one of mop up with flames still in the unit. If an oak patch burns they’ll be going through looking for roast acorns and rolling in the ash.