Elk lost to fire?

[WonderDuck]

With all of the recent fires in the West.

Any ideas on how many elk will be lost due to fire? I'm hoping this will not have a major impact on the herds and losses will be minimal!

Good Luck Everyone!!

 

[billsansom]

I'm told by people who are supposed to know, that elk, and other wildlife have evolved with and are accustomed to wildfire.  I was a wildlands firefighter for awhile, and I routinely saw elk, deer, and bears grazings on unburned areas within the fire perimeter.  So, I'd like to reassure you that wildlife losses to wildfire will be minimal...and the net effect of wildfire is improved forage areas, long term.


In my book, "Not Looking To Die" is a chapter titled "Elk In The Black".  This award winning chapter described wildlife's reaction to wide spread wildfire, and improved hunting opportunities in those areas scorched by wildfire- in some cases the same year the fire passed through.  My book is available by title at Amazon.Com books
Bill Sansom

 

[WonderDuck]

Bill....just ordered your book...thanks!

 

[billsansom]

WonderDuck,  Thank you for your order.  I hope you'll enjoy my book.  I've been hunting elk for 60 years and writing for hunting magazines for almost 30 years.  I've lived my whole life here in the timber cloaked mountains of western Montana.  I've seen some things - as my book will reveal.  Good luck friend, I hope to see you on the other side of the mountain.

 

[turbo1967]

I have heard of one or two losses once and awhile but its very rare . not even enough worth counting. I fact wild fires are very good for elk population they generate a great food source for healthy elk  and the elk will flock to these areas which makes for a better breading season and a higher calf rate the next spring.