Logging

[Big Country]

I was able to get my mountain bike out this weekend and do a little scouting.  My wife and I arrived at a gated road that I have hunted several times only to find out that it had been significantly improved.  The further we rode, the more evident it was they were about to start logging. I know deer and other animals will come in to feed on freshly downed trees but just wanted some opinions on whether or not I should pursue this spot or not. While I know its going to be logged I'm not sure when, so for sake of this post lets just assume it will be going on up until hunting season and maybe continue into it as well.  Will it attract elk or push them away? Any thoughts? 

 

[IdahoElkHunter]

From what I've read, elk tend to avoid these areas. Are the logging roads open to public traffic? Is there logging equipment in the area? Sam Curtis tells in his book "The Complete Book of Elk Hunting", that these clearcuts that look as though they would be suitable for elk forage, aren't because of public traffic or cattle grazing in the area.
here is a link to the "Montana Cooperative Elk-Logging study" if you want to learn more.
https://archive.org/details/montanacooperati16unit

 

[RUTTIN]

I have an area I hunt that is logged. The logging company started a new clear cut and there was elk all over, event while they continued to have trucks hauling in and out. As long as you stayed on the fringes where the activity wasn't pushing the elk, they were there every day. I love logged areas.

 

[AWHunt CDAID]

I have an acquaintance that owns a logging company and he told me this weekend that the elk love logged areas, they will walk right up to his machines. He also told me where he will be logging soon and it is real close to where I hunt already so I will be hunting it.

 

[Big Country]

Thanks for all the help!  I guess the only problem would be if the road remained open while they were still logging.  It is a road that was previously closed year round so I would hate to see a bunch of road hunters up there.  I've also seen where the Forest Service will improve a road like this then open it up to handicap hunters, but in this case I'm pretty sure it's being logged. 

IdahoElkHunter,
Thanks for the link but my computer won't open it, maybe my awesome windows 8!  Will try at work tomorrow because I think it's definitely worth the read.

 

[frankh_541]

I have seen elk a mile or less away from active logging, it all depends on how comfortable they are in the area... I hunt in a area that is being logged all around and still have got into elk every time I go out there...

 

[HardLoadHunter]

my dad and brother both loggers as well as many others i know. they say some of the best animals they ever seen have walked right through the landing will they are working. also they say they see more animals during season while they are logging because the hunters push them into the areas.
also keep in mind if they are currently logging during hunting season they may not let you do more than walk through due to safety.

 

[turbo1967]

logging done to todays requirments make a great place for deer and elk, as when they clear cut it lets the sun hit the ground growing better feed areas, years ago some logging operations would leave to much debris behind so the elk couldnt get in the areas.most times now they pill it and or burn it. and yes I have had elk stand and watch me running the chain saw on more than one occasion .

 

[lang]

Elk tend to hang around active logging in my area.  We always look to hunt around any active logging.

 

[Big Country]

Obviously I'm not going to hunt while people are actually working but it's good to know that so many loggers are seeing animals while they work.  Kind of goes against everything we know about getting away from the crowds and finding elk that aren't pressured.  I've also heard that once a big whitetail buck finds a hot doe, he'll often bring her out to the middle of a clear cut so that he can keep an eye out for potential competition. 

Will be headed back up there in a week or so to do a little more scouting and pick a few huckleberries!  Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[uphill]

One of my most memorable days of elk hunting was when they were helicopter logging on the hillside near where we were hunting.  I remember thinking all the game was going to be scared off.  After getting close to the herd bull and 3 other satellite bulls that came in  and finally killing one, I came to the conclusion that the elk were not all that concerned with it.

 

[lang]

They think the moss on downed trees is candy.

 

[DIRK DURHAM]

I've had mixed results around logging. Sometimes elk are right there and unaffected by logging operations. Other times they shun the logging strip. Just never know.....