A large forest fire started today in the area I hunt in. My question is, how long will it take for the elk and deer to return. Bow season starts in a little over 6 weeks. Should I start scouting other areas?

There was a large forest fire that burned tens of thousands of acres near the area where I elk hunt in CO. The burn scorched trees and burned up grasses all over that area. The following spring nature rejuvinated the growth by the burn and green sprung up all over the place. The burn area was on the next ridge over and wasn't open to our hunt and the following hunting season we could see all kinds of elk gobbling up the green tender grasses that shot up. I would look elsewhere for this year but next year it could be a bonanza. Then again nature can come back pretty quickly because that is the way she works.

Depending on how much of the area burns, for how long, and how much of the area remains unburned, you may find the area huntable. If large areas are still unburned, look to cover, feed, and safety needs, to narrow it down.

Usually from my experience from watching elk get disturbed by fire or anyother factor is Elk will cycle back into area's they use more often with in 5 to 8 days on average. But all depends on the intensity of the fire. If there's no cover or foriage they are likely not going to return to that area for a long time. Spring will take care of that. But it can change where bedding area's are used and elk will relocate those back into prime coverage. Elk don't like disturbance all that much. Mess up a local herd's stomping grounds and they will change location and patterns faster than you can change your socks. But it is in their blood to come back where they breed, calve, and migrate for winter everyyear just like most things that live in herds they are taught from day one.

the deer will be avoiding that burnt up food.

well in the spring that soil usually has the best grass and they eat it up! but if it's happening now, not sure come elk season this year....next year maybe it would be hot?

This year may not be good for ya since it seems to push the animals also. But wait till next year. Have a good spring with water and the plants will grow great for lots of food. I have hunted burnt areas lots. The grass is great but less cover equals easier for animals to see the hunters.

HuntinGuy

As long as forest fire dont damage residences or take lives it dont hurt a darn thing. Game may stay away from area for a bit. Once next spring comes and the new growth starts it'll be vension city.