I am wondering what everyone's thought are on the impact of the fires on season selection for Colorado. Does anyone else think people may turn in a first rifle tag get back their points and switch to OTC? Or do you think the relative amount of ground is small enough not to have an impact?
Fire Impact on Colorado Hunting Pressure
- Thread starter bmontang
- Start date
belshawelk
Well-known member
Its was at 125,000 acres last night, and growing strong. I have a friend who has a couple thousand acres and has (had) 6 hunting cabins and a main lodge. Its all gone. Looks like the moon. So hot most likely nothing will grow again or at least anytime soon.
So all those people huntign in that area gotta go somewhere else. Its going to have an impact far greater than the acres involved.
So all those people huntign in that area gotta go somewhere else. Its going to have an impact far greater than the acres involved.
D
Deleted member 28227
Guest
Keep in mind
this will have an effect.
this will have an effect.
I’ve given up trying to predict anything this year. Between COVID, the new season structures, NM quarantines, CO fires......
I like to think I am pretty savvy with analytics, but too many variables this year. I’m thinking of Just grouse hunting and fishing in September.
I like to think I am pretty savvy with analytics, but too many variables this year. I’m thinking of Just grouse hunting and fishing in September.
I'm heading near the big fire for opening week of archery season. I am not sure what to expect but am sure it will be different than normal years. I am sure the fire has moved a bunch of elk. I am hoping for light winds and some rain soon in order to help the fire crews get a handle on the fire.
Matty B
Member
I think the closure of I-70 though the Glenwood Canyon will make a difference at least for the first half archery and muzzleloader units along the CO River. At the same time I dont see why having to drive a couple extra hours of driving is going to deter hunters from the western slope who have already driven halfway across the country. I don't think that many people will turn in tags for 1st rifle just because of the fire. Hunt a different area, yes. Turn in tags, no.
cbellosu
Member
I think it will cause more disruption than just the units with fire. Even in Steamboat/the flat tops we have thick smoke from the fires; I am assuming this will continue into archery season. I can't imagine coming from flat land and dealing with the smoke conditions while acclimating to the mountains/altitude. I have definitely cut a few mountain workouts short due to the smoke.
seeth07
Well-known member
Obviously harder to glass if your hunting alpine deer and elk if the smoke is workings its way up that high to those peaks.
marksjeep
Well-known member
Thanks for posting that Oak. That's a huge swath of land closed, a lot of which has not been affected, yet. Hopefully this fire calms down and they modify the closure order.
D
Deleted member 28227
Guest
Two new fires in eagle county, one near wolcott unit 35, and another on New York mountain in unit 44.
Will be out by sundown.
Justabirdwatcher
Well-known member
Not a factor IMO. I drew a tag for a unit not far from there, and I'm not worried. Got good intel today that they are running at lower elevations.
AggieHunter
Well-known member
Was also one near Florissant, CO but it was controlled quickly I think.
