[Fly Rod]

The snow finally melted off enough to start scouting. This is the area that burned last season. Approximately 60-70% of the area we hunt was burned pretty much like this:



It was good to see that regrowth has begun:



The slopes that receive the most sun have already begun producing grasses and other growth. The deer are defenitely feeding on the new growth already. It was very interesting to see what we were missing over the past couple of years. Draws that lead to ridges known as travel lanes. Benches that we never knew existed. Basically we are now seeing our hunt area in a new light. Prior to the burn it was so thick that seeing 100 yards was a rare event. Now you can see hundreds of yards and further.

The transition zones where the fire partially burned are being used heavily by the deer already. The vertical zone that I like so much is largely intact. This zone has numerous hidden benches that are prime habitat for big bucks. This is a spot close to where I spotted the biggest buck I have ever seen:



Did I say it was vertical?

The salt lick we set out last year is still under 4' of snow and has already been visited by the deer. We buried another salt block in the snow that should melt nicely into our lick. The trail camera is in place just waiting for the action to begin.

On our way back to the truck we stopped at a spot we call "Oh shit" because we were suprised by elk there two years ago. Last year we saw a big bear in this exact spot. Yesterday we walked up to the spot and bumped a deer less than 20 yards from where the elk were. There is defenitely something they like there. A little closer to the truck we cut some very fresh elk tracks. They are coming home!

All in all we are thrilled to be back in the field and excited about the prospects for this season.

[splitshot]

Looks like you'll get some use out of those high dollar binos this season.

Those are conifer seedlings in pic #2.

Like to see a pic of the same area in 2 years. Going to be some fat happy animals hanging around.

[PHBeerman]

You can place salt licks in Oregon?

[Fly Rod]

Originally Posted by splitshot

Looks like you'll get some use out of those high dollar binos this season.

Those are conifer seedlings in pic #2.

Like to see a pic of the same area in 2 years. Going to be some fat happy animals hanging around.

No more high dollar optics for me right now. Too poor. Leupold 10x40's I won at the RMEF banquet this year. Nice glass for the price!

The conifer seedlings are everywhere. In 3-5 years it is going to be quite thick in there.

I will be taking pictures from the same spot for years to come. I am very interested in seeing the recovery take place. Even more interested in how this will affect the huckleberry crop!

Originally Posted by PHBeerman

You can place salt licks in Oregon?

Yes.

[Fly Rod]

I got up to check the camera Sunday. Alot of deer and a sow with cubs. No elk on film but there is sign in the area!

[73fj40lc]

Looks like you are going to have a very productive hunting season this year. Too bad about the fire but it should have nice tender young green plants for the deer and elk to dine on. I have never had the opportunity to hunt an Elk but it is on my short list of things to do with my son and brother. Right now I will have to be content with white tails. Have fun

[Fly Rod]

Latest update: I pulled the sd card from the camera this morning. There were 70 pictures with quite a few "regulars." The big boy from last year survived and is back. It looks like he is on his way to being a decent 6x6. I really need to get into shape if I am going to hunt this area this fall! My wife has blessed a two week no holds barred hunting this fall. I need to make sure I can make the most of it.

Enjoy!





Big Boy returns:

[bkfj40]

nice camera picts...I especially like the bear cubs...

[Brentbba]

Nice pics - have the camera set with a motion sensor?

While fires are always devastating, it's part of the cycle. You'll enjoy watching mother nature at work over the next couple of years rebirthing the area.

Attended a scout summer camp right after a huge fire in central CA (McNally's fire). It was horrible to see. I've enjoyed very much going back to that same camp 2 and 4 years after that fire to see the regrowth. One particular hike to Sentinal Peak for a dawn sunrise right after the fire an thru some burn area was disturbing. That sunrise was the most beautiful 'sunset' I've ever seen with the lingering smoke in the area. Sun coming up was a brilliant orange and was spectacular! Seeing the regrowth the insuing years has been wonderful.

Your area will come back. Glad to see all the wildlife in your pics too!

[Fly Rod]

Originally Posted by Brentbba

Nice pics - have the camera set with a motion sensor?

Yes this is a dedicated trail camera. It is a Moultrie I-40. It is infrared, can do video, multi pics and you can set the resolution. It is a great tool for keeping track of who is in the neighborhood.

[Fly Rod]

Here are a couple of the latest. 10 day soak and 70 pictures.

[Fly Rod]

Just swapped the card out. Here are a couple more:

[Fly Rod]

I got up again this morning. They have not started hitting the rubs yet but that should start soon. Found some very fresh Yote scat. Had a picture of three yotes in front of the camera!

Either of these two deer would be welcome in my scope come rifle season:




No elk this round but I did find fresh sign near by. It is getting closer!

[inthewall]

My hunt starts sept.10th. Im traveling the next two weeks. Gawd I have to get out in the hills.