Hunting the burns

[DRCA1972]

Just wanted to get some experiences about hunting burn areas. After a burn has happened what is the best years to hunt them? I am researching some new areas that have burns over the last 7-8 years. Would you focus your scouting trips on older burns in the 5-6 year range or 3-5 year range or 1-3 year old burns to utilize the best new foliage or recovering burn areas in different stages? Eventually I expect to investigate all of them but in the short term what is going to be my best bang for the buck? What are your thoughts?

[naturebob]

My guess for trophy's is 3-5 years. That gives em some time to grow up.............BOB!

[elkaholic]

a lot of big bucks hit the "ashs" on the cavecreek fire - literally- they will be right back if possible

 

fresh growth starts right after the first rains

 

you'll see trail cams of elk standing right in the smoldering trees

[DIYFamilyMan]

I know this thread is old... but I feel it's fitting for me to comment here. As a wildland firefighter in cave creek on 5he tonto, I've seen first hand, both mules and whites roll around in cool/warm ashes, I assume to choke out tics and such. I've also seen within 2/3 weeks, some very nice mature bucks frequent those burns If there was a bit of rain since it burned, they'll be in there eating anything they can that's fresh. As for burns up north in Pondo/PJ forests, the following year after the burn will usually hold/attract mature bucks. I was on a 40 acre fire off the young rd and 260 this august, and you wouldn't believe the caliber of animals that were within 10 feet of the fires edge feeding like normal, with active fire. Good luck!

[buddydog]

Interesting. Good information

[DIYFamilyMan]

One perk to the job, pickin up sheds at work