Ok, maybe it's just my opinion but I think archers are going to find better success this year than the past few years. While the past few Septembers have started hot and dry, there are changes in the air this year that lead me to believe the woods will be wet, the burn ban will be lifted and stealth in the brush will be easier due to wet ground, branches and leaves. The hunter who's willing to put forth the time and effort in preparation and scouting and 'stays ready' should get a few shots off this season. While the elk are still high and scattered, we have had some cooler weather over the past couple weeks which seems to bring the bulls into rut sooner and heards are more likely to gather than during hot dry falls like we've seen lately. As always, our black-tail deer tend to just wander from place to place and, while they often stay in a given area for a time, their behavior is unpredictable and the best proceedure to find them is to simply scout for sign. I have heard of no cougar sightings so far this season (except for the one on Fox Island) but some black bear have been seen down low. There are still blueberrys and huckleberrys on the vines to help fatten up the big bruins before slumber season arrives. Forrest Grouse will, as always, be where you are lucky enough to find them. Usually gobbling gravel along the edge of forrest roads on the district. Good Luck and safe hunting!

The burn ban has been lifted and open fires are now allowed. We are still experiencing drought conditions, however, so please be careful with outdoor burning.