Any rainfall in northern Bighorns?

[schlaggerman]

Does anyone know what the precipitation has been like in the northern Bighorns? Is it dry as a bone or have they gotten some moisture? Any fires in the area? Will be mule deer hunting there in about three weeks. Kind of wondering what to expect. Thanks

 

[mnhunter]

I will be getting out there on the 5th. I am wondering this same thing.

 

[birdhunter]

Its as dry as its been in a very very long time. Not sure if there have been any fires up there. Nothing big has happened anyways. Not looking likes its going to cool down anytime soon either. Been in the 90s for a while now.

 

[justinthedoc]

To me it looks about normal up there, though the next few weeks will tell the tale. Was up there for about two weeks rained on use just about every day. The meadows still have green grass, but shes definately got brown in em.

 

[jenbickel]

We haven't gotten much rain at all. There have been a few fires but nothing substantial and they have been out out pretty quickly. It is super dry up there, the whole mountain is like brown instead of green.

 

[mnhunter]

It might be an interesting year. It doesn't look like there is much moisture in the near future either.

 

[WYrider]

I'm just another observer so dont hash on me. I was up there this weekend. Rained on us a few times not big rain though. I believe the mountain looks average this year. The streams are low with the low snow pack but they have been getting some rain. Lakes seem to be a bit warm. Some lower areas look real good with great vegetation. Some of the higher rolling hills look a bit brown but is nice and tall from a good early spring where the grass got some good length to it. Up around bald mountain it is a lot greener than last year when the snow was around for so long of the summer and never game the grass a chance to grow. I think it looks good. Seems like a lot of later day light showers have been hitting. Now the basins are a different story. Brown, fire prone, no grass, not good. I have been up there the last two weekends and will be back up the 25th. Will see how things look then. More rain would be good, but what we have is not that bad. No fires on the mountain so far this year. One got close by tensleep but that was it.

Not sure about the 90 deg. weather up there. Have not seen that but I have seen 80 a few times which is plenty warm for that elevation.

Also when it shows 20% or 30% chance rain every day. those are the smaller evning showers we see. They are getting more rain then you might think.

 

[jenbickel]

Usually this time of year we get little like sprinkle rain showers up there close to every night. Not enough to do much of anything though. Bald mountain area is green a lot because it gets a lot more water wether or be left over snow pack from up there or sprinkling at night. It is a lot drier up there than I have remembered it ever being there. The run off was very early in the year and now the creeks are a lot lower because of it. The temperatures up there are much higher than when we have been used to. I live at the base of the mountains and believe me, were not getting nearly the precipitation we usually do and the mountains are not flourishing like they normally do this time of year. They definitely look a lot greener than the Gillette area though! Lol
There have been a couple fires up there so far, nothing big like I said though. There were a couple around burgess junction. I have friends that live and work for WYDOT up there so they keep me in the loop. There we a pretty decent fire by tensleep a couple months ago and then another little one burned not too long ago.

 

[WYrider]

Good to know the burgess junction FDP is doing a good job if there where some small fires around. (most fires on the mountains get out of control quick becuase it can be days before someone spots it). I went camping/fishing up behind ranger creek last week and talked to the Firefighters there. They had all there hoses out and looked like they just got back from a fire but the guy told me they where using them at the fire down between Ranchester and Sheridan.

Look at the positive side of things. With almost no grass in the basins. the animals should stay up on the mountains longer if a winter storm does happen to come through in OCT. (when doesnt one). Bad thing- What are the elk going to do this winter?

 

[schlaggerman]

Thanks for all the info folks. At least it doesn't sound critical enough for Wyoming G&F to close the season or anything.

 

[WYrider]

Thanks for all the info folks. At least it doesn't sound critical enough for Wyoming G&F to close the season or anything.

I think the season will be good this year for the 'Horns. I think last year would have been a bad year if there was going to be one. The 'Horns had so much snow and kept getting hit with spring storms that the snow was still around untill July. The grass could not come up through the snow. I went and hung a trail camera up high thinking it would be a good area. Went and checked on it about this time last year and there was not much activity on it becuase the grass did not not come up like I thought it would.

I think there is a good amount of grass on the hills. It might be browner than it should in spots but at least its there.

Good luck hunting, I have been seeing lots of animals up in 38,39, and 40. Now I just have to find the big boys, I know they are around.

 

[jenbickel]

Here are some pictures from yesterday

 

[ffd061]

Any one know how the south end of the Bighorns are doing?? Hunting this fall down in 48 and 120...

 

[schlaggerman]

Hi Jen, Thanks for the pictures of the Bighorns. I recognize a couple of those spots, especially the Twins. Any recent rainfall? Will be there on Sept. 2nd for mule deer. Decided to forgo the opener this year because of Labor Day. We'll be starting our hunt on Labor Day and hopefully have a little quieter surroundings. Dale

 

[jenbickel]

We actually got a real good rain the other day and judging by looking out my windows, a pretty good chance of it again today! Where ate you staying up there? Over labor day the lodges tend to be pretty full as do the camp grounds. I will be up there bear and deer hunting at that time so let me know if you need any help!

 

[schlaggerman]

Hi Jen, We camp on Sheep Creek. Look for the Cabela's Alaknak tent and our vehicles will have either Wisconsin or Michigan plates. Stop in and say hi if you're in the area. We're usually in camp noon to mid-afternoon. Dale

 

[mcseal2]

Thanks for the pics, haven't made it up there since 2010. Beautiful country. I've hunted elk in 38 & 40, and muleys in the same places I elk hunted in 40. Hope to draw a bull tag again next fall.

 

[Ilovethewest]

any of you ever hunt the Lick Creek area? Thats where I shot my first (and only) elk back in HS. Been 15 years since I have been in that country. Loved it though.

Thanks for the pics Jen. Passed the info you gave me on your horse to my uncle and cousin. They will definately look you up if they decide to accumulate a few more points and try for a bighorn moose tag.

Started school this week at age 31....yikes....for my Physical Therapy Assistant program. Finalizing exactly when I will be hunting Region C mulies. Looking like somewhere around the 16th-20th, coming home the 21st. Thats the plan for now.

Thanks for sharing those pics!

 

[jenbickel]

I have hunted lick creek area numerous times.. That's the part of the mountain that I know like the back of my hand!

 

[HuntWYODon]

I have hunted lick creek area numerous times.. That's the part of the mountain that I know like the back of my hand!

I figured