Elk herds really grow when given habit with a decent ratio of elk to preditors. After Mt St Helen blew its top there was a RED ZONE established around it that encompassed the blast zone and areas with deep ash coverage. There was to be no hunting in that area for ten years and then it would be evaluated to see if the wildlife had recovered suffeciently to be hunted again.

Somes of the guys working on the briges for the highway to the new tourest center at the foot of the volcano, and those working on the center, were hunters. They brought back pictures of humungus bull elk in that area and large herds that were thriving. When I went there myself, the elk were so tame you could walk within ten to twelve feet of them before they would move off. They didn't run mind you, but just moved away from you. The deer would stand by the highway eating the grass that had been planted and watch you as you drove by. It was great for watching them for a while.