Haven't heard about the elk hunts, but with 11,000 acres burned, I'd think it would have an effect on the hunt. It will be good for the refuge in the future though.
I am not sure where the fire has burned, the exact areas of the refuge any ways.
I believe the Hunting area, which is not accessible to the public covers about 10,000 acres. If it is burning in that area they usually just let it burn, pretty rough areas back there and you can get trapped trying to fight fire in there. The Elk and Wildlife will definitely be taking a hit. Back years ago they would cut the fences to try and give them escape routes, not sure there procedure now. Hope the weather gives them a break soon.
Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite...
Meers, Holy City area so the north end is what has burned so far. They next two days aren't going to help. A lot of it burned in 2011 also, sane drought conditions.