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Wildlife officials predict good year for deer
hunt |
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August 2, 2014 |
Many Idaho hunters are optimistic about taking a
deer, or maybe even two, this fall.
Three consecutive mild winters across most of
Idaho are resulting in unusually high numbers of
mule deer and whitetail deer.
Survival rates have been higher than average in
five of the last six years.
Biologists say mild winters and good summer
conditions allow bucks to put additional energy
into antler growth, so 2014 will not only be
good opportunity to take a deer, but also
provides potential to bag a trophy.
Even parts of the state which typically endure
harsh winters have dodged the bullet, including
the Central Mountains and the Upper Snake
Region.
“Three mild winters in a row don’t happen in the
Upper Snake Region; opportunities like this
don’t happen very often,” Said Wildlife Manager
Daryl Meints. “Sportsmen should take advantage
of this while it is available; it could all
change this winter.”
Some of the highest survival rates are in the
Central Mountain area (Units 21A, 30, 30A, 29,
37, 37A) and in the Mountain Valley area (Units
21, 28, 36B, 36A).
In the Panhandle Region, hunters will find high
numbers of whitetail deer including abundant
does, but are reminded to carefully identify
before pulling the trigger, as mule deer hunting
is bucks only in that region.
In July the Fish and Game Commission approved a
significant discount in the price of second
tags, which are now available on a first come
first serve basis. More information available
at:
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/tagdiscount
“With second tags at a discount and unusually
high deer populations, 2014 could be the best
opportunity we’ll see in Idaho in a long time”
said State Wildlife Chief Jeff Gould. |
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