IDAHO - Winter kill was less than expected for mule deer, and elk fared better

[Bigshooter]

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/winter-kill-was-less-expected-mule-deer-and-elk-fared-better

[fishngamereaper]

The bio I talked to for the area we hunt said air plane surveys this spring showed a 20% increase in mule deer survival over last year. 

[ballpark]

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/winter-kill-was-less-expected-mule-deer-and-elk-fared-better

  Posted this earlier
Wonder why such a difference between Washington and Idaho.  I don't think we (Washington) know how many elk we have.

Idaho
Elk have fared better and because previous years mild winters helped grow elk herds, hunters will see added opportunity for cow elk hunting in both controlled hunts and general hunts.

Radio-collar data shows statewide, about 76 percent of calves survived to mid March and about 98 percent of radio-collared cows were still alive.

Statewide elk populations should be similar to last year, and growing elk herds in certain areas have exceeded F&G’s population objectives and are causing problems on private lands.

“To get back to our objectives, we need to reduce the cow segment of those populations,” White said.
 Overall, F&G is adding 1,460 more controlled hunt tags for elk, which includes another 375 antlerless elk tags. It’s also adding general season hunting for cow elk in the Weiser River Zone and in the Panhandle Zone

[D-Rock425]

That's good news.

[bearpaw]

The winter was variable around the state. The prospects are better than expected but there were areas with heavy losses, the best way to get more accurate info is to call the region office where you want to hunt and ask for the biologist for the unit you want to hunt.

[Jimmy33]

I know the area I hunt got hit really hard according to the local bio...


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[meatwhack]

If states said it was extremely bad that'd effect the budgets as they wouldn't be selling as many tags. 

[andrew_in_idaho]

Honestly saw more deer and elk during spring bear this year than I have in years past. I think the deer fared pretty well in my area


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[Hot Lunch]

I was in south central Idaho for the weekend and the elk I saw looked very healthy and the velvet racks looked shiny!