idaho non resident tag decrease, fee increase

[fishngamereaper]

with decent genes every 2.5 year old buck could be a 4 or 5 point. Number of points doesn’t really tell you anything about the age structure.

And with poor genetics a 4.5 year old deer can be a two point...

So I guess 10a has awesome genetics.

[Karl Blanchard]

Let's not forget that different areas are gonna have different age structures based on different things. To say "BS 10a is more like 1.5-2.5" isnt an accurate gauge of all of northern idaho since, as stated in this thread, is the most heavily hunted whitetail unit. Well that would obviously mean it has a lower age class due simply to the fact it has a higher harvest.

[Cheif]

Who’s deer they tooth aging??? No one I know..

[meatwhack]

This isn’t even worth arguing. If someone believes there’s that high of a population of 4+ year old bucks good luck being disappointed.

[kselkhunter]

This isn’t even worth arguing. If someone believes there’s that high of a population of 4+ year old bucks good luck being disappointed.

Since neither side has any actual data to support their claim regarding age, there isn't an argument to be had anyway. 

But the harvest stats look decent.  Between 2001-2018 unit 10a has averaged 44% success rate with 60% harvested deer being 4pt or larger, and 22% being 5pt or better.   

[Cheif]

This isn’t even worth arguing. If someone believes there’s that high of a population of 4+ year old bucks good luck being disappointed.

Yep

[elkboy]

It was my bad to not provide a source, which was an IDFG publication a few years back, which of course I now cannot find.  And further, I think I might have committed the error of citing a statistic based on antler size age-assumptions.  The original source may have stated that 40% of the herd was 5 point + (western count, so on one antler), and the proportion of bucks with 5+ points increases dramatically after age 4 (see pg 22 in the document linked below).  Hence my mistake.  So I will retract that part of my statement until I can locate solid age data, if they exist. 

I was apparently typing quickly and not thinking enough.  My apologies.  I value this forum and want to contribute to it reliably, and I don't think I did a good job in this case. 

I would still encourage interested people to look at page 22 of the WT management plan:
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/plan-deer-white-tailed-2020-25.pdf

Lastly, my personal anecdotal experience with rubs, sheds, and direct observation in the 6, 8, 8A, 10, 10A area, which I know best, is that there is a substantial proportion of mature bucks.  Escapement is high due to the dense cover and of course the wily nature of whitetails, even during the vulnerable time of the late rut season.  Which I enjoy immensely, to get back to the original point.  And which is why I toss the money at Idaho to hunt as a non-resident.  I don't think there is enough late season pressure to depress either whitetail numbers or make Idaho more like the eastern states in terms of most bucks being harvested by age 3.5. 


 

[Buckhunter24]

 

[Cheif]

Thanks for the clarification elkboy.

[idaho guy]

Thanks for the clarification elkboy.

 

  The age structure of whitetail bucks in the panhandle has plummeted. I shot a mule deer but my son got a decent whitetail and his was one of the only mature bucks I saw. I used to be able to rattle in multiple 4 and 5 points without too much effort.Last year I rattled in 0 bucks. My opinion is a few years after they moved the deer opening from 11-1 to October 10 quality started going down hill. 2 months is too much rifle season and a lot of people shoot a meat buck while elk hunting. I notice this most from out of state guys who maybe have 5-7 days to hunt and can’t pass the fork horn standing next to the road. The second tag is also a major factor and you have two types of hunters double dipping. First one buys 2 tags shoots first buck he sees to fill his tag and then will most likely be a little more picky with second or will again shoot anything to just fill both his tags. Second is a bad ass deer hunter and he or she will hunt hard and take 2 trophy or at least mature bucks out of the herd. I love the second deer tag but I think it needs to go if we want more mature bucks again. The first thing that needs to happen is changing deer season back to November 1. We had a bunch of mature bucks back then. Idaho’s never really had to manage panhandle whitetail because of the cover and most hunters used to focus 90 percent of their hunting on getting an elk. Whitetail were what they chased after killing their elk. That’s all changed and we need to shorten rifle season for deer. I like the either sex option and would actually rather see someone meat hunting take a doe vs taking a baby buck. I understand not shooting does in some areas but Idaho panhandle we still have lots of does for number of bucks

[Cheif]

Very well said. Probably won’t happen as folks want opportunities and 40lbs of meat rather than good bucks.

[idaho guy]

Who’s deer they tooth aging??? No one I know..

 
 
I have never had them take a tooth for aging on deer? That’s in almost 30 years and no one I know has either or at least never mentioned that they did. Seems a little fishy ha ha

[Cheif]

I’ve hunted B.C., Alberta, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona,Oregon, Hawaii Montana, Wyoming all numerous times, only teeth aged were a lion and a couple bear. Someone is misinformed.

[Karl Blanchard]

There are both voluntary as well as mandatory tooth submittal in many states and management areas across the west. I've had teeth pulled 3 separate times at check stations in Idaho. Once in montana and once in CO. But I'm probably just misinformed

[Karl Blanchard]

Oh and this last year here in WA from my daughters elk.