It is time again for a regional roundup — an opportunity to look at what is going on in the world of Idaho Fish and Game that may be of interest to sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife watchers and outdoors enthusiasts alike in southeast Idaho.
Big Game Winter Feeding Update
As of Monday, Feb. 27, feeding of big game was still occurring at nearly 89 big game winter-feeding sites throughout the Southeast region. The total estimated number of animals being fed now is more than 7,000 mule deer, more than 3,000 elk and more than 200 pronghorn. To date this winter, Fish and Game has dropped about 350,000 pounds of pellets for deer and approximately 1 million pounds of hay for elk in the Southeast region alone — thanks to help from nearly 150 volunteers.
Warmer weather and melting snows last week actually resulted in decreased feed consumption by wildlife at many sites, with some animals actually moving to baring hillsides. Then winter storms moved through the region before and during the final weekend in February, dropping at least 4 inches of new snow in some areas and over a foot in others. Therefore, Fish and Game will continue to feed at all feed sites in the region.
Feed site operators have noted that some fawn mortality is occurring, but that animals at feed sites look fairly healthy overall.
Please do not visit winter-feed sites or other areas where wildlife have congregated. Wintering wildlife need to be disturbed as little as possible so that they can maintain as much of their fat/energy reserves as possible.
Outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, antler hunting, cross country skiing, snow showing, sightseeing, and target practice with firearms will move wildlife, even driving them from feed sites or from their places of refuge. Please note that most feed sites are located on private property.
The Winter Feeding Advisory Committee (WFAC) is meeting weekly as feeding activities are being monitored. If you would like to share any concerns or observations regarding winter feeding and wintering wildlife, please contact the Idaho Fish and Game in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or contact your regional representative from the WFAC.
Members of the WFAC include:
- Eric Hancock, Pocatello, 208-242-9365
- David Priestley, Preston, 208-339-0227
- Dennis Caywood, Montpelier, 208-847-1386 or 208-847-2119
- Sid Cellan, Soda Springs, 208-390-7057
Fish and Game Schedules Big Game Measuring Day
Thursday, March 9, is Big Game Measuring Day at the Southeast Regional Office of Fish and Game located at 1345 Barton Road in Pocatello.
Measuring for Boone & Crockett (Rifle/Pistol), Pope & Young (Archery), and Longhunter Society (Muzzleloader) will be conducted by certified measurers for entry into the big game record books. The service is free.
Interested sportsmen and sportswomen may bring their antlers, horns, and/or skulls to the regional office in Pocatello on Wednesday, March 8, by 5 p.m., but no later than 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 9.
Items being brought for measuring must be free of flesh and skin, and must have been air-dried for 60 days. Please note that air-drying is not the same as freezer storage.
Information required at the time of dropoff includes:
- Hunter name
- Date of harvest
- Location of harvest, including big game unit, county, and state
- Owner name, address, and telephone number
- Guide’s name and address, if applicable.
All items must be picked up sometime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, March 10, unless special arrangements are made to pick items up earlier Thursday afternoon.
For more information, please contact the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.
Now Is the Time to Sign Up for Hunter Ed
Don’t put hunter education off! Controlled hunt applications are coming up May and then before you know it, fall will be here! Take hunter education now either online or in a traditional class. To see what classes and field days are available and to register, please visit https://idfg.idaho.gov. If you don’t see a class that works for you, then keep checking back. Classes and field days are being added regularly.
