This summer I received two letters from out-of-state hunters who had read my column on the decline of mule deer because of aspen grove loss and other factors such as harsh winters and wanted to know where to go in Idaho to have the best chance at getting a deer this coming season.
I suppose I could have just told them that I was asking myself the same question, but I tried to give them a couple of ideas without mentioning where I was going to hunt. Besides, I’m just going with my best guess because I don’t have a monopoly of knowledge as to where to find deer.
A few days ago, I received an email newsletter from Idaho Fish and Game telling me and other subscribers that the 2018 deer season should be one of the best in years, and that Idaho’s hunters with over-the-counter tags and tags for controlled hunts have access to some of the best deer hunting in the West.
I don’t really wish to rain on Idaho Fish and Game’s parade because there are certainly a number of hunters who get a deer each year. I also realize that the more excited hunters there are buying licenses, tags, rifles, ammo, bows, etc., the more money fish and game departments have to do research, buy or improve habitat, and manage wildlife.
However, all across the West, deer numbers are declining because of harsh winters, loss of habitat and loss of Aspen groves
Mule deer are the most common large mammal in Idaho and average about 250 punds. The last one I harvested was a well-fed, four-point that was closer to 300 pounds. Mule deer are wide spread in the central mountains, in rocky, brushy areas, open meadows, pine forests, Aspen groves, close to waterways, and steep mountain slopes where they can see you long before you see them.
Most people who buy a general tag can expect to see deer a little smaller than the average, while those who are successful in Idaho’s draw or controlled hunts have the best chance at seeing larger, mature, trophy-size bucks.
So get excited by Idaho Fish and Game’s excellent out look for the coming season, and buy your license, tags and gear for the hunt. You just might get your deer and have a story to tell for years to come.
Smokey Merkley was raised in Idaho and has been hunting since he was 10 years old. He can be contacted at mokeydo41245@hotmail.com.
