Many hunters were successful during general deer season this fall.  Idaho Fish and Game check station data for opening weekend (October 13 and 14) showed an increase in hunter success rates compared to last year, improving from about 15% to 26%.

     During opening weekend in 2011, a total of 96 mule deer were brought through the Port of Entry check station in Inkom by 663 hunters.  This was a 20% increase in hunters over last year for the opening weekend, but the number of deer more than doubled (increasing from 96 to 204).

     During the second weekend of deer season this fall (October 20 and 21), the number of hunters through the check station increased by 23% compared to the same weekend last year, with the number of mule deer harvested increasing by 163% (41 mule deer checked in 2011, 108 checked in 2012).

     This fall, hunters told check station personnel that they saw more deer this year than last, though many hunters reported that the deer observed were mostly females, fawns, and yearling males.  That is great news for next fall’s hunt depending on the type of winter we have this year in southeast Idaho.

     The winter of 2010/2011 was a tough winter for mule deer in some parts of the region, especially in Bear Lake and Caribou Counties.  In fact, during that winter there were at least 12 feeding sites set-up at various times in different counties in the southeast region for deer, pronghorn, and elk.

    In spite of those efforts, we experienced a high fawn mortality, especially in the southeastern corner of the region. This translated to fewer two-points on the hill in 2011 for hunters.

     In contrast, this past winter was very mild, which did not bode well for ski resorts and farmers, however, our deer fared much better — and that was good news for the deer and for the hunters this fall.

     Hunters shared other observations with Fish and Game personnel at the check stations. Forest grouse hunters reported an abundance of birds while other upland and waterfowl hunters reported fewer birds — however, most had harvested.

     “Elk hunters in the Diamond Creek Zone were generally pleased, reporting they had seen animals and had opportunities to harvest,” said Zach Lockyer, regional wildlife biologist for Fish and Game’s southeast region. “But hunters from the Bannock and Bear River zones reported observing little or no elk during their hunts. Of the 23 elk that were checked, the majority were harvested on private lands.”

    So, now that the general deer season is over, is there any hunting left to be done? Sportsmen know the answer to that — of course. There are some white-tailed deer seasons left in the state, some controlled deer hunts finishing up, elk zones opening up, upland bird hunting continuing and a long water fowl season ahead of us.

     And, as a reminder to hunters (and anglers), please stop at any check stations you encounter—even if you have not harvested.  It is not only the law, it is important.  The information we gather from those in the field is essential to wildlife management—from the biological samples we collect to the observations sportsmen report.  So, thank you for taking the time to stop and visit with us.  It makes a difference.

     Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation educator for the Idaho Department and Fish and Game, Southeast Region.