​                                      Fall Hunts Look Good Across Idaho Big Game​



















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BOISE — With a few exceptions, big game hunters will find herds across Idaho in good shape this fall. A mild winter resulted in good big game winter survival, and abundant spring rainresulted in near optimal habitat conditions.



While elk numbers continue to lag in the Lolo and Selway management zones,populations appear to be increasing in many other areas across the state. Herds in southeast and south-central Idaho are doing especially well. Statewide, cow elk numbers meet or exceed objectives in 21 of 29 elk management zones, while bull elk meet or exceed objectives in 20 of 29 zones. To improve herds that are below objectives, Fish and Game has eliminated some general cow and spike hunts, reduced tag quotas and made other season changes.Mule deer survival this past winter was good, but the previous severe winter took its toll. Overall, however, the trend of mule deer populations is improving in much of the state. South Central s Idaho surveys in Game Management Unit 45, where deer from units 43, 44, 48, 52, and 45 winter, indicate a 22 percent increase from 2008 to 2012. Buck ratios also meet management objectives in most units statewide. Given good fall hunting conditions, hunters, especially thosewho hike into remote areas, should do well.



Whitetail deer hunters should enjoy another great season. Populations in all white-tailed deer units meet management objectives for buck harvest and numbers of five point or better in the harvest. While they will find the highest densities and the best hunting opportunities north of the Salmon River, hunters can expect to do well across the whitetail’s range, especially in areas where agricultural lands are adjacent to cover.



Pronghorn hunting should also be good. Precipitation was generous this spring and early summer, and populations have done well. Drought this summer, however, has caused antelope in many areas to congregate near water sources and agricultural areas.



Big Game & Bird Forecast Fall 2012 

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Idaho’s black bear, mountain lion and wolf hunters are always thrilled with the challenge of pursuing these elusive big game animals. Bear hunters can expect to see more bears in the lower elevations as summer drought and late spring snows have hurt berry crops. Idaho’s wolfhunters and trappers were successful last year.



Some hunters did well early in the season using calling techniques, while most trappers waited until snowfall, which helped locate areas frequented by wolves.



Upland Game Birds



Upland bird hunters will find a mixed bag this fall. While spring was favorable across much of southern Idaho, persistent drought affected brood survival in some areas. North Idaho, on the other hand, experienced an abnormally cool and wet spring, which may also have affected nesting success and brood survival. Like most years, hunting success will vary widely geographically, and Idaho is an extremely diverse state.



Forest grouse, according to general observations, appear to have produced above average broods. Fire restrictions and closures in several national forests, however, may create a new challenge for hunters. For ruffed grouse, look along stream corridors with alder and brush thickets. Hunt high open ridges for blue grouse and thick spruce and fir forests near water for Dove hunters should find good populations, especially early in the season before the birds start to migrate. By most accounts, dove numbers are up and are well distributed statewide. Hunters should concentrate near cultivated fields and around water.



Gray partridge and California quail numbers appear to be well above average, especially in southern Idaho. This is in contrast to northern Idaho where preliminary survey information suggests populations of both species are down from recent years.



Chukar hunters should do very well this fall. Reports from the field indicate that the population has had good production in most areas. Aerial surveys to count chukars are no longer conducted by Fish and Game along the Snake and Salmon rivers. The flights were eliminated to reduce risk following a fatal helicopter accident in 2010.



Big Game & Bird Forecast Fall 2012



Significant increases in pheasant numbers were observed this summer across much of the state compared to recent years. Where cover and food are good, hunters will likely find more birds this fall. Look for Conservation Reserve Program ground and areas where farmers have improved habitat through the Habitat Improvement Program.



Sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse production also appears to have been better than average. Improved habitat conditions from spring rains resulted in good chick survival, but summer drought and large fires in some areas may have caused birds to move early into mountain shrub communities and to areas where green forbs can still be found.



Fire Closures May Affect Hunts



Before heading to the field, hunters are encouraged to check current wildfire updates,

including area closures, maps and related information online at: http://www.inciweb.org/state/13.

Hunt area boundary maps with real-time wildfire closures can be viewed on Idaho Fish and

Game’s Hunt Planner at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntPlanner.



Mike Demick is the information supervisor at Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Hired in 1994, Mike has worked for Fish and Game in Salmon, Pocatello and Lewiston before moving to Boise in February, 2012.