I am pleased that the IDFG is FINALLY trying to do something about the Mule Deer situation in Idaho. I hunted here all through the sixties. Today is a far cry from what it was then! IDFG concentrated on elk for a long time and with good success. Deer were overlooked in my opinion. Now the deer issues as I see it are:
1. Winter range. So much of Idaho is being developed. The ranchers are having a tough time making it, so many have sold out, and their land, that is too often prime winter range, is being subdivided.
Example: The Barber area between Boise and Lucky Peak Dam used to be a major deer wintering range for deer from unit 39. Today that area is solid houses. We need to purchase, expand and protect critical winter range.
2. Winter range protection. There are a few wintering areas closed to human entry during the winter months. This needs to be increased dramatically and there needs to be ENFORCEMENT!.
3. The seasons are generally too long. A week shorter I think would help.
4. Low buck-doe ratios in many areas. During the last two years, of the does I saw, only 40% had a fawn. Areas that have struggling deer populations need to be closed for a couple of years to allow the herd to rebound. Also, controlled hunts are necessary in areas of relatively easy access or high hunting pressure.
5. Restrict off-road travel. Drive up the Birch Creek valley in east-central ldaho and look at the ridges. Every one of them has an unauthorized 4-wheeler road up it's back. EVERY ONE! Deer and other game just have no sanctuary when people access them so easily. Again enforcement is needed here.
6. Poaching. I think anyone convicted of poaching should be assessed severe fines and have hunting and fishing priveleges revoked permanently.
7. One deer per year only, please. I know that the F&G has a non-resident quota. If they don't sell, then fine. Let's keep the extra deer rather than make the extra money. If there area areas that have over-populations, then make an exception there.
I know this sounds harsh. But if we pay the price now we might have good hunting a few years down the road. I want you younger guys to have what I enjoyed years ago. Here's an example. In the fall of '67, in units 33. 39, 36-A and 50, my brother and I, during the hunting season, observed 56 head of what we considered decent bucks (all were in rifle range). That was four points fully developed on both sides, and with antlers wider than the ears. We both took very good bucks that year and every year in those days. I haven't seen 56 bucks of any description during the last ten years!
I wish IDFG good luck with the Mule Deer Initiative.