Colorado, Utah....When Idaho??

CouesFanatic · Feb 1, 2008

Is Idaho gunna help these winter deer? Or are they already? Anyone know?

Foxbow · Feb 1, 2008

Idaho has got the wolves to help the winter deer.
TO HELP clean up their carcasses.

DBG3285 · Feb 1, 2008

I drove through Idaho this last thursday and to tell you the truth it is not as bad as it is in Colorado and Utah they are having a pretty mild winter believe it or not. I have talked to plenty of my friends throughout Idaho and it seems to be the same the whole way. they are all saying it is about an average winter. I am not so sure they need to start a feeding program yet. but in fear of what has happened they may want to before it is to late.

CouesFanatic · Feb 1, 2008

I'm not sure where you are from but I am from Idaho. I have been out on the winter range and it is bad. Out my window is 3 feet of snow on the ground and i'm in the valley. I'm not trying to be a jerk but its bad here. The radio says its the most snow in 79 years. I'm not sure I believe the 79 years thing, but it doesn't look good. Utah may be worse but we still are gunna be in trouble IMO. BTW this is southeast idaho.

antler_man · Feb 2, 2008

i live in arco and we have about 3 feet down here in the valley too and it isn't very pretty for the deer. where me and my bro shed hunt there is about 4ft so the deer are having a little trouble. i haven't heard what we are planning to do for the deer yet but we better act soon or it will be too late.

3bigelkid · Feb 2, 2008

Good heck,
You guys act like you have never saw snow in Idaho. Yes, there is snow on the ground. Yes, it is pilling up. But look at the water tables. Most drainages are sitting at just above normal. Some are a little higher. I know recent memory has been drought, and this seams like a lot of snow but it is just normal. The deer have been fortunate to have mild winters latley but our summer and winter ranges need this moisture. Our resivours need this moisture. The deer will be fine as long as we start warming up on time this spring.

I understand central and Northern Idaho have had a few bigger storms than southern Idaho. However, the mountain areas south slopes burn off the first good day or two of sunshine in central Idaho. As long as things hold the deer should be fine.

CouesFanatic · Feb 2, 2008

I don't know where you are getting your information from. We are above average mostly, it looks like southern Idaho is doing better than northern. The deer I have seen are not doing the best. I hope it warms up or at least get some sun. Check this link out: ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/data/snow/update/id.txt

3bigelkid · Feb 2, 2008

Here is what I am looking at.
ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/data/water/wcs/gis/maps/WestwideSWEPercent.pdf

As you can see the % to normal in central and northern Idaho is averaging 100-124% of normal at the reporting stations. Southern Idaho only has a few stations reading normal or above. In fact most of souteast(except the extreme corner) is normal or just below.

Now that we know that we both care about our heards and watch these things lets hope the rest of the winter treats our herds well. If you want to see it bad look at the % of normal in Colorado. Specifically, central Colorado. They should be able to fill there resivours 3 times over. Those poor herds are suffering for sure.

CouesFanatic · Feb 2, 2008

I agree but I was looking at the snow averages not the water flow level. Its suppseod to snow hard tommorrow night. Hopefully its not too bad. We should be okay, like you said as long as we don't get a whole lot more.

Does anyone know the laws of feeding in Idaho? If I wanted to use salt blocks or something?

IDkTm · Feb 2, 2008

Salt blocks will definitely not help. Also I am pretty sure that Idaho passed a law within the last couple years making private feeding of wildlife illegal.

I do know for a fact Idaho is looking at feeding, nothing is for sure but preliminary steps are being taken in some areas.

orion23 · Feb 2, 2008

i spoke with F&G because i too am concerned, they told me that they do have a feeding program and it is very strict rules they have to follow. they have not yet started it either. they also told me that ususally when we have a late start to the winter the deer will USUALLY do just fine. hopefully it warms us a little real soon.
travis

CouesFanatic · Feb 6, 2008

Another 12 inches last night. But the forecast looks dry and warm!

antler_man · Feb 6, 2008

well today melted someo snow up here in arco and thank god the deer needed it. the bad thing is that since there wasn't a good snow year last year the elk stayed over on the ledbelt and up behind the ranch and got caught so i don't think we are going to have a good elk popoulation this year.