I could not resist commenting on this thread. I have hunted
Idaho deer since 1989, every year. Deer hunting in Idaho used to be very good. I want to say phenomenal. By the late 90's, it was over. Did not think it could continue to get worse, but it has.
IDFG, I believe is the biggest threat to deer herds in Idaho. It's either that or Sasquatch. (Yes, I believe in Sasquatch, and he believes in me, but I digress.)
I asked a biologist once about the deer here and he told me that deer are just looking for a reason to die. I think this attitude is part of the problem. I remember as a kid winters that were a lot more severe than they are now, and the deer did well. We had huge deer.
I can show you world class mule deer habitat in SE Idaho with hardly a deer track in it.
I believe IDFG is managing their state for elk and really don't give a hoot about deer. If they survive and thrive, great, but they are not going to get serious about deer. I was told to put in for a late hunt if I wanted to hunt a big deer. I see the chance for drawing that particular hunt has gone UP TO 2% in 2019 because, I am sure, people have given up.
I know I have.