These are draft numbers and do include estimation for non-reporting (people who fail to report are called in a follow-up survey to identify differences between those who report and those who do not, then differences are applied to each specific hunt estimate). Estimated success can go up or down from raw numbers which are supplied directly by hunters.
For comparison purposes I've added in the raw numbers for the GMU 37 data:
Gen deer (includes gen rifle and archery - have not been split by weapon type yet) - GMU 37:
Estimate: 447 hunters harvested 173 bucks, 1 doe (152 rifle, 11 bow, 10 muzzleloader). Overall success rate = 39%.
Of bucks, 51% were 4-pt or larger.
Actual raw hunter data: 327 hunters contacted, 126 reported harvesting deer (39% success), 64 reported harvesting 4-pt or larger bucks.
Muzzleloader controlled buck (hunt area is GMUs 37 and 37A) -
Estimate: 72 hunters harvested 32 bucks (44% success), 34% were 4-pt or larger.
Actual raw hunter data: 45 hunters reported harvesting 18 bucks (40% success), 6 of which were 4-pt or larger.
Controlled elk hunts -
GMU 37 bull
Estimate: 50 hunters harvested 25 bulls (50% success), 52% were 6-pt or larger.
Actual raw hunter data: 40 hunters reported harvesting 25 bulls (62.5% success), 13 of which were 6-pt or larger.
GMU 37 cow (2 public land hunts combined)
Estimate:145 hunters harvested 56 cows (39% success)
Actual raw hunter data: 125 hunters reported harvesting 51 cows (37% success).
GMU 37 cow (within 1 mile of agriculture)
Estimate: 91 hunters harvested 56 cows (62% success).
Actual raw hunter data: 75 hunters reported harvesting 41 cows (59% success).
Of course, intentional or unintentional errors by those reporting their hunting activity would introduce errors into the system.
Obtaining wolf numbers is challenging. The Doublespring pack of 8 was observed in fall 2007 and 1 collar was placed in the pack. Six were killed during summer 2008 (unfortunately including the collared animal, so further radio monitoring was not possible). Two wolves were removed last month, but they were across and down the valley - outside the pack range known from the previous radio-collar, so may not have been from that pack. As always, reports of wolf sightings with as much specific information as possible (entered through the IDFG web site) are desirable and helpful in our attempts to monitor wolf locations and numbers.
Sincerely,
Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager