Idaho Unit 36A

[mbaldo2005]

I would appreciate it if anyone can give me an update on the deer herd in Idaho -- Unit 36A. I have hunted this region between 1995 and 2000, with some success. I know the country extremely well and have some good spots up there. I haven't had the time to get up there and scout recently. What I really would like to know is if the deer herd has come back in that region, and the trophy quality as well. I heard that the wolves have been "wreaking havoc" in that part of Idaho since 2000 (or so). Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BrianID]

I don't have much personal experience but have been following the fawn collaring studies that the F&G have been doing. For at least the last couple years the fawn weight going into winter in the Challis study area has been the lowest in the state. As a result winter survival rate of fawns has not been all that great. I don't think wolves belong in Idaho and are putting some stress on the deer around Challis but IMO the drought has been harder on the deer than the wolves.

 

[shortmag]

36A is East Fork country and I think the deer population is in much better shape than on the 36B side of the Salmon river. Note: fawn weights vary significantly unit to unit (drainage to drainage). I don't think it is as good as a decade and a half ago but some real nice bucks have come out of that country recently. Thing is a guy is only looking for one nice critter. Lots of elk in there. And relatively little pressure. In my opinion, wolves are not having a significant effect other than moving critters around and sometimes they're not in their "usual" haunts.