Idaho Mule Deer

[loyawhat]

IDFAG has stated that the mule deer numbers this season are down due to 70% death rate of yearlings dying last winter. https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/big-game-outlook-similar-numbers-elk-and-whitetails-fewer-mule-deer

My questions is how is this effecting your hunt, are you concerned and what are your opinions on it?

For my wife and I will be up opening week and likely be shooting the first two with antlers we see. I also have taken time off for extended weekends the rest of the rifle season. All of our venison from last year is almost consumed.

I will be up for rifle season but input from bow hunters who have already been hunting is much appreciated.

 

[HalfAce]

I'll be there this year. The only tags I could "draw" were the OTC type. Lol.

I think the winterkill was worse in places, while some other places had better conditions but still had a higher than average winterkill.

Should be a severe shortage of 1.5 year old bucks as well as fewer of the old/mature bucks.

The only way it has affected my hunt is that I am avoiding the SE section of the state, which I originally planned to hunt. I'm excited though. Can't wait!

 

[brymoore]

It'll be a rough year for forky hunters.

 

[HUNTNNW]

Depends on the unit..some were not effected at all. I even remember reading from IDFG that the winter wasn't as harsh as previously thought

 

[Steelhead]

Could care less. Went on a archery hunt for the first time...saw 4 bucks over 150 in a day...should be a decent rifle season. Depends what part of the state you're in probably

 

[Idahoarcheryhunter]

It'll be a rough year for forky hunters.

Yeah they'll probably be shooting spikes instead...

 

[loyawhat]

Could care less. Went on a archery hunt for the first time...saw 4 bucks over 150 in a day...should be a decent rifle season. Depends what part of the state you're in probably

Mind sharing what GMU you were in?

 

[Steelhead]

East Hebo

 

[buckhunterhart]

SE Idaho got hit really hard. Bear Lake had more snow than I had seen in my 44 years. 3 years from now will really tell just how bad it was.