The State of Deer and Elk gives Idaho hunters and others an opportunity to see how Idaho Fish and Game biologists gather data about these important and iconic animals and use that information to manage healthy, sustainable populations that provide excellent hunting opportunity.
State of Deer and Elk
Hunters can learn about deer and elk management and engage with wildlife staff
Mild winter means deer fawn and elk calf survival looks good as we enter spring
Statewide winter survival for mule deer fawns and elk calves fitted with tracking collars has shown to be slightly higher than average through the end of March. By the end of February, 92% of the collared fawns and 95% of the collared calves were still alive, and here's how that compares with recent years.
The State of Deer and Elk: Winter Feeding (VIDEO)
In the tenth episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Biologist, Miranda Reinson, discusses how and why the Department steps in to feed wintering deer and elk.
The State of Deer and Elk: Deer Harvest Management (VIDEO)
In the ninth episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Biologist, Eric Freeman, discusses how wildlife biologists manage deer harvest for different scenarios, such as habitat protection, maximum herd numbers, or disease prevention.
The State of Deer and Elk: Elk Nutrition (VIDEO)
In the eighth episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist, Deborah Monzingo, discusses the importance of elk nutrition and the role it plays in population management.
The State of Deer and Elk: What Is CWD? (VIDEO)
In the seventh episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game's State Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Nicole Walrath, explains what CWD is and how Fish and Game is working to prevent the spread of this disease in Idaho.
The State of Deer and Elk: EHD vs. CWD (VIDEO)
In the sixth installment of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Wildlife Health Coordinator Stacey Dauwalter explains EHD and CWD and clarifies some of the misconceptions associated with each.
F&G proactively eliminates antlerless hunts and takes other measures to help eastern Idaho big game
Fish and Game was mindful of extreme winter in eastern Idaho and proactively eliminated most antlerless hunts for the 2023-2024 season setting process and fed deer and elk during severe winter weather.
State of Deer and Elk: 2023-24 Big Game Seasons and Rules now available
The digital 2023-24 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure is available and the printed brochures will arrive at Fish and Game offices and license vendors later in April and before May 1 to June 5 application period for big game controlled hunts.
Hunter harvest stats show slight increase in elk in 2022, drop in mule deer and white-tailed deer
While it was another good year for elk hunter harvest, both mule deer and white-tailed deer saw drops in overall harvest and remained below the 10-year average.
State of Deer and Elk: Learn how season setting is done and how hunter input is used
In the fifth installment of Fish and Game’s State of Deer and Elk, State Wildlife Manager Rick Ward discusses how season setting works and why thoughtful input from hunters is an important step in the process.
State of Deer and Elk: Understanding survival and causes of mortality helps F&G manage deer and elk herds
Idaho Fish and Game biologists have spent decades counting and monitoring deer and elk populations, and in recent years, GPS collars have allowed them to pinpoint where and how animals die. It’s a critical part of understanding all facets of wildlife management, and a common question is often, “What kills the most deer and elk?”
State of Deer and Elk: Counting herds, and how hunters help through mandatory hunter reports
When we think of counting deer and elk, the first thing that comes to mind is biologists flying in helicopters and getting a bird’s-eye view of deer and elk herds when animals are concentrated on winter range. Many hunters assume surveys happen every year in each of Fish and Game’s 99 game management units, which unfortunately is impossible. When hunters submit their mandatory hunter reports, wildlife managers can see what may be happening in between aerial surveys.
State of Deer and Elk: Movements and migrations help define wildlife populations around the state
Fish and Game biologists gained new knowledge that helps them understand more about seasonal movements of these important game animals and better manage their populations.
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s 'State of Deer and Elk'
The State of Deer and Elk is an opportunity for hunters to learn how biologists gather data about these important and iconic animals and use that information to manage healthy, sustainable populations that provide excellent hunting opportunity.
