History
The Magic Valley Region has significant history of winter feeding and has an active Winter Feeding Advisory Committee.
January 19, 2017 status report
The Magic Valley Region maintains Fish and Game's only perpetual winter feeding operation at the Bullwhacker sight near Ketchum. The feed site is operated to address risks to public safety by attempting to keep elk from wandering in outlying residential areas, on roadways and in downtown Hailey. About 175 elk are currently being fed at Bullwhacker.
Fish and Game is also initiating winter feeding of mule deer and elk in the Bellevue, Picabo and Carey areas.
Feeding commenced January 19, 2017 at four locations:
- Cove Ranch - The purpose is to bait approximately 200 elk and 150 mule deer away from stored crops. The animals are also causing public safety concerns along Gannett Road.
- Picabo Ranches - The purpose is to bait approximately 150 elk and 100 mule deer away from cattle feed lines.
- Dry Creek - The purpose is to bait approximately 100 elk away from cattle feed lines.
- Queens Crown- The purpose is to bait more than 200 elk and 150 mule deer away from stored crops, cattle feed lines and corrals. The deer and elk are also causing public safety concerns along U.S. Highway 20.
"Most of the vegetation on south facing slopes is covered with snow and difficult for deer and elk to access," Magic Valley Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints said. "We will continue to monitor the situation around the region and react as quickly as we can to reduce problems."