History
The Magic Valley Region has significant history of winter feeding and has an active Winter Feeding Advisory Committee.
January 23, 2017 status report
Magic Valley Regional staff toured the Bellevue/Picabo/Carey areas and met with approximately 30 landowners and ranch managers in the area to discuss winter weather conditions.
There is over three feet of snow on the Silver Creek Valley floor and in the area around Carey. Most vegetation on the south-facing slopes is buried and not readily accessible to big game, especially deer. More snow is expected in the area this week.
As a result of the tour and feedback from landowners and the Magic Valley Winter Feeding Advisory Committee, emergency feeding has commenced at six locations in Blaine County.
- Bullwhacker, near Hailey - 175 elk are feeding at the site. The purpose of feeding is to bait the animals away from the Highway 75 and private property.
- Cove Ranch - The purpose of feeding is to prevent approximately 200 elk and 150 mule deer from damaging stored crops and creating public safety concerns along Gannett Road.
- Picabo Ranches - The purpose of feeding is to prevent approximately 100 elk and 100 mule deer from accessing cattle feeding lines.
- Queens Crown - The purpose is to prevent more than 200 elk and 150 mule deer from damaging stored crops.
- Queens Crown (South) - The purpose is to prevent further depredations by approximately 75 elk.
- Nachtmans/Gannett - The purpose is to feed approximately 75 mule deer.
The Magic Valley Region is also evaluating two other potential feeding locations at Lava Lake Ranch and and Dry Creek.