History
The Fish and Game Panhandle Region does not normally declare winter feeding emergencies because big game do not congregate in large concentrations and it is virtually impossible to use feeding as a tool in a way that is meaningful from a population standpoint, and is certainly not cost effective. The region has never established a Winter Feeding Advisory Committee as per IC 36-123. The last winter feeding operation was conducted in 2009 when fewer than 200 deer were fed at scattered sites across Boundary and Bonner counties.
January 23, 2017 status report
The Idaho Panhandle is currently in a warming trend with daytime temperatures in the 40's and night-time temps near or above freezing. Temperatures are expected to get colder next week but daytime temperatures are expected above freezing. No winter feeding is occurring and none is planned.
Regional staff are working with landowners to resolve depredation issues. Landowners are not suggesting that winter feeding is necessary to resolve conflicts.