Winter feeding efforts began, on a small scale, in the Garden Valley area on Sunday, January 22. Three historic feed sites were plowed out and feed bunks set up and loaded with specially formulated deer “pellets.” Two more sites were set up today, with several others coming on line tomorrow. At least eight feed sites – possibly more - will be up and running by week’s end along the S. Fork Payette River corridor between Garden Valley and Lowman. These areas are closed to public entry; please honor this closure. Wolf and lion hunters please note that hunting is not allowed within one-half mile of any Fish and Game big game feeding site (see page 96 of the big game rule book).
The Boise Front segment of Boise River Wildlife Management Area was closed to public entry beginning Friday, January 20, and will remain closed until further notice. This is to reduce human disturbance to wintering big game animals. Please respect this closure and stay out of the closed area.
There are no imminent plans to feed at Boise River. South facing slopes have blown or melted clear and deer are targeting these areas. We will continue to monitor the management area as new storms move through. Please drive slowly along Highway 21 as deer are continually crossing the roadway.
We are also dealing with depredating elk in the Weiser area. We have opened a 400-tag depredation hunt to deal with part of this issue. Please note that we already have all the elk hunters we need to properly conduct this year’s depredation effort! If you are interested in being considered for a depredation hunt next year, complete the form in the big game rule book and send it to the regional office in Nampa.
In addition to the hunt, we are now actively baiting a herd of about 400 elk away from agricultural fields to reduce damage. Area hay stacks are being “paneled” to limit elk access to hay with varying degrees of success.
We are also monitoring a herd of about 600 mule deer that are frequenting two feed lot sites in the Weiser area. It’s likely that a baiting effort will be conducted soon to encourage this herd to move off the feed sites.