History
The Fish and Game Panhandle Region does not normally declare winter feeding emergencies because big game do not congregate in large concentrations. Because of this it is virtually impossible to use feeding as a tool in a way that is meaningful from a population standpoint. 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.
Feb. 13, 2017 status report
Snowfall occurred early in the week, especially in the northern half of the Idaho Panhandle.
The forecast for the coming is is high temperatures above freezing every day, reaching low to mid 40s, then freezing at night. Milder temperatures are causing snow to melt off of south-facing slopes. No mortalities were recorded from GPS collared elk this past week and for the most part, elk body conditions have been good. Overall snow-pack in the mountains remains below the long term average. No feeding of big game is occurring in the Panhandle Region.