History
The Magic Valley Region has significant history of winter feeding and has an active Winter Feeding Advisory Committee.
Feb. 22, 2017 status report
Big game animals are starting to move away from most of the feed sites in Blaine County. Thanks to recent rain and warmer weather, snow has significantly melted off of south-facing slopes and there is natural forage available for wildlife in these areas. Fewer deer and elk are coming to the winter feeding sites. Fish and Game is dealing with muddy road conditions leading to the feeding sites and a tractor had to be utilized at two sites set up to winter feed elk. Continued mild temperatures are forecasted for the next week and animals are expected to continue to disperse.
The total number of active winter feeding sites in the Magic Valley is 24
- 1,050 deer
- 1,600 elk
The purposes of the feeding sites are as follows:
- Critical winter conditions - 13 sites
- Public safety - 15 sites
- Private property damage - 24 sites
- Reduce elk/cattle interaction 10 sites
- Range fire - 0