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Idaho Fish and Game

Big game hunters can expect to see more bucks, bulls

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JEROME - Hunters unable to draw or buy a controlled hunt tag this year will have a great opportunity to bag a buck or bull in one of the several general season hunts. "We are expecting to have a good season in all our hunts," said Randy Smith, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Manager in the Magic Valley Region. "Deer and elk went into the winter with good fat supplies and we had good winter survival. Mild spring conditions were also excellent for fawning and calving, so our herd numbers are up over last season." Magic Valley hunters looking to put meat in the freezer should have good luck. Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists spring aerial counts show an increase of 43 percent more deer compared to data collected in 2003. In 2003, biologists counted 8,173 deer on annual trend areas, while this year's count showed 11,680 deer. The increase is attributed to better fawn recruitment, due to better habitat conditions. "Hunters should expect to see more young bucks," Smith said. "Numbers of mature bucks should be slightly improved from last year in most of our general hunting areas." In the Southeast Region near Pocatello mule deer are showing an increase in numbers, but buck to doe ratios remain low across most of the region. The Fish and Game Commission made several regulation changes for this fall, including shortened seasons, antler restrictions, motor vehicle restrictions in several areas, and reduced permits for a late muzzleloader hunt. Hunters should be careful to check regulations in that area. The Upper Snake Region around Idaho Falls continues to improve for mule deer. Overall deer numbers continue to increase; buck-to-doe ratios vary from 16:100 on the west side of the Region near Arco to 33:100 on the east side of the Region near the Wyoming boarder. Buck-to-doe ratios are directly related to fawn-to-doe ratios. Higher fawn-to-doe ratios result in higher buck-to-doe ratios. The reason for the higher deer numbers on the east side of the region is habitat. Looking at the quantity and quality of available habitat for mule deer west and east of I-15, there is a considerable difference. West of I-15 the landscape is much drier and does not produce the forbs and browse species that mule deer are dependent upon. East of I-15 the country is much wetter and produces a variety of forbs and browse species that are important for a healthy mule deer herd. Winter counts on elk in the Magic Valley Region show a stable population. In the Unit 49 survey, biologists counted 2,041 elk: 1,188 cows, 422 bulls, and 430 calves. With 36 calves per hundred cows, elk herds are stable. With more than 35 bulls per hundred cows region wide, hunters with bull tags will have a chance to harvest a mature animal this season. Elk populations in the Upper Snake Region remain healthy and are at or above population objectives. Calf production remains high, resulting in excellent bull-to-cow and cow-to-calf ratios. No matter your weapon type or season of use, the Upper Snake provides an opportunity for everyone. While hunters are preparing themselves for hunting season, the Fish and Game is also asking sportsmen to take along the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline number. This year, live operators are manning the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline for more hours during hunting seasons. Citizens who wish to report a violation of game laws can call, 1-800-632-5999. If no operator is on duty, citizens are asked to do the following: - If violation is in progress, call the local sheriff's dispatch or ISP dispatch, which will then attempt to call a Fish and Game officer. - Leave a detailed message on the CAP answering machine with the reporting party's name and phone number where an officer can call at the most convenient time. - Callers can remain anonymous at their request. The caller is encouraged to give the location of the occurrence according to the nearest town, road, milepost, county, drainage or GPS point. This aids Fish and Game in sending the right officer for the area.