Clearwater Prepares For Busy Big Game Opener

LEWISTON - Because of favorable conditions for deer and elk last winter, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) expects another busy big game hunting season in the Clearwater Region. The opening day of the general deer and elk hunting seasons begin in the majority of the region on Friday, October 10. As in previous years, IDFG will be collecting data on harvested big game animals at the Kooskia and Mt. Idaho check stations this fall. Prospects for hunters are expected to be similar to the past few years in most areas. Although IDFG shares the concerns of many hunters regarding the recent outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in parts of the region, 90 percent of the land area in the Clearwater Region has not been affected by EHD. Deer numbers in unaffected areas of the region remain healthy and robust. In the areas affected, deer mortality rates vary from 20 to 80 percent. These effects can vary significantly between adjacent deer herds. The remaining deer usually have an immunity, which will be passed to their offspring. Although EHD can significantly reduce white-tailed deer populations in localized areas, it does not appear to impact mule deer or elk populations to any significant degree. The areas impacted the greatest include lower elevations along the Clearwater River drainage from Harpster downstream to Kamiah, with patchy outbreaks occurring in Kendrick, Peck, Orofino, and Grangeville, and along the Salmon River near Whitebird and Riggins. Currently, the spread of the disease appears to be losing steam. Reports of recent mortalities have become less frequent, as have the reports of newly affected areas. It is likely that the recent cool weather adversely impacted the gnats, slowing the spread of the disease. IDFG will continue to monitor the status of the outbreak, but awaits a hard frost that will halt the spread entirely for this year. Hunters are advised to take extra time to scout before hunting season if their hunting area is near or within one of the outbreak areas. Although EHD does not pose a threat to humans, the department also advises hunters to always pass shots on animals that appear to be sick or disoriented. For more detailed information on EHD, please review IDFG's website at www2.state.id.us/fishgame/hunt/ProgramsInfo/EHD.