Early Season Hunters Encouraged to Carefully Store Game

Pronghorn archery season opens August 15 and continues through September 15. Archery seasons for mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk open August 30 in many units. In the heat of summer, hunters might want to consider hunting at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler. Hunters have an ethical and legal obligation to salvage the edible portions of their kill, but meat spoilage is a serious concern during hot weather. The key to preserving meat is starting the cooling process quickly. Game animals should be skinned immediately and in most cases, quartered then quickly transported to cold storage. Early season hunters may consider using large ice chests to keep game meat cool and clean. Removing meat from the bones also helps speed cooling. Hunters are reminded that archery permits are required. Archers using blinds on federal public lands should consult the big game rules brochure or contact the Bureau of Land Management for the latest policies regarding hunting blinds on public lands. For more information and for help with planning hunts, visit Fish and Game's Hunt Planner: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/.