Emergency Winter Feeding

Idaho Fish and Game is preparing for emergency winter feeding of deer in the Boise County area. Winter conditions have become extreme in the South Fork of the Payette River drainage from Banks to Lowman, and portions of the Boise River drainage. In concurrence from the Regional Winter Feeding Advisory Committee, Southwest Region Supervisor Scott Reinecker has declared a winter feeding emergency for deer in the Boise County area. Fish and Game will commence with winter feeding activities. A review of historic weather data shows that snow depths in Lowman, which typically average 21 inches, are 48 inches or more this winter. In Garden Valley, an area that averages 14 inches of snow for this time of year, levels exceed 36 inches. Decisions for emergency winter feeding in this area are primarily driven by snow depth. The "need to feed deer" criteria in the Garden Valley area are 18 inches of snow on south facing slopes for five or more consecutive days. Some measuring sites in the Garden Valley and Lowman areas on south facing slopes have had 18 inches of snow or more since January 7. Lower than normal temperatures and recurring snow storms have prevented snow depths from diminishing as they typically would. The winter weather severity index also is considered during deliberations on winter feeding. This year compares to the index levels of past years when deer have been fed in the Garden Valley area. But the level was reached a month later than the average for the previous years when deer were fed. Fish and Game in the Southeast Region also has authorized emergency winter feeding of mule deer in the Preston area, including Oxford Mountain and Cub River, and in the Bear Lake and Georgetown Canyon areas. Fish and Game's Southeast Region and the Winter Feeding Advisory Committee based the decision on criteria that include snow depths greater than 18 inches, 10 days of consecutive subzero daytime temperatures, poor physical conditions of the animals, and winter range conditions to determine whether a winter feeding emergency exists. It often takes a combination of factors to constitute an emergency. It may also be necessary to "bait" animals away from highways or railroads for the safety of people and the animals. The emergency winter feeding program is paid for with money from the purchase of deer, elk, and antelope tags. From each purchase, 75 cents goes to the winter feeding account. A $400,000 balance is maintained in this account for use on winter feeding efforts only, but any surplus not needed for winter feeding can be used for winter habitat enhancement. For information about the winter feeding program, contact Fish and Game in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.