From the Field: 2010 Big Game Outlook

By Jim Lukens - Idaho Department of Fish and Game Deer and elk in the Salmon Region should be in good condition as hunters head out this fall. A wet spring and cooler than normal summer provided ample rainfall for grasses and shrubs. After heavy rain and then warm weather in September, plants are experiencing fall green-up. This means that deer and elk may be able to find forage without having to move around a lot. Mule deer fawn survival was higher than usual this past winter. Mule deer fawns fared better in the Central Mountain area (units 21A, 30, 30A, 29, 37, 37A) last winter and spring with 86 percent survival compared to the Mountain Valley area (units 21, 28, 36B, 36A), which had 64 percent survival. Across the Salmon Region, hunters should see a fair number of spikes, which usually make up the majority of the harvest. The buck ratio in the Central Mountain area last December was 23 bucks per 100 does. The buck ratio in the Mountain Valley area was 16 bucks per 100 does. Mule deer hunting in units 29, 30 and 36B should be good for folks looking for places with road access. Head to units 37, 37A or 36A if you're looking for a horse-pack or backpack hunt. An aerial survey of the Salmon Zone elk (units 21, 21A, 28, 36B) in February found continued declines in the cow and bull populations. The calf ratio was slightly better than past years with 25 calves per 100 cows, but the bull ratio had declined to 11 bulls per 100 cows. Because of the continued decline in the population, a quota was placed on Salmon Zone B tags. As of the end of September, about 70 percent of the resident Salmon Zone B tags had been sold. Hunters can check on the Fish and Game Website for updates on zone quotas and tag sales. Hunter success in the Salmon Zone general season over the past three years ranges from 12 percent in Unit 21 to 21 percent success in Unit 21A. Units 21 and 36B may be a bit tougher for elk hunting than Units 21A and 28. The Middle Fork Elk Zone is scheduled to be surveyed this coming winter. While the Middle Fork elk population has likely declined since the previous survey in 2006, general rifle success rates remain at 19 percent. The Salmon-Challis National Forest and Challis BLM Field Office have completed their new travel management plans. Free maps can be picked up at Forest Service and BLM offices which detail what roads are open and closed as well as specific seasonal or vehicle restrictions on certain roads. As always, check with the Salmon Region Fish and Game office or refer to the regulation booklet for specific regulations prior to heading to the filed. Jim Lukens is the supervisor for the Salmon Region