Idaho Deer and Elk Weather the Storm

Fish and Game workers and volunteers are feeding several hundred deer and elk after a winter storm hit Southern Idaho in early January. The storm, which caused major flooding in California, just clipped Idaho, brought enough snow to raise concern about Idaho's most hunted big game animals. The herd hit hardest is in Bear Lake County, near Montpelier, where the ground is covered with as much as 42 inches of snow. About 100 deer there are receiving pellet rations formulated specifically to feed mule deer. Workers are also providing emergency rations to elk in Swan Valley. However, State Wildlife Manager Brad Compton says deer and elk in the region have more going for them this year than in years past. "Most of them are going into the winter in well above average condition." said Compton. He attributes the strong physical condition of the herds to an abundance of natural forage resulting from generous summer rains. Because they had plenty to eat through late summer, deer and elk have good stores of fat, the source of energy that keeps them alive when food is scarce in winter. While a certain amount of winter mortality is inevitable in areas hard hit by snow, biologist say the emergency feeding will provide the boost that will allow some animals to survive. Fish and Game is also feeding elk in the Wood River Valley, but not for the same reasons. Magic Valley Regional Supervisor Dave Parrish says workers there are feeding elk to discourage them from migrating into areas populated by humans.