Idaho Fish and Game Seeking Help From Elk Hunters

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking help from elk hunters as part of the Elk Recruitment Project. Because elk hunters play an essential role in helping the Department understanding factors affecting elk population dynamics, bull elk hunters in the Lolo, Elk city, and McCall zones are being asked to collect the entire jaw from their harvested elk. The jaws can be dropped off at a number of locations throughout these zones. Department biologists will extract a tooth for aging purposes and collect measurements from the jaw. This information can then be used as an indication of nutrition and growth rates, which in turn provides insights regarding habitat quality. Some bull hunters will receive a "kit" by mail that contains the necessary collection materials and instructions. However, because Department mailing lists are slightly outdated, many hunters will not. Kit's will be available at license venders in the Lolo, Elk City, and McCall zones, or the Department will mail you a kit if you call their Lewiston office (208-799-5010). For more information on the Elk Recruitment Project, you can call the Lewiston office or visit our web site at www.state.id.us/fishgame. Click on Wildlife, then click on Idaho Elk Recruitment.