Beginning Jan. 31 through Feb. 9 biologists with the Idaho Fish and Game will be counting mule deer in game management units 66, 66A, 69, 71, 72 and 76. Biologists will utilize low flying helicopters to systematically spot and count the animals.
“I am particularly excited to see what’s happening in the Tex Creek area,” says Regional Wildlife Manager Curtis Hendricks. “It will be interesting to see where mule deer are in relationship to the burned area.” Hendricks is referring to the Henry’s Creek fire that burned a large portion of the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area in 2016.
The data gathered during these flights will later be paired with the data collected from collared mule deer to determine the overall health of the herd. This information plays a critical role in the season setting process for big game hunting in Idaho. “I look forward to sharing what we see during our flights,” says Hendricks.
For the opportunity to speak with wildlife managers in the Upper Snake and provide your input on the upcoming big game hunting season, you can attend one of the three open houses happening in the region.
- Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Idaho Falls Fish and Game regional office, 4279 Commerce Circle
- Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Rexburg, Madison Middle School, 575 West 7th South
- Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arco, Butte Middle/High School, 120 South Water Street
For more information on the big game open houses for the Upper Snake region please visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/events/upper-snake