General deer opener is just around the corner on Oct. 10, and hunters are reminded that due in part to a difficult winter, there will be no antlerless deer hunting allowed this fall during the general any-weapon season in the following units: 66A, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78.
This is different from years past when youth could harvest does in many units during the general hunt. The recent archery-only season, and certain controlled hunts, still allow for antlerless deer hunting opportunities in the Southeast Region.
The driving factor behind this decision was the harsh winter last year, which was responsible for the below-average winter survival of both fawns and does in southeast Idaho. Big game managers felt that this warranted a reduction in doe harvest in order to help maintain population stability.
In spite of last year’s winter and its impact on deer in parts of the region, there is still good hunting available, but hunters will see fewer two points than in the past.