In order to help keep the citizens of Idaho informed regarding the physical condition of their wildlife, the Upper Snake Regional Office will be issuing reports throughout the winter. Reports reflect information gathered from IDFG field staff and contacts in local communities. Reports will be issued as conditions change, especially if a major winter weather situation develops. Requests for further information should be directed to Gregg Losinski at 208-390-0635
Duston Cureton is the Landowner Sportsman Coordinator for the Upper Snake Region and the person responsible for compilation of the following information.
Big Game Physical Condition
Animals were in good to excellent condition entering winter. Moderate rains and warm temperatures in the fall months resulted in a fair supply of fall forage for big game. The first weeks of January saw moderate snowfall coupled with some cold temperatures. Elk, deer, and antelope have been seen in large groups in response to cold temperatures and moderate snowfall over the last two weeks.
Sand Creek, Hamer
Snow depth is 8-12 inches with light to moderate crusting. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Swan Valley
Snow depth is 8-10 inches on the valley floor with light to moderate crusting. South facing slopes are at 5-8 inches. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Teton Basin
Valley floor has 20-22 inches of snow with light to moderate crusting. South facing slopes are at 14-16 inches. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Big Desert, INL
Snow depth is 6-10 inches on valley floor with light to moderate crusting observed. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Birch Creek
Snow depth is 8-10 inches on the valley floor. South facing slopes are at 6-8 inches with light to moderate crusting. Some slopes have blown free of snow. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Big and Little Lost Rivers
Snow depth is 10-12 inches on the valley floor with light to moderate crusting. South facing slopes are at 8-10 inches with some slopes blown free of snow. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
Tex Creek
Snow depth is 12-14 inches with 6-8 inches on the south facing slopes with some of those slopes blown free of snow. Light to moderate crusting observed. Animals are moving freely on winter ranges.
BIG GAME EMERGENCY FEEDING UPDATE: Recent winter storms and colder temperatures resulted in an increase in haystack depredations throughout the region during the last two week. Depredations are heavy throughout the region. Due to the recent fire on the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area, an emergency winter feeding order was implemented and feeding operations started December 8th on the wildlife management area. Currently, department personnel are feeding approximately 3500-4000 big game animals due to lack of suitable forage lost in the fire. All roads into the Tex Creek WMA have been closed this year due to feeding operations and the prevention of causing added stress to the animals.
Egin Hamer Area Closure is once again in effect as of January 1, 2017. The southern portion will reopen at sunrise on April 1, 2017 and the northern portion at sunrise on May 1, 2017.
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