Warm October hasn't favored hunters, but harvest is good

By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game public information specialist Hunters are reporting good numbers of deer and elk, but weather hasn't been cooperative for prime hunting conditions. Many deer hunters have been in the woods for the general, any-weapon season since Oct. 10, and any-weapon elk hunters weren't far behind with many of their general seasons opening Oct. 15. Despite warm temperatures early in the season that meant less-than-ideal hunting conditions on the ground, hunters reported seeing good numbers of game, which was expected. "Harvest and per-trip success rates were up or down just a little compared to last year at various check stations around the state," state game manager Jon Rachael said. "But overall, as predicted, harvest seems to be shaping up to be very similar to last year-and last year was a good year." Based on anecdotal reports, hunters have seen good numbers of animals, especially deer, even if they didn't harvest. Biologists reported that most harvested deer and elk appeared to be in very good physical condition. Hunters got a break in the weather when rain hit most of the state in mid October and temperatures cooled a little. That made walking quieter and conditions better for stalking game. But the rain was short lived, and forecasts are calling for highs in the 60 and lows in the 40s for much of Idaho, and about 10 degrees cooler in the mountains. There are chances of isolated rains, but overall, temperatures are looking mild and dry, and hunters looking for an early snow storm that drives animals out of the high country may have to look forward to next year. Although temperatures are cooling, it's still warmer than usual for late October, and hunters need to be prepared to deal with the animals they harvest. People hunting during warm temperatures are encouraged to bring lots of ice and use it to cool carcasses. Fish and Game has received higher-than-usual reports of game meat spoiling, which his easily preventable with a little preparation. You can get tips at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Rachael also noted Fish and Game has received complaints from hunters related about violations of road and trail closure signs. Hunters are relieved to see Idaho's wildfire season appears to have finally ended, and perhaps as a glimmer of optimism for the future, they are reported observing brush fields with abundant forage coming back in many of the areas that burned two years ago.