Winter Wildlife Conditions Weekly Report February 2, 2004

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 on a weekly basis. Requests for further info should be directed to Gregg Losinski at 390-0635. Animal condition. The warm spell helped animals retain some energy reserves. But crusting in many areas will tax animals more as the colder temperatures arrive again. Human disturbance causing movement through crusted snow will weaken animals very quickly. Antler hunters should use caution around wintering areas. This was the main concern when antler seasons were developed. Winter conditions. The warm spell left many areas with heavy crusting on top of 12 - 16 inches of grainy snow. This makes animal movement very difficult in some areas. On a positive note, the warm temperatures also melted snow off of many areas, opening up bare ground. Some new snow fell in many areas, but is light and will not have much impact on animal movement. Depredations: Depredations are steadily increasing as the winter progresses. Turkeys are starting to come into new areas and feeding primarily in cattle feedlots. Moose complaints are increasing as they move into populated areas. Over 300 antelope have been hitting haystacks in the Monteview area and are being monitored. Sand Creek, Hamer 4 to 6 inches of new snow is covering heavily crusted snow. Some hillsides and ridges melted off during the warm spell, and are covered with the new light snow. Any amount of wind should clear those areas off again. There has been no more mortality of radio-collared deer in this area. Swan Valley 4 inches of new snow is now covering some heavy crusting. Baiting, trapping and testing elk for Brucellosis on Rainy Creek continues. Deer are still crossing and being struck by vehicles along the road south of Irwin. Use caution in this area. Teton Basin, Victor Area Emergency deer feeding continues. 6 - 7 inches of new snow is covering moderately crusted snow, making animal movement difficult. Big Desert/INEEL Some light snow accumulated on crusted snow, but snow levels are low and animal are still moving about freely. Big and Little Lost Rivers 1 to 2 inches fell over the weekend. High winds kept bare slopes clear and animals are moving about freely. Birch Creek Some new snow fell, but animals are still moving freely. Tex Creek Many ridges and slopes melted off during the week on northern and western parts of the area. Elk remain widely distributed in small groups. Deep snow covers the southeastern portion of the area. This weekly report written by Paul Faulkner, Upper Snake Region Landowner/Sportsman Coordinator, IDFG