Southeastern Idaho is rich with wildlife and outdoor opportunities, but mule deer and the opportunity to hunt mule deer perhaps generates more interest and conversation than any other species in this part of the state. Mule deer are synonymous with the sagebrush steppe and mountain shrub/aspen habitats that dominate southeastern Idaho and are critically important to Idahoans.
Mule deer herds are challenged by hard winters, increasing human development, decreasing habitat quality, improved hunting technology, changing hunter values, and an increased demand for hunting opportunities. As an example, the 2022-2023 winter in southeastern Idaho was one of the most severe on record, resulting in significant population declines for mule deer.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game works diligently with partners to improve and protect mule deer habitats, manage impacts of disease, and mitigate roadkill, movement barriers, or other sources of mortality. Additionally, Idaho Fish and Game is charged with administering hunting opportunities. Despite Idaho experiencing significant changes in recent years, antlered mule deer hunting opportunities in southeastern Idaho largely haven’t changed in the past 15 years.
Recognizing the many challenges facing mule deer, the changing landscape and demands on natural resources in Idaho, and the importance of mule deer hunting to Idahoans, Idaho Fish and Game formed the Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Advisory Committee.
The goals of this committee are:
- Evaluate current hunting opportunities and identify potential new hunting seasons that will be publicly acceptable
- Allow hunters to participate annually
- Create a more desirable buck component of the mule deer population
- Improve the experiences of hunters.
Recommendations developed by the committee will be used in discussions during the 2025-2026 big game season setting process.