Increase mule deer hunting harvest in GMUs 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A (Island Park DAU)
This winter, Idaho Fish and Game will begin the process of proposing changes for the 2027 and 2028 hunting seasons. IDFG is already aware of the need to increase harvest in some areas due to growing wildlife populations that exceed management objectives and can provide more hunting opportunity. In these areas, the department is asking hunters to share their thoughts on potential hunting options before the official season-setting public comment period begins in early 2027.
Review the information and hunt options below and provide your feedback by August 31, 2026.
Overview
In January 2025, IDFG staff surveyed the Island Park deer population and documented more deer than any previous survey. We counted ~7,000 mule deer in GMU 60A alone (Sand Creek Desert) and also documented very high buck-to-doe ratios during herd composition surveys. During the 2025 season, hunters harvested 972 antlered mule deer from the portion of this population that winters on the Sand Creek Desert, which is the highest harvest on record and 42% higher than in 2015.
Idaho’s current Mule Deer Management Plan uses historical data to suggest that the mule deer population in the Island Park data analysis unit (DAU) is most productive when 4,500-6,000 mule deer are on the landscape. In addition to these concerns about productivity and habitat damage, high densities and high buck:doe ratios increase susceptibility to CWD. This is particularly concerning for this population due to its migratory connection with Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, where CWD has been documented. Additionally, deer numbers fluctuate through time and severe conditions will negatively impact this population at some point. Now is an excellent time to offer additional opportunity.
Recent Hunt Modifications
During the 2025 season setting process, we implemented the following changes to offer additional opportunity to hunt mule deer and increase the harvest in the Island Park data analysis unit (DAU); however, there is still a need for additional harvest.
Increased tags on the either-sex controlled hunt from 125 to 300.
Increased tags on the youth-only either-sex hunt from 200 to 250.
Reinstate an antlerless-only controlled hunt with 300 tags.
Options for Additional Antlered Opportunity
Mule deer abundance in the Island Park DAU (GMUs 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A) has increased dramatically. IDFG staff are concerned about the long-term impact of this increase and believe that providing additional harvest opportunity is necessary.
What is your preference for how additional antlered hunting opportunity should be offered for this population?
Expand opportunity in the late-November antlered deer controlled hunt.
Expand either-sex controlled hunt opportunity.
Extend the general deer season dates through October 31st.
Create an antlered-only unlimited controlled hunt (first choice only) for this deer herd for October 10-31. This would correspond with a season date change for the either sex hunt.
Add additional opportunity using alternative weapons hunts (muzzleloader, scopeless rifles, or short range weapons).
Shift the start date of general archery season from August 30 up to August 15.
Options for Additional Antlerless Opportunity
Mule Deer abundance in the Island Park DAU (GMUs 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A) has increased dramatically over the past several years. IDFG is concerned about the long-term impact this will have on habitat and believes that providing additional antlerless opportunity is necessary. Listed below are options for additional opportunity.
What would your preference be for how additional antlerless mule deer opportunity should be offered for this population?
Add youth-only antlerless general season opportunity
View the proposed hunt options below and provide any additional thoughts in the comment box. Comments are most helpful when they are specific and detailed.
After the input period closes, staff will compile and review the feedback as one of several factors considered during the season-setting process. While public input is an important part of that process, final hunting season recommendations will also consider biological, social, and management objectives. All preliminary season proposals will be available for public input next February.
For questions or to provide additional comments, please contact Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional office at (208) 525-7290 and reference the wildlife scoping process.
This winter, Idaho Fish and Game will begin the process of proposing changes for the 2027 and 2028 hunting seasons. IDFG is already aware of the need to increase harvest in some areas due to growing wildlife populations that exceed management objectives and can provide more hunting opportunity. In these areas, the department is asking hunters to share their thoughts on potential hunting options before the official season-setting public comment period begins in early 2027.
Review the information and hunt options below and provide your feedback by August 31, 2026.
Overview
In January 2025, IDFG staff surveyed the Island Park deer population and documented more deer than any previous survey. We counted ~7,000 mule deer in GMU 60A alone (Sand Creek Desert) and also documented very high buck-to-doe ratios during herd composition surveys. During the 2025 season, hunters harvested 972 antlered mule deer from the portion of this population that winters on the Sand Creek Desert, which is the highest harvest on record and 42% higher than in 2015.
Idaho’s current Mule Deer Management Plan uses historical data to suggest that the mule deer population in the Island Park data analysis unit (DAU) is most productive when 4,500-6,000 mule deer are on the landscape. In addition to these concerns about productivity and habitat damage, high densities and high buck:doe ratios increase susceptibility to CWD. This is particularly concerning for this population due to its migratory connection with Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, where CWD has been documented. Additionally, deer numbers fluctuate through time and severe conditions will negatively impact this population at some point. Now is an excellent time to offer additional opportunity.
Recent Hunt Modifications
During the 2025 season setting process, we implemented the following changes to offer additional opportunity to hunt mule deer and increase the harvest in the Island Park data analysis unit (DAU); however, there is still a need for additional harvest.
Options for Additional Antlered Opportunity
Mule deer abundance in the Island Park DAU (GMUs 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A) has increased dramatically. IDFG staff are concerned about the long-term impact of this increase and believe that providing additional harvest opportunity is necessary.
What is your preference for how additional antlered hunting opportunity should be offered for this population?
Options for Additional Antlerless Opportunity
Mule Deer abundance in the Island Park DAU (GMUs 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A) has increased dramatically over the past several years. IDFG is concerned about the long-term impact this will have on habitat and believes that providing additional antlerless opportunity is necessary. Listed below are options for additional opportunity.
What would your preference be for how additional antlerless mule deer opportunity should be offered for this population?
How to provide feedback
View the proposed hunt options below and provide any additional thoughts in the comment box. Comments are most helpful when they are specific and detailed.
After the input period closes, staff will compile and review the feedback as one of several factors considered during the season-setting process. While public input is an important part of that process, final hunting season recommendations will also consider biological, social, and management objectives. All preliminary season proposals will be available for public input next February.
For questions or to provide additional comments, please contact Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional office at (208) 525-7290 and reference the wildlife scoping process.