Reinstate antlerless mule deer hunting opportunity in GMUs 58, 59, and 59A (Medicine Lodge and Birch Creek)
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 2026, IDFG staff surveyed the Mountain Valley deer population and documented a 35% increase in abundance for this population over the previous survey (2016). Additionally, antlered harvest in this area has now exceeded 2015 levels (a recent peak when hunting was excellent and antlerless harvest was occurring). Recent severe winters did not impact the deer populations in the northern part of the region to the same extent as they did the more southern populations.
Similar to the Island Park population, IDFG staff have concerns about productivity, habitat damage, and increased likelihood for disease transmission as populations reach higher densities. Changes have not been made to deer hunting opportunities in GMUs 58, 59, and 59A since antlerless harvest was removed from the herd in 2021.
Options for additional opportunity
Mule deer abundance in part of the Mountain Valley DAU (GMUs 58, 59, and 59A) has increased steadily in recent years, and the data suggest there is room to provide additional antlerless opportunity.
What is your preference 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 2026, IDFG staff surveyed the Mountain Valley deer population and documented a 35% increase in abundance for this population over the previous survey (2016). Additionally, antlered harvest in this area has now exceeded 2015 levels (a recent peak when hunting was excellent and antlerless harvest was occurring). Recent severe winters did not impact the deer populations in the northern part of the region to the same extent as they did the more southern populations.
Similar to the Island Park population, IDFG staff have concerns about productivity, habitat damage, and increased likelihood for disease transmission as populations reach higher densities. Changes have not been made to deer hunting opportunities in GMUs 58, 59, and 59A since antlerless harvest was removed from the herd in 2021.
Options for additional opportunity
Mule deer abundance in part of the Mountain Valley DAU (GMUs 58, 59, and 59A) has increased steadily in recent years, and the data suggest there is room to provide additional antlerless opportunity.
What is your preference 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.