February 2011

The winter of 2010-2011 brought fairly mild temperatures, and a good deal of snowfall, but not a large amount at one time as we have experienced in years past. Idaho Fish and Game has been feeding deer and elk since December in many areas due to problems with animals near roadways and some local areas with heavy snowfall. Unless we experience a prolonged winter, We do not expect to have a large winter kill problem, although even then, 30-50% fawn mortality is the norm. 

A researcher with Idaho State University, Jesse Thiel, is conducting a study of mule deer doe browse habits to try to determine if available feed supplies have an effect on fawn survival. Take a look at the latest SEIMDF newsletter to see an article Jesse has written for us describing her study.  As a part of her study, she is capturing newborn, or neonate, fawns and reports every doe she observed had twins this spring. If they make it past the predators, hunters, and winter, to next spring, we could see a substantial increase in the huntable mule deer population.  During her study, she took a number of pictures of the study area and neonate fawns.  Here are some of those photos.

Highway Mortality

One of the factors affecting wildlife in Idaho is the increasing incidence of highway mortality.  Here is a clipping from the Idaho State Journal on March 17, 2009 describing the scope of the problem:

The SEIMDF, along with Sportsmen For Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Transportation Department, are working on a project to fence Interstate 15 from Inkom to near Century High School south of Pocatello to minimize wildlife/vehicle conflict. We are also funding the repair of the existing wildlife fencing along Highway 30 over Fish Creek Pass east of Lava Hot Springs. Both of these are difficult, expensive projects that are taking more time and money to complete than anticipated, but should make a substantial difference in mule deer survival in these areas.

Check back.  We will post more information on the status of the herd at it becomes available.

 

Rick Cheatum

 

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