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Contact Information
| State/Province: | Idaho |
| Contact Person: | Brad Compton |
| Address: | Idaho
Department of Fish and Game PO Box 25 Boise, ID 83707 |
| Hunter Harvest Data | 1970 | 1985 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 |
| Total Mule Deer Harvest | NA | 36,260 | 18,925 | 25,700 | 32,300 |
| Antlered Mule Deer Harvest (Rifle) | NA | 25,800 | 14,800 | 19,300 | 20,900 |
| Antlerless Mule Deer Harvest (Rifle) | NA | 8,900 | 2,900 | 3,400 | 9,650 |
| Antlered Mule Deer Harvest (Archery) | with rifle |
575 | 625 | 500 | 900 |
| Antlerless Mule Deer Harvest (Archery) | with rifle |
375 | 450 | 500 | 600 |
| Antlered Mule Deer Harvest (Muzzleloader) | no season | 110 | 150 | 450 | 400 |
| Antlerless Mule Deer Harvest (Muzzleloader) | no season | 500 | no season | 100 | 200 |
| Total Deer Hunters (Rifle) | 167,900 | 130,000 | 139,800 | NA | 138,100 |
| Total Deer-Hunter Days (Rifle) | NA | 521,600 | 547,000 | NA | 647,000 |
| Total Deer Hunters (Archery) | with rifle | 9,800 | 15,700 | NA | 13,300 |
| Total Deer-Hunter Days (Archery) | with rifle | 65,200 | 107,100 | NA | 93,200 |
| Total Deer Hunters (Muzzleloader) | NA | 500 | 250 | NA | 2,650 |
| Total Deer-Hunter Days (Muzzleloader) | NA | 2100 | 800 | NA | 11,750 |
Fees and Limits
| Resident License Fees: | License ($12.75) + Tag ($19.75) = $32.50 |
| Non-resident License Fees: | License ($141.50) + Tag($258.50) = $400.00 |
| %
of state in public lands: (USFS, BLM, USFWS, IDFG) |
~ 67% |
| Season Bag Limit: | Typically 1, in many cases individuals can buy an additional tag. |
| Definition of a Legal Animal: | Varies by Unit, See Regulations |
| Common Opening Day: | Varies
by Unit! Archery - August 30 Muzzleloader - November 10 Any Weapon - October 10. |
| Common Season Dates: |
Varies
by Unit! |
| Mule
deer Population Statistics |
1970
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1985
|
1995
|
2000
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2005
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| Total population | NA | NA | NA | NA | 300,000 |
| Mean buck ratio/100 does | NA | NA | NA | NA | 21 |
| Range buck ratio/100 does | 5-40 | 5-40 | 5-40 | 5-40 | 9-40 |
| Mean fawn ratio/100 does | NA | NA | NA | NA | 61 |
| Range fawn ratio/100 does | 50-100 | 50-100 | 50-80 | 50-100 | 45-83 |
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Black-tailed
deer do not occur in Idaho.
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Mule deer populations are found throughout the state, but are concentrated south of the Salmon River. Populations have generally been increasing since the early 1990's. Mule deer populations in central, southwest, and southcentral Idaho have increased the most during the past decade Mule deer hunters in 2005 enjoyed one of their best seasons in over a decade. Hunters harvested over 32,000 mule deer with an overall success rate of 33% (35% rifle, 17% archery, 31% muzzleloader). Antler point composition in 2005 was 29% 4-pt+ and 16% 5-pt+. Idaho offers several areas in the state with either-sex youth general hunting opportunity. Additionally, nonresident youth can hunt Idaho for the same cost as a resident youth when accompanied by a licensed mentor. Idaho currently monitors 380 adults and 240 fawns to estimate over-winter survival. Mortality varied spatially during the 2005-2006 winter, ranging from 0.0 - 38% in adults and 28 - 96% in fawns. The Department recently launched the Mule Deer Initiative (MDI). MDI is a focused and integrated effort to improve mule deer habitat, mule deer populations, and mule deer hunter satisfaction. All aspects of mule deer management including habitat management, population management, predator management, enforcement, access management, and public involvement are being addressed. Improving habitat on private lands is a key focus of the initiative. For more information about MDI and mule deer management in Idaho, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/MDI/. |
