Elk, Deer Forage After Rainy Thaw

Last week’s rainy thaw exposed plenty of food for deer and elk on many of southern Idaho’s major winter ranges, biologists say.

Idaho Fish and Game Department workers and the department’s citizen advisory committee on winter feeding toured winter range from Pocatello to the Utah border in Bear Lake County on Saturday.

Fish and Game’s regional director Dexter Pitman said much snow had melted away even on higher winter valley ranges in the Georgetown and Montpelier areas.

They had the greatest early-season snowpack, where biologists were most concerned they might need to start supplemental feeding.

The thaw opened up previously buried browse for deer and forage for elk, allowing the animals to move and feed on higher ground.

“Of course, future snow will mean we’ll have to continue to keep tabs on things.”

Part of biologists’ strategy to minimize winter mortality is to keep deer and elk dispersed and feeding on natural food for as long as possible. It is typically more nutritious than supplemental pellets or hay, and also reduces spread of disease.

Pitman asked residents to alert his agency if they see skinny animals or herds concentrating in areas where vegetation is running out.