Idaho Elk Problems Not Widespread

Idaho’s elk problems are not widespread, despite recent reports that declines in the Clearwater Region suggested that herds within the entire state had diminished.

According to the Idaho Fish and Game Department, statewide elk numbers are near record highs. Elk have expanded about 250 percent over the past 30 years, from about 33,000 in the 1960s to more than 115,000, department figures show.

In the seven years since adoption of the current elk management plan, herd size has increased in general hunt areas by 12 percent. The percentage of six-point bulls in the annual harvest has gone from 18 percent to 23 percent, and the percentage of five-point bulls has gone from 43 percent to 51 percent.

Fish and Game director Steve Mealey recently announced results of a department-conducted aerial survey of Unit 10 in the northern Clearwater Region that showed a dramatic drop in elk numbers from the 1994 count. There was a decrease of 48 percent from 1994, with a 71 percent decline in bulls and a 76 percent decrease in calves.

The department did not have sufficient funds to survey Unit 12, but biologists assume that herds suffered there, as well, from the harsh winter of 1996-97.

Department officials said they would respond to the isolated problem by eliminating cow elk hunts in Units 10 and 12 and by dropping spike elk hunting from the A tag in those units. Also, there will be B tags for archery.

Habitat is the basic problem in the affected units, Mealey said. Elk numbers boomed in those units after catastrophic forest fires replaced timber with brush early in this century. Now, trees have replaced most of the brush, limiting the amount of available forage.

Mealey said the northern Clearwater elk decline is unique within the state, and he said that herd expansion has been particularly impressive south of the Salmon River, where the winter of 1996-97 had no impact.

He expects this year’s mild winter will favor herd expansion.

Big-game decisions on tap

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will establish big-game seasons and permit levels when it meets March 5-6 in Idaho Falls.

Seasons and permits will be set for deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bear and mountain lion hunts.

Commissioners will also consider landowners preference permits, rules for hound hunters and department budgets.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on March 4 from 7:30-9 p.m., followed by an open house. All sessions will be held at Cavanaughs at the Falls, 475 River Parkway.

NRA benefit

A “Friends of the NRA” banquet is scheduled for Spokane on March 14 to raise money for hunter education and other firearms safety programs.

The banquet and auction will be sponsored by area National Rifle Association members at the Doubletree Inn at Interstate 90 and Sullivan Road. Tickets cost $25. Call 536-3834.

, DataTimes