McCall and Nampa Subregion hunting Update
McCall Subregion
Elk herds are at or above target numbers in most areas of teh region, except for the middle Fork Zone, where numbers are still low. Wildlife staff checked elk numbers in the Weiser River and Brownlee zones last winter. Both zones had more elk than needed, so hunting seasons were changed. The limit on Weiser River Zone B tags was removed, and more general hunting opportunities were added for Brownlee B tags. New controlled hunts were created for youth and adults in both Brownlee and Weiser River units. Its important too remember that elk in these zones can be hard to hunt because they often go onto private land where hunting isn’t allowed.
Deer
Deer populations in Units 22, 32, and 32A are still recovering from several large fires (Lava, Paddock, and Limepoint) last summer.These fires damaged both summer and winter feeding areas, and likely caused more fawns to die than usual last winter. This is because deer didn’t have enough fat reserves going into winter and found little food. hunters might see fewer young bucks this fall because of the higher fawn death rate.
White-tailed deer numbers are stable or slightly increasing across the region, with the most deer in the northern units, like Units 23 and 24.
Hunters with regular deer tags who are hunting mule deer should remember that youth hunters can only harvest bucks with antlers in Units 23, 31, and 32A.
What hunters should be aware of this fall
The most important thing for deer hunters to know this year is that testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is required for mule deer and white-tailed deer harvested in units 23, 24, and 32A. This is because a mule deer buck tested positive for CWD near the border of Units 23 and 32A in fall 2023.
Units 23, 24, and 32A are not within the CWD Management Zone, so there are no restrictions on moving deer carcasses. Hunters have several ways to submit CWD samples,including check stations,sampling sites,and drop-off locations like freezers and collection barrels.
– Regan Berkley, Regional Wildlife Manager
Nampa subregion
Elk
A population survey in the Boise River Zone in 2021 showed there were more elk cows and bulls than needed. Starting in 2023, the hunting season for the Boise River B Tag began earlier, on October 27. Hunter success rates have stayed about the same as the season was extended.
Both general season and controlled hunt tag holders should…