Idaho: Booming Elk Population = More Tags?

If you commented/voted on the 2025 elk proposals for the Brownlee and Weiser River Zones, you might have noticed something.  There were new/more tags being proposed in those zones.  This was a pleasing sight when I cast my vote for the proposal.  It came as no surprise to me when IDFG announced that they had conducted two elk surveys in that area and showed an increase in the elk population.  

Both the Brownlee and Weiser River Zones are covered in patchy public land surrounded by private land.  This can be challenging to manage the take in those zones because of the wildlife conflict with agriculture in that area.  Each zone has both migratory and local populations of elk.  Elk will also get pushed to the safety of private land during the hunting season.  This can cause issues with meeting the take requirements in these zones and keep conflicts at a minimum.  

During the recent survey, IDFG produced an estimated 1,852 cows and 608 bulls in the Brownlee zone.  The current objective for that zone is 550-850 cows and 150-200 bulls.  In the Weiser River zone, IDFG estimated nearly 7,900 cows and 1,835 bulls.  The objectives for the Weiser River zone are currently 3,300-5,000 cows and 670-1,000 bulls.  

This uptick in population is why we saw the recent proposals for additional tags in those zones.  Along with adding additional controlled hunts in those zones, IDFG proposed removing the cap on the tags for the Weiser River Zone.  This is a good thing for all hunters.  While some zones aren’t doing as well as these two, the fact that IDFG is increasing tags is a good sign for all.  The proposed increase to the tags (along with the other big game hunting proposals) are not final yet but should be soon.  

Along with the above-mentioned proposal, IDFG is also increasing the opportunity for hunters to take a mountain lion.  Currently in most units, mountain lion season ends just before Spring bear season.  For me this was always a point of contention because on two occasions, I could have taken a shot at a mountain lion while glassing for spring bears.  With a new proposal for mountain lions, the season would be open year round, Statewide.  This will undoubtedly increase the number of cats that are taken off the landscape.  With fewer cats we will help both the deer and elk populations.  

The Secrets Of How To Hunt Out West! | Eastmans’ Journal Podcast Ep #68

In episode #68 of the Eastmans’ Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman interviews Scott Reekers, the lead of Hunting Research here at Eastmans’. They discuss the current state of Western hunting, addressing issues such as drought conditions, draw odds, and the legislative agendas in states like Colorado.