Late winter can be a stressful time for deer and elk with deep snow, limited food options and depleted fat reserves. That’s why Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking shed hunters and other recreationists to give deer and elk their space until the snow melts and the animals are less stressed.
The message is similar in Idaho.
“Right now, deer and elk are just trying to hang on through spring green-up,” Greg Painter, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) wildlife manager, told the Lewiston Tribune. “We see most of our mortality in March, and some animals may be pushed over the edge unintentionally by the very people who want to see them during the fall hunting seasons.”
IDFG maintains that those interested in shed hunting can wait until a later date to do so. Officials also encourage those who spend time on wild landscapes to keep dogs under control and use scopes or binoculars to view wildlife from a distance.
(Photo source: Chase Cork)