Winter kill was less than expected for mule deer; elk fared better

90 percent of mule deer does survived the tough winter.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game said Idaho’s mule deer fawn mortality wasn’t as bad as feared but still was the second-lowest winter survival in nearly 20 years.

Despite the harsh conditions last winter with deep snow and frigid temperatures on low-elevation winter range, IDFG said about 30 percent of radio collared fawns and 90 percent of collared does survived.

Elk survival was substantially better with 54 percent of radio collared calves and 96 percent of collared cows making it through winter.

Officials said despite the touch of good news, mule deer hunters will see fewer young bucks in the fall.