Fire impact on Tex Creek wildlife unknown

Aerial images indicate the Henry’s Creek fire has had severe impacts on wildlife habitat, but Idaho Fish and Game says it has been difficult for biologists to conduct on-the-ground assessments.

Once the fires have been extinguished, wildlife biologists will be better able to assess the implications of the fire for wildlife.

According to Fish and Game, preliminary estimates suggest as much as 2/3 of the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area hs been impacted. The area provides critical winter habitat.

However, the department said the situation for where big game are located during most of the hunting seasons looks more promising. Unless conditions change substantially, the department does not anticipate the need to close hunts or refund tags.

Elk hunters can exchange tags for a different zone up until the season opens. Hunters wishing to exchange elk zone tags must do so at an Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office on or before August 30, when many elk seasons open.

If conditions warrant, the deprtment said it would consider alterations to season structure or hunt opportunities to address impacts on hunters.