Idaho forecasts a winning season for area hunters and anglers
Although stay-at-home orders had many wondering about the food supply, those who looked to the outdoors to stock their pantry were on the leading edge of a national trend towards HUNTING and FISHING, reports Game & Fish magazine. And in Idaho, which is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts, the state’s Department of Fish and Game reports a tremendous surge in license purchases. That’s good news for hunters and conservationists alike — state licensing fees directly support conservation efforts. Also good news: A mostly favorable game forecast for the coming season.
In Idaho, hunting opportunities are both diverse and abundant. Big game includes moose, sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer and even pronghorn. Bird hunting ranges from upland pheasants and turkeys to migratory species like duck, goose and swan.
This year, Idaho Department of Fish and Game is reporting a potentially good season for deer and elk. Mild winters have enabled mule deer to rebound from a prior low, and preliminary fawn survival data is promising. In addition, IDFG is forecasting an increase in the presence of young bucks. Similarly, whitetail deer continue to hold steady as a viable target for hunters — the panhandle region was the top whitetail deer producer last year — and the annual harvest is expected to be as good as in prior years.
Elk hunters fared well in Idaho last year and IDFG expects that trend to continue. Adult cow and calf survival rates are strong, and current monitoring suggests that the population may well provide just as good a return as 2019 when more than 20,000 elk were taken.
October and November means continued bird hunting in Idaho, which looks to be about as good as in prior years according to IDFG. A dry summer has many birds concentrated around reliable water sources, with a stronger forecast for forest grouse and about average for quail and partridge. Pheasant hunters may expect a boost from the state’s restocking program, which will impact availability in the Coeur d’Alene River region.
Migratory bird hunters have many options, including swans on a limited basis, as well as ducks, Canada geese and sandhill crane.
In addition to hunting, fishing offers a wealth of options throughout North Idaho for lake, river and tributary exploration. The panhandle is home to a plethora of species, from bass and bull trout to kokanee and tiger muskie.
Visit Idaho Fish and Game (idfg.idaho.gov/region/panhandle) for more information, including licensing, and the state’s popular programs for youth education and disabled veterans.
October Saturdays at Silverwood
THROUGH OCTOBER 24
Enjoy a day riding your favorite Silverwood attractions during the fall season. All kids 12 and under, dress in your favorite Halloween costume and trick or treat inside our retail locations. Admission $40 (ages 8-64) and $23 (ages 3-7 and 65+) at the front gate. SAVE more when you purchase your tickets at silverwoodthemepark.com. An October Saturday ticket also allows for admission into the Silverwood Afterparty.
Silverwood Afterparty
THROUGH OCTOBER 24
After 6 pm on Saturdays in October, Silverwood transforms into the Silverwood Afterparty. Come out to the park and ride your favorite rides, including Timber Terror Backwards, in the dark! Also, your favorite funhouse, Dr. Delirium’s Rockhouse, will open with party music blaring over the park speakers. Admission $35 (ages 8-64) and $21 (ages 3-7 and 65+) at the front gate. SAVE more when you purchase your tickets online.
Flow Into Fall
OCTOBER 11-12
Fall into the season of spooky stories with a spine-tingling yoga experience sure to move your mind and body into relaxing balance. This Coeur d’Alene Resort Live Well retreat features an overnight stay in a resort lake tower room, kombucha check-in, a 50-minute spa appointment of your choice, and a spooky nighttime yoga class. Details at cda4.fun.
