RIGGINS, ID – A total of 157 deer have been removed from the Slate Creek area in Unit 14 north of Riggins since February 13 as part of an Idaho Fish & Game project to reduce deer density and minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).
As part of the project, the IDFG has provided special permits to landowners to shoot deer on their property. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services staff, who have experience with similar projects, assisted Fish and Game staff in lethally removing deer on both public and private land where both agencies have permission. Due to these aspects, there will NOT be any public hunting opportunity for this project.
For the operation, methods not typically used for hunting are allowed, including baiting and shooting at night. According to the IDFG, this is a systematic and very coordinated removal of deer with Wildlife Services. In the first week, a total of 157 deer were removed from the area.
“Despite the unfortunate circumstances, things are going very smoothly,” says IDFG Clearwater Regional Supervisor, JJ Teare. “This management effort would not be possible without the cooperation of numerous area landowners and the dedicated work of USDA Wildlife Services and Fish and Game personnel.”
This project is expected to last several more weeks, or until control actions are deemed no longer effective or feasible.
Animals that test negative for CWD will be processed and the meat donated to a local food bank.
