Early (pre-rut) seasons: 



Idaho: 



In 1988, Idaho conducted a survey to determine deer hunter preferences. The survey 

 determined there were very few "meat" hunters and also few "trophy" hunters. The majority 

 of hunters hunted for the hunting experience, such as, being with friends at a hunting camp 

 and not running into other hunters. They wanted a chance to get an older buck and they 

 wanted older bucks in the population. Harvest information indicated the percent of bucks 

 with four or more points in the harvest increased from 22% the first week of the season 

 (Oct. 18-25) to 39% the last week (Nov. 6-15). The harvest of older mule deer bucks 

 increased significantly in November. 



As a result of these findings, Idaho implemented an earlier deer season in 1991, beginning 

 October 5 and ending October 29. The elk season began later on October 15 and ended 

 November 8. A cap of 100,000 elk license was also imposed. The purpose of the season 

 structure was to remove the hunting season on deer from the rut to allow more bucks to 

 survive the hunting season resulting in more older bucks in the population. 



Initially, post-season buck/doe ratios increased, however, hunters have become more 

 successful in recent years, reducing the benefits initially observed. (Lonn Kuck, Idaho Fish 

 and Game, pers. comm.). 



Wyoming: 



Wyoming's mule deer season begins October 1 and ends about October 25. Buck/doe ratios 

 ranging from a minimum of 15/100 to 45/100 have been established as management 

 objectives. Observed buck/doe ratios have been within the management objectives established 

 during most years. 



Information from post-season aerial classification surveys in the Wyoming Range Deer Herd 

 Unit (Region G) shows mamre bucks representing 50-86% of the buck component from 

 1988-1994. Buck/doe ratios have ranged from 30/100 to 50/100 for the same period. 



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