IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Local food banks are getting a protein boost thanks to a collaboration between Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. This initiative is part of a wider effort to protect Idaho’s elk population.
Recently, wildlife officials managed a situation in Game Management Unit 60A. They removed 82 wild mule deer from a high-fenced elk facility to help prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Local hunters had noticed wild deer slipping through gaps in the fencing, raising concerns about the health of the elk.
Wild mule deer cannot be kept in captivity due to legal restrictions, and there’s no reliable way to test live animals for CWD. After exploring various options, Idaho Fish and Game decided that removing the deer was the most responsible choice.
About half of the 82 deer were harvested by public hunters for personal use. The rest are being processed professionally, with costs covered by Idaho Fish and Game and the State Department of Agriculture, and will be donated to local food banks.
This careful management strategy is not just about protecting wildlife; it’s also helping those in need by ensuring they have access to nutritious food. In recent years, food banks across the nation have seen increased demand. According to Feeding America, around 42 million people in the U.S. may experience food insecurity in the coming year.
Efforts like these showcase a proactive approach to balancing wildlife management and community support. For more details on CWD and wildlife management in Idaho, click here.
