Pocatello, Idaho – Members of the Southeast Region Winter Feeding Advisory Committee gathered on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region Office to evaluate winter conditions and observations concerning big game animals in the region. The meeting focused on key factors such as animal movements, depredations, roadway activity, body conditions, and mortalities, providing critical input to guide Idaho Fish and Game’s wildlife conservation strategies during harsh winter periods.
The Winter Feeding Advisory Committees, including the one in the Southeast Region, play a vital role in Idaho’s approach to managing wildlife during severe weather. Established in the 1990s and approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, these committees consist of five local citizen volunteers per region. They monitor local weather patterns, wildlife distribution, and landscape conditions independently, acting as community liaisons and regular communicators with Fish and Game staff. Their recommendations help inform decisions on emergency winter feeding for big game, particularly in regions like Southwest, Magic Valley, Southeast, Upper Snake, and Salmon where such interventions have historically been necessary.
Determining the need for winter feeding involves assessing multiple environmental and biological indicators. These include snow depth, subzero daytime temperatures, crusted snow surfaces that hinder foraging, the physical condition of animals, population numbers on winter ranges, overall range conditions, and the projected duration of harsh weather. Often, a combination of these factors signals an emergency. Feeding efforts may also address safety concerns, such as luring animals away from highways or railroads, or mitigate property damage from depredations on crops or livestock when other measures like fencing, hazing, or emergency hunts prove insufficient. Final authority rests with each regional supervisor, guided by the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act.
During the February 17 meeting, chaired by David Priestley, the agenda covered welcomes from Jennifer Jackson of Idaho Fish and Game, approval of prior meeting notes, regional round-up reports from committee members and staff on observations and concerns, updates from staff on recent field monitoring and surveys, and discussions on other items before adjourning until the next winter season in 2026/2027. While public attendance was welcome in person at 1345 Barton Road, Pocatello, or via call-in at 208-236-1280, official rules prohibited public comments or questions during the session. Interested individuals were encouraged to contact committee members or Fish and Game staff beforehand through phone, email, or text.
This structured process underscores Idaho Fish and Game’s commitment to collaborative, science-informed management of outdoor resources. By involving local volunteers, the department ensures that decisions reflect on-the-ground realities faced by big game populations, such as elk and deer, during prolonged winters. The Southeast Region committee’s input is particularly valuable given the area’s diverse terrain and variable snow accumulations, which can isolate herds and exacerbate nutritional stress.
One concrete example of the committee’s influence is its focus on preventing significant losses of adult reproductive females, which are crucial for herd sustainability. In addition to the five-member structure—a key operational statistic—the committees exemplify Idaho’s proactive stance on balancing human activities with habitat preservation and species health. Public engagement outside meetings fosters broader community involvement in conservation efforts.
For ongoing details on winter feeding protocols and committee activities, resources are available through Idaho Fish and Game channels. These advisory bodies continue to adapt to annual winter challenges, supporting sustainable hunting and viewing opportunities year-round.
For more information, visit Idaho Fish and Game.