DALY CREEK Habitat Management Area Youth Hunts Update

February 2021

DALY CREEK

Habitat Management Area 2020 Youth Hunts Results

Most of the Daly Creek Habitat Management Area (DCHMA) was open for youths to hunt deer, elk, upland birds, cougar, and bear at various times during the fall. Program details are available on the Idaho Power Daly Creek Youth Hunt website.

There were 53 access permits available in 2020. A total of 69 individuals applied, and 42 permits were issued to 37 separate youths determined by random draw. Some hunters obtained permits for multiple hunts. Youths obtaining permits for deer or elk were also allowed to hunt for cougar and bear during their hunt if they had the proper big-game tag. Not all youths issued permits hunted on DCHMA. Some hunted on other lands in the Lookout Mountain unit. Most of those who hunted on the DCHMA reported seeing game and had a quality hunting experience.

Type of Permit

Access Dates

One Buck Deer Archery 164 Buck Rifle One Elk Archery 264X One Elk 264Y One Elk 264A1 Antlerless Elk 264A2 Antlerless Elk Early 264T Antlerless Elk Late 264T Antlerless Elk Upland Bird Cougar Bear

Aug. 29?Sept. 27

Oct. 3?14 Aug. 29?Sept. 27 Oct. 28?Nov. 1 Nov. 7?15 Oct. 17?23 and Nov. 15?30

Dec. 26?Jan. 31 Aug. 1?23 Nov. 16?Dec. 31 Oct. 16?19, Nov. 25?30, Dec. 18?Jan. 4 While hunting deer and elk While hunting deer and elk

Number of Applicants

7 11 9 17 13

4 3 7 9 17 N/A

N/A

Access Permits Available Harvest

3

3 6 3

3

5 8 4 8 5 (10 with adult) Up to 40 Up to 40

0 2 1 bull 3 bulls 2 bulls 3 1 3 7 18 0

0

Deer Hunting--Seven youths applied for three access permits during the general bow season. Three youths hunted DCHMA, and were unsuccessful. There were 11 applications for three access permits for the Rifle Deer Season, up from two the previous year. Three youths hunted on the DCHMA; two harvested mature 4x4 bucks on the DCHMA and one harvested a mature 4x4 buck on adjacent public land.

Elk Hunting--Nine youths applied for six access permits during the general bow season. All six hunters hunted on the DCHMA. One hunter harvested a 6x7 bull elk. Seven youths applied for four Early 264T access permits. Three of the four hunters harvested an antlerless elk on Daly Creek. Seventeen youths applied for three permits during the first rifle season (264X). Three youths hunted on the DCHMA and harvested bulls -- two 6x6's and one 5x5. Thirteen youths applied for three permits during the second rifle season (264Y). All three access permit holders hunted on the DCHMA and harvested one 5x5 and one 5x6. Four youths applied for the five antlerless elk hunt access permits for Hunt 264A1. Four youth hunted and three harvested antlerless elk. Three youths applied for the second season antlerless season (265A2). Out of the three hunters, only one hunted and successfully harvested an antlerless elk. Nine youths applied for eight entry permits for the Late 264T hunt. Seven of the eight youths hunted on the DCHMA, and all harvested antlerless elk.

Upland Bird Hunting--Two youth hunters and associated adults participated in the upland game bird hunting program on DCHMA. Both hunted two days and harvested 10 quail, three chukar, four Hungarian partridge and one pheasant.

Cougar and Bear Hunting--Historic hunter surveys found that most youth hunters possessed a cougar or bear tag and would take the opportunity to harvest one during their elk or deer hunt. Although one bear and one cougar were sighted by youth hunters in 2020, none were harvested.

2020 Observations

The youth hunts appeared to go well in 2020.

? Elk were present and their numbers were consistent throughout all seasons.

? Most youths participating in 2020 hunts saw game, many had opportunities to harvest game and all had a good or excellent experience, according to information gathered from the hunting groups.

? Rather than competing with concurrent Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seasons, access permits were staggered so generally only one type of hunting occurred on the DCHMA at a time. Spacing out the hunts over the year allowed for a higher-quality hunting experience.

? The random draws were conducted at the Hitching Post Grocery in Richland, Oregon, and were live-streamed on the Hitching Post's Facebook page.

Changes for 2021

? Archery Deer is now a controlled hunt in the Lookout Mountain Unit. The Hunt Number is 164R and it must be applied for and successfully drawn before applying for access for that hunt.

? Drawings for access permits will be at 2 p.m. Pacific Time (3 p.m. Mountain Time) on July 7 and August 4, respectively, at the Hitching Post Grocery Store in Richland, Oregon, and live-streamed on the Hitching Post's Facebook page.

? "Upland Game Bird Hunting Access" is now called "Game Bird Hunting Access" to allow waterfowl harvest by properly licensed youth.

Future Plans

After a new license is received from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Hells Canyon Complex, Idaho Power staff expects to develop a public-access program for DCHMA in consultation with agencies and the public as directed by FERC. Information gained during these youth hunts will assist in developing the program.

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