With the hunting season upon us, you may be wondering how wildfires are affecting herds.
In general, scientific studies have concluded that wildlife respond and adapt to fires. They also indicate that fire does not negatively impact wildlife populations and, many times, ends up providing them with a fresh source of nutrients in the long run.
In fact, wildlife managers have been using fire since the 1930s to improve habitat conditions.
While individual deaths are certainly possible, experts say the overall impact on populations as a whole is typically minimal.
"Wildlife may flee in an area that's not healthy for them at the moment," said Kat Kirby, National Interagency Fire Center information officer. "They're going to come back that next season once that area starts to revegetate."
Tags can be purchased at any Idaho Fish and Game office.
