Recommended Conservation Considerations and Reference Resources for Selected Big Game Species on Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands

This Information Bulletin (IB) and accompanying attachment transmits recommended conservation considerations and reference resources to Idaho BLM field offices involved with the management of bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and pronghorn habitat. Information Bulletin (IB) 2010-039, summarized big game seasonal restrictions and described the process for granting exceptions on BLM lands in Idaho. The accompanying attachment updates that process and provides additional detail and clarifications.

Secretarial Order (SO) 3362, Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridor, issued in 2018, directed Department of the Interior agencies to cooperate with state wildlife agencies in conserving big game habitats and movement corridors on Interior-administered lands. The attachment to this IB provides recommendations that can help Idaho BLM in furthering the intent of the Secretarial Order.

Topics addressed in the attachment include big game seasonal habitat data availability, timing restrictions, waivers and exceptions to timing restrictions, travel management, emergency winter feeding, and habitat management considerations. Citations and links to various species-specific habitat management guidelines and technical references are also provided, including links to Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s SO 3362 Idaho Action Plan and online draft big game seasonal ranges and corridors. These may be helpful for informing Resource Management Planning efforts and project-level National Environmental Policy Act analyses.

For further information or questions, please contact Paul Makela, Wildlife Program Lead at (208) 373-3809, or by email at pmakela@blm.gov.