Elk and deer numbers in decline

BOISE -- A lack of wild game in Idaho’s mountains and forests has forced many hunters to return home from their annual trips empty handed.

It's a situation that is frustrating hunters and those who butcher the meat from their kill.

Hunting is a very popular past time in our state, but a shortage in deer and elk is changing that this year -- and it's hurting other people's bottom line.

"It's been really good and it's been a good money maker for us, but this year is where we are down a lot," said Robert Rand.

Robert Rand is the owner of Meats Royale in Boise, a hometown butcher shop that depends on local customers to bring in business.

Forty percent of Rand's profits come from wild game, but this year he says that's been cut in half.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued 150,000 hunting licenses this season, but there are not enough animals for everyone.

The lack of deer is being blamed on a hard winter last year. There was too much snow and many animals didn't survive.

Additionally, there are less elk this year because of wolf predation.

"For lots of people that harvest is pretty important, and so when you don't accomplish that it can be pretty frustrating for all of us. For others there's reasons other than getting animals, it maybe more important for them to spent time with friends and family," said B rad Compton, Idaho Fish and Game.

Fish and Game doesn't know what to expect for next year -- elk herds take time to replenish.

Deer herds, on the other hand, flourish much more quickly.

Fish and Game is asking hunters who have not turned in their reports on the season this year to do so quickly.

The more reports that office gets in, the more accurate its hunting season numbers will be.