Deer Hunters of Idaho, which seeks to improve deer habitat across the state, has opened a new chapter in the Wood River Valley area known as the south central branch.
The group has been in existence in the Boise area for more than 15 years, and wants to expand as deer habitat shrinks. A banquet to attract new members and raise funds to improve deer habitat will be held in Bellevue's city park at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6.
Matt Douthit, chairman of the south central branch, said mule deer used to winter in the lower Wood River Valley but have been forced to move farther south in the face of increasing development.
"We try to build better habitat ... we're not really a hunting club at all," Douthit said. "We're trying to make deer herds bigger and better and we're getting more successful as we go ... it definitely helps out."
Working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the group plants brush favored by deer and installs guzzlers—man-made watering holes—in the desert south of Bellevue.
"We spend most of our money trying to keep them going through the winter," Douthit said, adding that the group also tries to spread awareness about deer migration paths, including the installation of signs on highways. It also has a hunter education trailer that travels around to teach kids about safe hunting practices.
Deer Hunters of Idaho has about 500 members. Douthit said 50 new members have signed up in the Wood River and Magic valley's this year.
For more information, call 720-8322 or 788-7811.
Deer Hunters' banquet
Non-member prices to attend the banquet are $50 for adults, $70 for couples and $20 for kids. Member prices are $25 for adults, $45 for couples and $20 for kids.
The banquet includes dinner, auctions, games and a raffle. Prizes to be given away include 14 guns, a gun safe, four guided hunting trips, log furniture, sculptures, fishing and hunting equipment, and an archery package.
