Access Regulations in Effect at Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area

The Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) is reminding those who might be suffering from cabin fever and who head out to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tex Creek Wildlife Mangement Area WMA) that despite the mild winter conditions, all motorized access regulations are still in effect. According to Habitat Biologist Shane Roberts, responsible for oversight of Tex Creek WMA, "About 3,000 elk and 3,500 mule deer utilize Tex Creek WMA as their primary winter range. It is important that these animals not be disturbed, incase typical winter conditions resume." In addition to animal disturbance, vehicles that leave designated roads can cause costly damage to habitat and roads. Off road/cross-country, motorized travel is never permitted on the Tex Creek WMA. Meadow Creek Road to Antelope Creek and Pipe Creek Road to Bulls Fork are open to motorized travel year around; all other roads on Tex Creek WMA are closed to motorized travel from Dec 1 to April 15. According to Roberts, "Driving off road, including getting off the side of the road because the road is too muddy, could result in citation and charges for repair of habitat damage." Even on designated routes, roads are often frozen in the early morning but become impassible by mid-morning with the thaw. To learn more about access at Tex Creek WMA visit: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/docs/wma/texCreek.pdf or call 208-525-7290 for more information.