Wildlife Closures Still in Effect Despite Spring-like Weather

ST. ANTHONY - Temperatures are edging into the fifties and snow is rapidly disappearing from the lowlands, but the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) would like to remind everyone that all provisions of the Egin-Hamer Area Closure remain in effect, as well as travel restrictions at Department managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) such as Tex Creek & Sand Creek WMAs. Deer and elk are moving into a critical phase as they exit winter and prepare to give birth to their young. Any unnecessary disturbances could cause them to deplete vital stored resources and impact reproduction. Natural resource managers at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and IDFG have tried to guarantee that wintering big games herds remained protected as long as possible and are maintaining the original closure dates as they relate to the Egin-Hamer closure and St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The southern portion of the closure will open to humans at sunrise on April 1st, as scheduled. The area north of the road surrounding the dunes remains closed until sunrise on May 1st. Maps of the closure are available at the regional IDFG and BLM Offices in Idaho Falls. The closure is patrolled not only by law enforcement officers from BLM and IDFG, but also the Fremont County Sheriff's Department. Department staff are allowed as part of their administrative duties to enter the closure to carry out enforcement activities. Department personnel and volunteers will be entering to observe sage grouse performing courtship displays on their mating leks. Survey crews under the direction of the BLM may also be observed entering the closure. At Tex Creek WMA it is important that users follow posted regulations and be aware of the fact that frozen roads may be passable in the morning, but become very unstable as the day heats up. Not only can vehicles risk becoming stuck, but they can also do a great deal of damage to the roadway. Road closures at Tex Creek WMA remain in effect until April 15 and off-route travel is always prohibited and subject to fines and restitution for habitat destroyed by illegal activities.