Gates to open two weeks early for motorized vehicles at Portneuf Wildlife Management Area

Three access gates within Idaho Fish and Game’s Portneuf Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will now open May 15 to allow for motorized vehicle travel on Robbers Roost Canyon Road, Bonneville Road, and the main road leading from the Quinn Creek parking area. Previously, these gates would not open until June 1 every year.

“This new opening date now aligns with the opening date used by the Forest Service for gates on the federal land neighboring the WMA,” said Curtis Hendricks, regional habitat manager for Idaho Fish and Game’s Southeast Region. “Consistency in opening dates will help reduce confusion and improve access for motorized travelers who enjoy recreating on both the WMA and adjacent public land.”

When are the gates closed to motorized traffic?

Though the opening date for these three gates on the WMA has moved up, the standard closing dates for these gates remain the same.  The gates providing access to Robbers Roost Canyon and Bonneville Roads will continue to close to motorized travel on Nov. 15.  The gate at the Quinn Creek parking area closes on Nov. 30, allowing extended motorized access for upland game hunters using that area of the WMA.

WMA visitors should also be aware that Robbers Roost Canyon Road is not recommended for travel by full-sized vehicles due to its narrow width and rough conditions. There is a last turnaround point approximately 1.5 miles past the gate.  From there only motorized vehicles 50'' wide or less are allowed to continue.

Why does Idaho Fish and Game close gates to motorized travel on the Portneuf WMA during the winter and spring months?

This nearly 4,000-acre WMA is a key part of a mule deer winter range that wraps around the Portneuf Mountains from Inkom to Lava Hot Springs. The deep draws and brush covered slopes of the WMA provide both forage and security cover for mule deer and other wildlife such as sharp-tailed grouse and turkeys throughout the year, but its general western exposure provides superior habitat in the winter months.

Simply put, reducing disturbance by motorized vehicles helps protect our wintering wildlife seeking refuge at the Portneuf WMA.  In fact, all visitors to the WMA in the winter and spring months should do their part to give wildlife their space.

What kinds of outdoor activities can be enjoyed at the Portneuf WMA?

Big game hunting, upland game hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and even primitive camping can be part of anyone’s outdoor recreation experience at this beautiful WMA.  For more information, including a map of the area, check out https://idfg.idaho.gov/visit/wma/portneuf or give the Southeast Region Fish and Game office a call at 208-232-4703.

Did you know?

During the 1860s, a stagecoach route passed through Portneuf Canyon linking Salt Lake City, Utah and Virginia City, Montana. The stage often carried gold from Montana mines to Salt Lake City banks. The narrow canyon and thick brush provided the perfect setting for stage robberies, and bandits flocked to the area to ambush gold-laden stages. The site’s popularity with men on the wrong side of the law eventually earned it the name “Robbers Roost.”