Hunters and trappers should expect low water levels this year on portions of Boundary-Smith Creek WMA in North Idaho

Hunter and trappers planning this year to visit the Boundary-Smith Creek Wildlife Management Area, located north of Bonners Ferry, should know that the northernmost large wetland along Westside Road, known as wetland cell 3, will not have water in it during the 2023-24 hunting and trapping seasons. Water that would have been used in cell 3 will be diverted into the wetlands in the northwest corner of the WMA, known as wetland cells 1 and 2.

Water levels on Boundary-Smith Creek WMA are managed by a series of water control structures, which allows Idaho Fish and Game to raise and lower water levels as needed for waterfowl habitat, wetland health and to provide hunting and trapping opportunities. 

The water control infrastructure on the WMA has been aging over the past 20 years, and it is beginning to fail. Folks who have visited the WMA over the past few years have likely noticed the lower-than-normal water levels in wetland cell 3, due almost exclusively to leaky water control structures. 

Fish and Game has been working with the USDA Natural Resource and Conservation Service to replace the failing structures; last winter, four water control structures were replaced. Fully functioning water control structures throughout the WMA will result in better habitat for waterfowl and furbearers, while providing better opportunities for sportsmen and women.

During summer 2023, Idaho Fish and Game began preparing cell 3 for water control structure replacement to take place during winter 2023-24. With the drawdown, Fish and Game staff have worked to improve habitat in the wetland cell by removing cattails, aerating the soil and seeding desirable waterfowl food plants. Water levels in cell 3 will remain drawn down until the structures are replaced. 

During summers 2021-22 Fish and Game staff conducted vegetation and moist soils work in cells 1 and 2 by conducting cattail removal/thinning and soil aeration. These areas have since been reflooded and have shown an excellent response with a variety of beneficial plants that waterfowl need to grow and prepare for migration. 

Remember to show up early to scout for your hunt as the areas cells 1 and 2 occupy are large and there are plenty of places to set up if you don’t mind walking a bit. The outlook for the early season hunt looks good and should be productive for waterfowl hunters. As always, please be aware that Grizzly bears are common on the WMA.

Please contact the Panhandle Regional office at (208) 769-1414 if you have any questions or would like additional clarification.

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