Add clarity and set firm open and closing dates for Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area ponds.
Rationale
The Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area is primarily managed to provide wintering habitat for a variety of big game species, but also provides waterfowl nesting, hunting, and fishing opportunities, including ice fishing. Currently, an exception for these waters requires calling the Upper Snake Regional office to determine whether emergency short-term closures are in place, which confuses users.
We propose that five ponds be managed within two sections, each with fixed opening and closing dates, offering better clarity for users while ensuring that a diversity of management objectives are met. This would make it clear which ponds are open and when.
This proposal would establish the following seasons on the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area:
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area
Motorized watercraft prohibited
Blue Creek Reservoir, Sand Creek Pond #1, and Sand Creek Pond #2
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through July 15 – no boats, rafts or float tubes
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30: trout limit is 6; no boats, rafts, or float tubes allowed before July 16
Sand Creek Pond #3 and Sand Creek Pond #4
December 16 through June 30 – closed to fishing
July 1 through December 15, trout limit is 6, no boats, rafts, or float tubes allowed before July 16
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.
Proposal
Add clarity and set firm open and closing dates for Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area ponds.
Rationale
The Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area is primarily managed to provide wintering habitat for a variety of big game species, but also provides waterfowl nesting, hunting, and fishing opportunities, including ice fishing. Currently, an exception for these waters requires calling the Upper Snake Regional office to determine whether emergency short-term closures are in place, which confuses users.
We propose that five ponds be managed within two sections, each with fixed opening and closing dates, offering better clarity for users while ensuring that a diversity of management objectives are met. This would make it clear which ponds are open and when.
This proposal would establish the following seasons on the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area:
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area
Blue Creek Reservoir, Sand Creek Pond #1, and Sand Creek Pond #2
Sand Creek Pond #3 and Sand Creek Pond #4
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.