75th Celebration: Watching Idaho's Wild Side

Idaho's abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its potatoes. From mountain goats and sage-grouse, to salmon and bighorn sheep, and everything else between, Idaho's rich wildlife heritage offers residents and visitors a rewarding wildlife viewing experience. You don't have to travel very far to watch wildlife. It can be as simple as enjoying birds in your backyard, or maybe planning a day trip to a nearby Wildlife Management Area (WMA) known for their trails and viewing opportunities. WMAs were first created to provide critical habitat for waterfowl and upland game birds and big game winter range. Fish and Game's success in protecting critical habitat for wildlife have, in turn, created premier spots for watching wildlife in Idaho. Some Idaho communities, like Hagerman, have taken notice and are hoping wildlife watching can be a new part of their local economy. For example, the first annual Hagerman Bird Festival will be held in mid-February. To learn more about Idaho's 75th Celebration and how you can get in touch with nature at one of Idaho's 32 wildlife management areas, go online to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/75th/.