Big Cottonwood WMA, a fun place to visit

OAKLEY - Hiking, biking, fishing, and viewing wildlife are just a few of the things you can do at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Big Cottonwood Wildlife Management Area (WMA), seven miles northwest of Oakley. "This is just a great time of year to visit Big Cottonwood," said Mike Todd, Idaho Fish and Game Magic Valley Region Habitat Biologist. "The creek is running, the turkeys are gobbling, and there are a lot of fun things to do before the heat of the summer is here." The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the 814-acre Big Cottonwood WMA for fish and wildlife conservation. The area is home to hundreds of animals, including California bighorn sheep, mule deer, upland game birds, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, wild turkeys, bobcats; over 100 species of birds are documented in the area. "Big Cottonwood offers several different types of habitat that support a wide variety of wildlife," said Todd. "It also offers visitors spectacular views, nice trails, and several places to go and enjoy a variety of springtime activities." Hiking, biking, and horse back riding Hiking, biking, and horse back riding are some of the most common visitor activities during the spring and summer months. There is only 1 _ miles of maintained trail on the WMA, which is closed to motorized vehicle traffic, but this leads to many miles of trails within Big Cottonwood Canyon. For the more adventuresome, off trail hiking can take them to the high canyon cliffs lining the WMA property or allow them to wander the riparian area in the canyon floor. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended for any off trail hiking. In the heat of the summer, visitors are reminded to keep a close watch for western rattlesnakes. Remember, if you leave them alone they will leave you alone. Fishing For small stream fishing enthusiasts, Cottonwood Creek offers a great challenge for native cutthroat trout. The stream banks in many areas are heavily vegetated; by being persistent anglers can often find a place to cast a fly or drown a nightcrawler. Since no motorized vehicles are allowed, few anglers venture very far up the stream leaving a lot of area for fishermen to explore. For 2005, the season runs from May 28 to November 30, with a two cutthroat trout limit. The Idaho Fish and Game recommends anglers only use barbless hooks. Hunting In mid-April, visitors to the area can anticipate seeing hunters walking the trails in search of turkeys. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game first introduced turkeys to the area in 1987 and now offers 36 turkey tags to hunters going from April 15 through May 25. More than 300 turkeys roam the South Hills, with nearly a 100 of them remaining on or in close proximity to the Big Cottonwood WMA. In the fall, the area also offers opportunities for hunters to harvest California quail, pheasants, gray and chukar partridge, forest grouse, and mule deer - if sportsmen are fortunate enough to receive one of the controlled hunt tags for the area. The area immediately around the WMA headquarters is closed to hunting and shooting. Bird watching/photography From the riparian areas along the stream backs to the step canyon cliffs, bird watchers, and photographers can find many species of birds that call the area home. Hawks, eagles, owls, game birds, and a large variety of songbirds can be found on and around Big Cottonwood WMA. Shutterbugs can also find a multitude of other wildlife, wild flowers, and scenery to capture and take home on film. Camping Camping is allowed on most areas within the WMA, but is limited to no more than 10 days within any 30-day period on Department lands. All fires must be attended and may be prohibited when fire danger is high. Signs will be posed if a fire closure is necessary. Dogs must be kept on a leash or under close control at all times except for bird dogs during hunting season. The Burley BLM Field Office has constructed several camp sites at the trailhead, with tables and fire rings. There is not a water source available, so visitors need to bring their own. All of Big Cottonwood WMA is closed to motorized vehicles. For more information on the Big Cottonwood WMA, call 324-4359.