Egin-Hamer Area Closes January 1

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management and Fremont County are once again closing the Egin-Hamer area, starting January 1 through the winter to protect wintering wildlife in this area. The Egin-Hamer closure places nearly 500 square miles of land off-limits to human entry to protect wintering deer, elk and moose herds. The closure lasts through the end of March on lands south of the Egin-Hamer Road and until April 30, north of the road. Signs mark the area north of the Egin-Hamer road in fluorescent orange, while the signs for the earlier opening in the southern portion are lime green. The closure does not apply access to private lands by individual landowners. The active St. Anthony Sand Dunes, from the Red Road to Thunder Mountain and adjacent to Egin Lakes access, are also exempt from the closure. Occasionally powered parachutes, helicopters and small planes have been sighted flying low over the closure area. While the air space is not restricted, all pilots are cautioned to not harass the wintering, deer, elk, and moose. If the machines are flying low enough to cause the wildlife to move away, they are flying too low. The closure includes all vegetated areas surrounding the designated Red Road "snow play" area north of Sand Hill Resort. The popular Civil Defense Caves also are included within the closure. Boundaries of the closure are posted, and detailed maps are available from the BLM or Idaho Fish and Game in Idaho Falls. The Fremont and Jefferson county sheriffs' offices also have copies of the map available for the public. This year, maps are also being posted at local motor sports dealers and vehicle sticker outlets to help reach more people. For information, including free maps of the closure, contact Fish and Game at 208-525-7290 or the BLM at 208-523-1012, in Idaho Falls.