Hagerman WMA, an outdoorsman's paradise

HAGERMAN - Fishing, bird watching, hiking, hunting, and photography are just a few of the things visitors can do at the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Located 19 miles north of Buhl or four miles south of Hagerman on Highway 30, the 880-acre WMA is a mecca for local wildlife, and outdoor fun. The Hagerman WMA was the first wildlife management area in Idaho. It was established principally to provide habitat for waterfowl and upland game birds, but over the years has turned into much more. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game purchased 423 acres of land in 1940. Since then it was expanded to 880 acres. Today, the Hagerman WMA surrounds both the national and state fish hatcheries, with the balance of the property devoted to wildlife. The area is managed primarily for waterfowl habitat and as a wintering site for migrating birds. The spring fed ponds stay ice-free during most winters, attracting as many as 55,000 ducks and 4,000 Canada geese. Riley Creek, irrigation canals, and 16 constructed ponds provide resting, feeding, and nesting areas for waterfowl. It also offers several places to fish. Fields surrounding the riparian areas provide nesting habitat for waterfowl and a variety of upland game birds, including; pheasants, valley quail, and gray partridge. The WMA is also home to several other furred and feathered critters. Muskrats, beavers, porcupines, marmots, and mule deer are a few of the larger mammals in the area. But, it is best know for upland birds, waterfowl, and fishing. Birding For the bird watcher, a visit to the WMA is a treat anytime of the year. Spring offers it all. Visitors can spot ducklings and gosling. Mallards, gadwalls, cinnamon teal, wood ducks and Canada geese commonly nest and raise young. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, with the help of Boy Scouts and volunteers, have also erected many goose nesting platforms and wood duck nesting boxes on the property. More than 200 different species of birds visit the WMA throughout the year. In the spring, redwing and yellow-headed black birds are two of the most common. Visitors can also see a variety of shorebirds, 10 species of sparrows, five species of wrens, and five species of swallows. Some of the less common birds spotted, include: the greater white-fronted goose, Virginia rails, and bald eagles. A variety of owls and other raptors also make their home at the WMA. Hiking For the adventurous visitor, Hagerman WMA offers a soft-surface walking trail just a short distance from the hatchery. The trails winding around Oster Lakes allow visitors to view waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. A fire swept through the area a couple of years ago, burning many of the trees and shrubs. While hiking the trails, one can see evidence of shrubs returning and trees re-sprouting. The southern-most Oster Lake trail provides a panoramic view of the Snake River, Gridley Island, and Hagerman Valley. July 1, when fishing season opens for the Anderson Ponds, Goose Pond and Bass Pond, several trails are also opened for hiking in the northern part of the WMA. There are only three miles of trails on the WMA, but they offer a wide-range of viewing opportunities. Photography The Hagerman WMA is a photographer's paradise. Shutterbugs can use the permanent blind, on the west shoreline of Riley Creek Pond, for photographing waterfowl or shorebirds wander the edge of the pond. It offers the opportunity for an "up close" look. Photographers can also take pictures of, bullfrogs, songbirds, flowers, cattails, ponds, waterfalls, anglers (get their permission before taking pictures), raptors, and dozens of other things. Keys to taking good photos, include: using 100 or 200 ASA film, it will lesson the grain in the photos; take pictures early in the morning or late at night so the sun doesn't washout the colors in the subject; and a telephoto lens also helps people get closer to their subject. A tripod or monopod can also help steady the camera in low-light situations. Fishing Fishing and the Hagerman State Fish Hatchery are what the Hagerman WMA is best known for. Annually, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game stocks more than 30,000 fish in the Oster Ponds. Thousands of anglers each season line their shores to catch, trout, bass, and bluegill. The two biggest days of the season are opening weekend, March 1, and the state's Free Fishing Day, on the second Saturday in June. Nearly 500 anglers will cover the shorelines of all the open ponds. Wheelchair accessible areas can also be found at Oster Pond #1, and at Riley Creek Pond. Fishing regulations and opening dates vary from area to area; check the fishing regulations before heading out. Fish Hatchery The Hagerman State Fish Hatchery is the largest resident fish hatchery in the state. It produces one million catchables - sided (8 - 10") and 2-3 million fingerlings - sided (3 - 5") trout each year. Fish are raised for several bodies of water across the state. Fish from the facility are transported for release as far north as Lewiston and to both western and eastern borders. Hatchery employees primarily raise, trout, steelhead and Coho salmon. In the past, the hatchery has cultured largemouth bass, tiger muskie, sturgeon, and cutthroat trout. For more information on the Hagerman WMA, call 324-4359.