Beginning January 21, 2017, the Portneuf, Georgetown Summit and Montpelier Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) closed to all public entry. The closure will help protect wintering big game animals and will remain in effect until further notice.
The closure eliminates a source of stress for big game animals already dealing with abundant snow and low temperatures on all three WMAs.
“Deer, elk and moose moving in deep snow during cold temperatures to escape disturbance causes them to burn through fat reserves rapidly,” says Idaho Fish and Game Regional Habitat Manager, Anna Owsiak. “Providing secure areas without disturbance allows these animals to conserve their energy and improves their chances of surviving the winter.”
The three WMAs were established to permanently protect portions of big game critical winter range in the Southeast Region. During severe winters like the one we are experiencing this year, approximately 2,000 mule deer, 250 elk and about a dozen moose can utilize these WMAs.
For more information about the WMA closures in the southeast region, please contact Anna Owsiak with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region at (208) 232-4703.