Tax Day Bonus! Egin-Hamer Closure To Open Early!

IDAHO FALLS - While the mere mention of April 15 causes most Americans to shudder, those folks in the Upper Snake Region that call themselves "Horn Hunters" have a good reason to get their taxes turned in on time, so that they can head out to the field early. Spring weather conditions have been mild enough this year so that the remaining portions of the Egin-Hamer Closure Area will open early on April 15 Eight years ago the Fremont and Jefferson County Commissioners approached the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) about revisiting the Egin-Hamer Road winter road closure issue. An agreement was arranged that allowed for opening the road to winter travel in return for closing off important winter range adjacent to the road. Part of that agreement also allowed for flexibility with the closure dates if weather, habitat conditions, and animal movement patterns allowed. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints, "Because of the light winter and mild spring, the animals have stopped utilizing the area and moved on." It is important to note that early opening are exceptions made on a year by year basis. Next year the opening date will revert to the original May 1 opening unless similar conditions result in another special exception being granted. The Egin-Hamer Road divides the closures area into two uneven segments. The smaller southern segment normally opens to human traffic on April 1. The larger northern segment normally remains closed to human traffic until May 1. The agreement does include access allowances for private landowners with business concerns requiring entry into the closure area. Specific information regarding the agreement may be obtained by contacting the local BLM Office in Idaho Falls at 208-524-7445 or the IDFG Office at 208-525-7290.