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Idaho Fish and Game

Elk herd on slope on Craig Mountain WMA
Wildlife Management Area
Craig Mountain WMA
Before you go

Craig Mountain's primary purpose is to enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat, but it offers many outdoor opportunities for the public.  Recreational use of the WMA includes hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, mushroom and berry picking, OHV riding, and winter sports activities. The entire WMA is open to non-motorized travel year-round. Motorized vehicles are limited to existing roads and seasonal restrictions.

Related Location
Overview

Rising from the Salmon and Snake rivers, Craig Mountain WMA reaches 5,395 feet into the surrounding mountains. Its primary purpose is to enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat, but it offers many outdoor opportunities for the public.

 

The sheer size of Craig Mountain WMA makes it home to many of Idaho’s resident and migratory wildlife species, including Idaho’s iconic bighorn sheep. Its proximity to Lewiston creates a rich public resource for area residents.

Craig Mountain WMA was born when Bonneville Power Administration built Dworshak Dam. BPA was required to mitigate for the loss of wildlife habitat and tribal lands, which now lie under Dworshak Reservoir.

The first land purchased by BPA “as a reserve for the conservation of wildlife” was the 60,000-acre Peter T. Johnson Wildlife Mitigation Unit. This property, combined with land previous owned by Idaho Fish and Game, became Craig Mountain WMA.

Today, WMA lands are intermingled with property owned by multiple public and tribal entities. A management agreement among the different groups allows for different parcels to be managed as a single unit for the benefit of wildlife and public use.

Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area Overview
Location Facts

Primary Purpose: Protect and enhance wildlife populations and habitat; public use

Habitat: Grassland, meadow, shrubland, riparian, conifer forest, agricultural

  • 124,224 acres
  • Nez Perce and Lewis counties
  • Established in 1971
Location Things to Know

There is a mix of land ownership throughout the WMA. Please be sure to know whose land you are on.

Land ownership maps are available online or for purchase at the Clearwater Regional Office.

This area is black bear country. Be sure to store food and garbage accordingly. 

Resources
Hunting

Hunting opportunities include general seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and mountain lion. There are also controlled-hunt seasons for mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Upland game bird hunting is popular, with great opportunities for chukar, forest grouse, and wild turkey.

Fishing

Fishing is available in several locations. Smallmouth bass, crappie and rainbow trout can be found in nearby Waha Lake and Soldiers Meadow Reservoir.

Wildlife Watching

Dedicated bird watchers can enjoy sighting many bird species including yellow warbler, blacked-capped chickadee and pileated woodpecker, pigmy nuthatch, flammulated owl, and white-headed woodpecker.  Visit the Idaho Birding Trail for more information.

Horseback Riding

There are several non-motorized trails for horse access, however water is limited. All animal feed, straw, or mulch must be certified weed-free. Check with WMA manager for available facilities.

Hiking

There are several non-motorized trails open for hiking.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed. All trappers must register at the Clearwater Regional Office.

Camping

Primitive camping is allowed; no facilities are provided. Camp fires are permitted unless fire restrictions are in place. This area is black bear country. Be sure to store food and garbage accordingly.