idfg-badge

Idaho Fish and Game

Fort Boise WMA snow geese in flight
Wildlife Management Area
Fort Boise WMA
Before you go

Fort Boise WMA’s unique location at the confluence of the Boise and Snake rivers provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most people visit the WMA to hunt, fish, and bird watch.

Three main roads provide vehicle access to the WMA property, but all interior roads are designated as trails and are not open to motorized travel. Portions of Fort Boise WMA are closed to public entry February 1 to July 31 to protect nesting waterfowl, but other areas are open year-round.

duck_band_fort_boise2
Related Location
Location Facts

Primary Purpose: Waterfowl and upland bird nesting habitat; public recreation

Habitat: Mix of wetland, riparian, and upland habitats

  • 1,548 acres
  • Canyon County
  • Established in 1959
Location Things to Know

Portions of Fort Boise WMA are closed to public entry February 1 to July 31 to protect nesting waterfowl. Please consult the WMA map for more details or contact the Southwest Regional Office.

Fireworks are prohibited on the WMA.

Fort Boise WMA has a headquarters office on site, located at:

30845 Old Fort Boise Rd.
Parma, ID 83660
208-722-5888

Access Information

Portions of Fort Boise WMA are closed to public entry February 1 to July 31 to protect nesting waterfowl. Please consult the WMA map for more details or contact the Southwest Regional Office. Fireworks are prohibited on the WMA. Fort Boise WMA has a headquarters office on site, located at: 30845 Old Fort Boise Rd. Parma, ID 83660 208-722-5888

Resources

Information:

Forms:

Overview

Spring skies above Fort Boise WMA are filled with thousands of snow geese as they descend on the ponds below. Shallow water and thick riparian vegetation make Fort Boise and the Roswell Marsh Habitat Area waterfowl havens.

During spring and fall migrations, white-fronted geese, snow geese, widgeon, and pintails visit the area to rest and replenish spent food reserves. Canada geese, mallards, gadwalls, cinnamon teal, and wood ducks commonly nest on WMA lands, while ring-necked pheasant and California quail inhabit the uplands. Other species present include mule and white-tailed deer, turkey, cottontail, mourning doves, and numerous songbirds.

Fort Boise WMA was first established in 1959 when Idaho Power deeded the 330-acre Gold Island to Fish and Game. Later purchases on the mainland allowed the department to create a complex habitat of open water and wetlands for thousands of migrating and nesting waterfowl. This includes the nearby Roswell Marsh Habitat Area with a 135-acre wetlands complex at its center.