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Idaho Fish and Game

Deer at the Sterling WMA
Wildlife Management Area
Sterling WMA
Before you go

Sterling is the most intensely used WMA in the Southeast Region. The public largely uses the WMA for ring-necked pheasant and waterfowl hunting, as well as some trapping. The WMA provides quality opportunities for wildlife viewing, particular birding, year-round.

The Sterling WMA is open to public travel. Fifteen parking areas are provided throughout the WMA for visitor convenience. Vehicles must remain on established, open roads. There are no permanent restrooms or facilities on the WMA, however portable toilets are set up during the pheasant season.

Sterling Wildlife Management Area WMA black crowned night heron in a tree
Related Location
Location Facts

Primary Purpose: Waterfowl and ring-necked pheasant production

Habitat: Open water, wetlands, wet meadows, Russian olive woodlands, agriculture

  • 4,106 acres
  • Bingham County
  • Established in 1968
Location Things to Know

A wildlife blind for youth and ADA hunters is available on a first come, first serve basis.

The blind is also available for wildlife viewing. 

Motorized vehicles must remain on established, open roads.

The WMA surrounds two parcels of private of land. Landowners permit public access and hunting; WMA rules apply to these two properties.

Access Information

A wildlife blind for youth and ADA hunters is available on a first come, first serve basis. The blind is also available for wildlife viewing. Motorized vehicles must remain on established, open roads. The WMA surrounds two parcels of private of land. Landowners permit public access and hunting; WMA rules apply to these two properties.

Resources

Information:

Forms:

Overview

The Sterling WMA rests in the middle of farm country. Its wetlands support breeding and migrating waterfowl; the uplands furnish habitat for pheasants and other wildlife. The habitat is also a draw for local hunters and outdoors enthusiasts.

Goals for the Sterling WMA property are to provide for waterfowl, ring-necked pheasant and other wildlife production, public hunting, and general wildlife appreciation. With American Falls Reservoir as the eastern border, the WMA provides access to the greatest variety of shorebirds in Idaho. American avocet, black-necked stilt, sandhill crane and sandpipers, are just a few. Other wildlife - mule deer, white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrat, amphibians, reptiles, owls, and hawks - use the WMA throughout the year.

Sterling WMA was started with a gift of 121 acres from the American Game Association. It has grown over the years using sportsman dollars to purchase adjacent property and land lease agreements with the Bureau of Reclamation.

Cooperative farming on the WMA is being used as a tool to provide habitat benefits. Farming agreements are written to provide food plots, dense nesting cover plantings and tree plantings in areas where Fish and Game does not have the ability or means to develop irrigation or plant and raise crops. Specific guidelines are incorporated into the agreements so that any practices used on the WMA are in the best interest of wildlife and habitat.