Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife depend on Wildlife Management Areas to thrive in parts of Idaho. These parcels of land are managed to help wildlife when they are most vulnerable, like mule deer in the winter. WMAs also provide unique recreation opportunities for the public.

Visit a WMA

region map

Idaho Fish and Game has 31 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which range from 275 to 85,000 acres. Each has specific priorities based upon the needs of wildlife in the surrounding area.

Panhandle

Clearwater

Southwest

Magic Valley

Southeast

Upper Snake

People are welcome at WMAs

All WMAs provide and encourage use by sporting and general public. People can hunt, fish, trap, and view wildlife, as well as other compatible activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, and boating. Some WMAs host special events like fishing clinics, youth hunts, and bird watching tours.

During certain times of the year, some WMAs are closed to protect wildlife from disturbance. Find out more about use guidelines and learn about recreational opportunities by visiting specific WMA webpages.

Managing wildlife habitat

WMAs create habitat and security for wildlife. Fish and Game biologists manage these properties to improve forage and cover vegetation, plant food plots, fight noxious weeds, create wetlands, protect water quality, survey wildlife, and manage public access.

Many habitat restoration projects are made possible with the help of volunteers. If you are interested in habitat projects, contact a local Fish and Game office and talk to the WMA manager or biologist.

Creating a WMA

The story behind each WMA is often unique. Most were purchased with sportsmen dollars or through mitigation for loss of wildlife habitat elsewhere. On occasion, the property has been donated by private individuals or foundations. Regardless of their beginnings, all provide important habitat for wildlife.

News

Fort Boise WMA Boat Ramp Access Closed for Construction

Monday, March 22, 2021 - 2:30 PM MDT

Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area’s (WMA) main entrance road, which offers access to the WMA boat ramp on the Snake River, will soon be closed for pipeline and culvert installation. Old Fort Boise Road will be closed beginning March 23, with construction scheduled to be concluded by March 31. The work is part of the ongoing wetland restoration efforts at Fort Boise WMA.

Southwest Region Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas
Repair work will close Fort Boise WMA boat ramp Feb. 6-8

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 - 1:58 PM MST

With waterfowl season drawing to a close, and the spring fishing season right around the corner, staff at Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area is taking advantage of the seasonal lull to conduct much-needed maintenance work.

Southwest Region Fishing Hunting Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas
Clark Fork Driftyard access site on Pend Oreille WMA open for year-round use

Monday, February 1, 2021 - 2:55 PM MST

The Driftyard access site on the Pend Orielle WMA will be open for year-round use. Whether you want to take an afternoon hike on Peninsula road or fish the Clark Fork River, this change in management will provide increased opportunity for early season fishing and recreational non-motorized use.

Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Hunting and Fishing Access
WMA Nesting Closures Begin February 1

Thursday, January 28, 2021 - 8:31 AM MST

After providing countless days of outdoor recreation for hunters this fall and winter, Fish and Game’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are ready for a rest and a refocus.

Southwest Region Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas
Idaho's WMAs provide a bounty of waterfowl hunting opportunities

Monday, November 23, 2020 - 3:57 PM MST

The Snake River has received much acclaim as the go-to public land duck hunting destination in Idaho, but it’s certainly not the only place where hunters have an accessible place to hunt waterfowl. Fish and Game has Wildlife Management Areas spread throughout the state, about two-thirds of are managed with waterfowl in mind, providing food and resting areas for migrating waterfowl, and opportunities for hunters.

Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Boundary-Smith Creek WMA McArthur Lake WMA Pend Oreille WMA Coeur d’Alene River WMA Payette River WMA Montour WMA Fort Boise WMA C.J. Strike WMA Carey Lake WMA Billingsley Creek WMA Camas Prairie - Centennial Marsh WMA Niagara Springs WMA Sterling WMA Blackfoot River WMA Georgetown Summit WMA Market Lake WMA Mud Lake WMA Cartier Slough WMA Deer Parks WMU Sand Creek WMA
Habitat Improvement Efforts Continue at Fort Boise WMA

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 9:17 AM MST

Efforts to enhance nearly 400 acres of wetland habitat at Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are in full swing and area closures may be in effect. WMA visitors should be aware of construction locations when they visit the WMA.

Southwest Region Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Fort Boise WMA Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Habitat Improvement Efforts Continue at Fort Boise WMA

Monday, November 9, 2020 - 8:44 AM MST

Efforts to enhance nearly 400 acres of wetland habitat at Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are in full swing and area closures may be in effect. WMA visitors should be aware of construction locations when they visit the WMA.

Southwest Region Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Fort Boise WMA Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)