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Hailey, Idaho —The Bureau of Land Management Shoshone Field Office, in partnership with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Blaine County, Blaine County Recreation District, the cities of Bellevue and Hailey and the Wood River Land Trust, thank Wood River Valley residents and visitors for complying with the 2023 seasonal travel and access restrictions to protect wintering herds of deer and elk in the valley.

“The overall compliance was fantastic,” said BLM Supervisory Law Enforcement Agent Mike Billo.  “It appears as though the motorized and non-motorized recreationists took the restrictions very seriously and it is greatly appreciated.” 

The seasonal motorized restrictions are in effect each year from Jan. 1- April 30. Conditional human entry restrictions begin on Jan. 1 if conditions warrant. We appreciate recreationists for continuing to honor these restrictions as we balance recreation opportunities and human-wildlife conflicts.

The winter of 2022 – 2023 was long for Idaho’s wildlife. Late winter and early spring are the most difficult times for deer and elk. It is important they minimize expending their stored energy, as they are living off fat reserves and there is little nutrition in the available forage. Summer and fall are equally important as the animals put on as much fat as possible so they can sustain the next winter. Therefore, whenever encountering wildlife, please view them from a distance to minimize human disturbances. 

For additional information about seasonal restrictions, visit the Wildlife Smart Community’s website, http://bitly.ws/HBtB or contact BLM Shoshone Outdoor Recreation Planner John Kurtz at 208-732-7296, City of Hailey Administrator Lisa Horowitz at 208-788-9815, or Wood River Land Trust Lands Program Manager Keri York at 208-788-3947.

For information about wildlife in the Wood River Valley contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region at 208-324-4359.