BLM Closes Areas to Protect Wintering Mule Deer

February 27, 2006

Federal officials have closed the areas of Stinking Springs and Wolf Flat, two popular areas near the South Fork of the Snake River, to protect fragile wintering mule deer populations. The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office's emergency closure to human entry starts immediately and runs through April 15. The closure comes at the request of, and in partnership with, the Idaho Department of Fish Game Region 6 office in Idaho Falls, which monitors wintering wildlife progress. Over the past two weeks Fish and Game field staff have noticed an increase in mule deer fawn and adult mortality rates due to recent cold temperatures and increasing human disturbances.

"We've noticed more human activity in that area this year, which stresses the deer and requires them to use up their supply of stored fat faster than they should," Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Steve Schmidt said. "As a result, we have some incidents of mule deer curling up at night and just not waking up."

Fish and Game Conservation Officers have also discovered the remains of four mule deer, including one radio-collared fawn, that were all shot with a .22-caliber rifle and left on site. Fish and Game is investigating these kills as poaching incidents.

The proposed emergency closure area is on the BLM public lands near Stinking Springs and Wolf Flat, on the north side of the Heise River Road upstream of Kelly Island Campground. A "no human entry" closure would prohibit any activities including hunting, horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and other similar activities. The area is already closed to Off Highway Vehicle use in the wintertime.

Public lands between the river road and the South Fork of the Snake River will remain open to anglers for fishing.

"This emergency closure is only an interim measure," BLM Upper Snake Field Manager Wendy Reynolds said. "We have been talking with Fish and Game about this area for some time, and we will be working together later this spring on a more long-term solution. Whatever that solution is, we'll also be looking for input from the public."

Fish and Game's priority in the state right now is the Mule Deer Initiative.

"We are interested in pursuing any opportunity to find solutions that benefit Eastern Idaho's mule deer populations," Schmidt said. "We appreciate the public's help in staying away from the closure area to help protect these animals."

For more information, please contact Fish and Game in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7290 or the BLM Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500.