Remember to close gates when visiting Andrus WMA.

Public Use of Cecil D Andrus WMA

Most activity on the Andrus WMA begins in early September, starting with the opening of grouse and chukar seasons, and continues through the end of the year. Hunting accounts for most of the user days on the WMA. Wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and horseback riding are also popular activities. Most fishing occurs on adjacent Brownlee Reservoir.

Much of the terrain on the WMA is extremely steep and rugged, and summer temperatures can be well over 100 degrees, requiring visitors to assess their abilities before venturing out. Rattlesnakes may be encountered anywhere on the WMA, and poison ivy is frequently found along creek bottoms.

A key check-in/check-out program for motorized vehicle access begun by the Hillman’s has been continued and remains popular with the public. This motorized access program spreads out recreational use, maintains lower visitor densities and provides a higher quality recreational experience for all users. During periods of wet weather, Department staff may close roads or restrict motorized vehicle access to ATV’s only in order to prevent damage to WMA roads.

Since winter is a difficult time for big game animals, and every ounce of energy is need to insure their survival, the WMA roads are closed to motorized vehicles each year from January 1 through April 30. The road closure helps prevent disturbance of mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep and allows them to conserve their energy. The closure also protects WMA roads from vehicle damage during wet winter months. Even with the road closure, mule deer and elk are frequently seen from Highway 71 during winter. There are numerous pullouts so wildlife watchers can observe herds on the WMA hillsides. For your safety when watching deer and elk, please use the pullouts; do not stop on or just off of the highway.

Idaho Power’s Woodhead Park on Brownlee Reservoir and McCormick Park below Brownlee Dam, and the USFS Brownlee Guardstation Campground in the Payette National Forest provide camping facilities for those who visit the WMA.