Public Use of Big Cottonwood WMA

An array of wildlife and recreational activities attract visitors to BCWMA. Big Cottonwood trail, which originates on the WMA, offers hikers, mountain bikers, and horse back riders an opportunity to access thousands of acres of public land.

Wildlife viewing and photo opportunities abound on BCWMA. Late spring is an ideal time to observe the numerous songbirds in riparian habitats along Big Cottonwood Creek. Winter visitors may be rewarded with sightings of the elusive California bighorn sheep. The best wild turkey viewing opportunities occur during the winter when birds are congregated near food sources or in the spring when gobblers are calling and displaying to attract potential mates.

Hunters can find an assortment of upland gamebirds on BCWMA. The area supports huntable populations of ring-necked pheasants and gray partridge and smaller numbers of California quail and chukar partridge.

Mule deer are year-round residents on BCWMA. Mule deer rifle hunting is by controlled permit only; however, archery season is managed under a general season framework.

Big Cottonwood Creek supports good numbers of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the 6-10" range. Cutthroat trout fishing is general season only with a two fish daily bag and possession limit. These regulations are needed to protect this isolated and unique population of native fish.