Visiting Boise River WMA

Visiting Hours - The Boise River Wildlife Management Area is open year-round and has no established visiting hours. School and other groups are encouraged to visit Boise River WMA in the early spring when deer and elk are still visible from the highway. Those interested in a WMA guided tour should call well in advance of the proposed trip date. IDFG personnel will make every effort to accommodate group trips.

Access for the Disabled - For persons with disabilities, access within the Boise River WMA is extremely limited. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to contact WMA management personnel to determine which area(s) are most suitable for physically-challenged visitors. In all cases, visitors are encouraged to assess their own abilities before entering the Boise River WMA.

Vehicles/Parking - Use of motorized vehicles, including ATVs, is permitted only on designated roadways. The map in this brochure shows designated routes but visitors are encouraged to check for updates or changes on the IDFG website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/. These restrictions are to protect vegetation and soils and to minimize wildlife disturbance. Please park only in designated areas and do not block access gates.

Area Restrictions - Portions of Boise River WMA are closed seasonally to protect wintering mule deer and elk from human disturbance. All forms of human travel may be restricted in these areas. For current information regarding these area closures, check the IDFG website or contact Boise River WMA management personnel.

Wildlife Observation/Photography - the Boise River WMA is known for concentrations of big game species, with deer and elk commonly seen on the WMA. Visitors are welcome to hike throughout the WMA for wildlife viewing and photography purposes during spring, summer and fall months. Remember to watch for area closure signs. To enhance your outing, a bird species checklist is available at WMA headquarters. First-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the area are encouraged to visit with management personnel before traveling the WMA on foot.

Hunting - Public hunting is allowed on the Boise River WMA. There is a no shooting safety zone year-long near the WMA headquarters and another small safety zone at the top of Lucky Peak in the fall. Specific regulations and access to some WMA locations may change from year to year so hunters should consult current regulations for more details.

Camping - Overnight camping is prohibited on Boise River WMA lands.

Fires/Firewood Cutting - Fires and firewood cutting are prohibited on the Boise River WMA.

Pets - Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times on Boise River WMA, with the exception of bird dogs during hunting seasons. All dogs on the Boise Front segment of the WMA must be leashed, except working hunting and herding dogs. The release or abandonment of domestic animals on Boise River WMA is prohibited.

For more information regarding your visit to Boise River Wildlife Management Area, contact:

Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Boise River Wildlife Management Area
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
13000 E. Highway 21
Boise, ID 83716
(208) 334-2115