Visiting Montpelier WMA

Visiting Hours – Montpelier WMA is open year-round. No formal visiting hours have been established. Access maps are available at parking areas. Winter visitors are encouraged to contact the Wildlife Habitat Biologist for current conditions and area closures.

Access for the Disabled – There are no provisions for persons with disabilities at Montpelier WMA. Visitors with special needs should contact the Wildlife Habitat Biologist to determine which areas are most suitable for physically challenged visitors. In all cases, visitors are encouraged to assess their own abilities before entering Montpelier WMA.

Vehicles/Parking – A parking area on the north side of highway 89 in Montpelier Canyon is provided. Please park in this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the WMA. These restrictions are for protection of wildlife and the habitat.

Area Restrictions – Foot and horse travel is generally unrestricted. Under severe weather conditions, the WMA may be closed to all human entry to maximize security for wintering wildlife. Emergency closures will be posted and visitors are encouraged to check with the Wildlife Habitat Biologist for area closures before entering the WMA.

Wildlife Observation/Photography – All areas, unless posted, are open to wildlife observation and photography. Please use good judgment and minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Hunting/Fishing – All hunting, fishing and trapping seasons and bag limits authorized by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission that are applicable to the surrounding area apply on the WMA. During a severe winter the entire WMA may be closed to all activity, check with the Wildlife Habitat Biologist for closures. Persons wishing to trap the WMA must contact the Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist prior to setting any traps.

Horse Access – Horse access is allowed, but no facilities, other than parking, are provided. All animal feed brought onto the Montpelier WMA must be certified weed-free. Straw or mulch should also be weed-free. Livestock should be fed on weed-free feed for at least 96 hours before being brought onto Montpelier WMA. Noxious weeds can impact habitat and forage, reducing the quantity and diversity of wildlife species, thereby affecting the associated quality of wildlife-based recreation opportunities.

All animal feed brought on to the Montpelier WMA must be certified weed-free. Straw or mulch should also be weed-free. Livestock should be fed on weed-free feed for at least 96 hours before being brought on the Montpelier WMA. Noxious weeds can

Camping – Primitive camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Permanent camps or equipment caches are not permitted. Fires must be attended and may be prohibited when fire danger is high. All garbage must be carried off the area.

Fires/Firewood Cutting – Fires are restricted to campsites and must be attended at all times. Firewood cutting is prohibited on the WMA.

Pets and Horses – Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times on Montpelier WMA with the exception of bird dogs during the hunting season. Horse access is allowed but no facilities are provided. Horses must be mounted, tethered, enclosed or in close control at all times.

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

Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Montpelier Wildlife Management Area
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
1345 Barton Road
Pocatello, ID 83204-1819
(208) 232-4703