Visiting Pend Oreille WMA

Visiting Hours - Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area is open year-round. Schools and groups are encouraged to visit the WMA during spring and fall migration seasons for spectacular wildlife viewing.

Access for the Disabled - For persons with disabilities access within Pend Oreille WMA varies by area. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to contact WMA management personnel to determine which boat ramps, docks and restrooms are most suitable for physically challenged visitors. In all cases, visitors are encouraged to assess their own abilities before entering Pend Oreille WMA.

Vehicles/Parking - Use of motorized vehicles, including ATV’s is permitted only on established roadways. These restrictions protect area vegetation and minimize wildlife disturbance. Please park only in the designated areas that are provided and posted throughout the WMA.

Area Restrictions - A portion of Payette River WMA is closed seasonally to foot traffic to provide undisturbed nesting and rearing areas for waterfowl and upland game birds. Watch for these areas and make your conservation contribution by respecting area closures.

Wildlife Observation/Photography - Pend Oreille WMA is well known for it’s concentrations of migrating and nesting waterfowl and the courtship displays of western grebe. Access roads and trails are provided for public viewing and photography purposes. Please respect wildlife and habitat by staying on approved roadways and trails.

Hunting/Fishing - Both hunting and fishing are allowed on the WMA. Generally all seasons and bag limits that apply to the surrounding area apply on the WMA, however, specific rules and access to some WMA locations may change from year to year. Consult current rules for more details.

Camping - Camping is allowed in designated access sites and camp areas for 10 days in any 30-day period. Camping limits and litter law violations can result in citation.

Fires - Fires must be in designated access sites and camp areas and must be attended at all times. Fires may be prohibited when fire danger is high. Signs will be posted if a fire closure is necessary.

Pets - Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times on Pend Oreille WMA, with the exception of bird dogs, where permitted, during hunting seasons. The release or abandonment of domestic animals on Pend Oreille WMA is prohibited at all times.

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

Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Panhandle Region
2750 Kathleen Ave.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815
(208) 769-1414