Visiting Red River WMA

Visiting Hours - Red River WMA is open yearlong. The ranch house is available for intended uses from mid-April through mid-November. Contact WMA management personnel to schedule day use or overnight use of the ranch house well in advance of your proposed visit.

Access for the Disabled - For persons with disabilities access within Red River WMA may be somewhat challenging. The viewing kiosk is equipped for visitors with special needs. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to contact WMA management personnel to determine which areas are most suitable for physically challenged visitors. In all cases, visitors are encouraged to assess their own abilities before entering Red River WMA.

Vehicles/Parking - Use of motorized vehicles of all types is restricted to the fenced in area surrounding the main buildings. Parking is in designated portions of this area. These restrictions protect wildlife habitat and minimize wildlife disturbance. Please obey these restrictions and provide for future generations enjoyment of the WMA.

Area Restrictions - The entire WMA outside the fenced in area surrounding the main buildings is closed to all use from April 1st to June 15th. All areas of the meadow, unless posted, are open for non-motorized use from June 15th to April 1st. An administrative use permit may be issued as needed to perform wildlife, fisheries, or vegetation monitoring on the property. This restriction is to minimize disturbance to calving elk and nesting waterfowl. At all other times non-motorized use is permitted unless posted.

Wildlife Observation/Photography - Red River WMA provides spectacular wildlife and scenic viewing and photo opportunities. The viewing kiosk near the main buildings is ADA equipped and gives everyone a fantastic panoramic view of the WMA. A parking area is also available at Cartwright Creek, 1 mile south on the county road. Visitors are welcome to hike throughout the WMA for viewing and photography during those unrestricted times. Please make every effort not to destroy or disturb habitat.

Hunting/Fishing - The WMA provides both hunting and fishing opportunities. 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. Consult current rules for more details. These are available at WMA headquarters or at Fish and Game license vendors.

Safety Zone - The area immediately around the WMA public areas is closed to hunting. Shooting in and around this area where staff and visitors are likely to be, is prohibited for safety purposes.

Camping - No overnight use of Red River WMA is permitted.The USFS has many pull-out camping sites and several developed campgrounds throughout the area.

Fires/Firewood Cutting - No fires or firewood cutting is permitted on the WMA. Removal of any habitat vegetation is not allowed.

Livestock - Horses are permitted on the WMA for recreational day use only. Due to the small size of the WMA and its management goals of protecting and restoring the riparian and wetland habitat, the property does not lend itself to recreational horseback riding.

Pets - Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times on Red River WMA, with the exception of bird dogs, where permitted, during hunting seasons. Please check with WMA management personnel for any additional restrictions. The release or abandonment of domestic animals on Red River Wildlife Management Are is prohibited at all times.

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

Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Red River Wildlife Management Area
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
1540 Warner Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501-5699
(208) 799-5010