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Visiting Hours - Sand Creek WMA and Chester Wetlands are open year-round and have no established visiting hours. School and other groups are encouraged to visit Sand Creek WMA in the spring when big game animals are still present and waterfowl numbers peak. Guided tours are available with advance planning and IDFG personnel will make every effort to accommodate group trips. Both Sand Creek WMA and Chester Wetlands have workshops throughout the summer. Check with WMA personnel for details.
Access for the Disabled - For persons with disabilities, access within Sand Creek WMA and Chester Wetlands varies by area. Restrooms, parking areas, fishing areas, boat ramps and docks are ADA equipped. 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 the WMA.
Vehicles/Parking - Use of motorized vehicles, including ATVs and ORVs, is permitted only on roadways as shown on the map in Sand Creek WMA. The Chester Wetlands portion is off limits to all vehicles all the time. Please park only in designated areas. These restrictions protect area vegetation and minimize wildlife disturbance.
Area Restrictions - Portions of Sand Creek WMA may be closed seasonally to protect wintering moose, elk and deer from human disturbance. All forms of human travel may be restricted in these areas. Some WMA ponds and waterfowl nesting areas on Chester Wetlands are restricted during nesting season. For further information regarding area closures contact Sand Creek WMA management personnel or the IDFG regional office in Idaho Falls.
Wildlife Observation/Photography - Sand Creek WMA is known for it’s concentration of big game species and Chester Wetlands is recognized as a premier waterfowl nesting area. This makes them excellent places to observe and photograph wildlife. Visitors are welcome throughout the WMA for observation and photographic purposes. Please remember to watch for area closure signs. To enhance your outing, a bird species checklist is available at WMA headquarters. First time visitors are advised to visit with management personnel before traveling the WMA on foot.
Hunting/Trapping/Fishing - Hunting, trapping and fishing are allowed on Sand Creek WMA and Chester Wetlands during established seasons. Specific regulations and access to some WMA locations may change from year to year. Big game hunting on Chester Wetlands is restricted to short-range weapons only for safety reasons. There is also a posted Safety Zone around the HQ area where discharge of firearms is not allowed. Consult current regulations for specific restrictions to both hunting and fishing.
Camping - Overnight camping is permitted in designated areas of Sand Creek WMA for no more than ten consecutive days in any 30 day period. No overnight camping is permitted on Chester Wetlands.
Fires/Firewood Cutting - Fires on Sand Creek WMA are restricted to established pits and grills. No fires are permitted on Chester Wetlands. Firewood cutting and removal of materials from their natural setting is strictly prohibited.
Horseback Riding - Horseback riding is permitted on Sand Creek WMA with horse corrals available for use near Sand Creek Pond One. No horses are allowed on Chester Wetlands.
Weed-Free Hay - All animal feed brought onto Sand Creek WMA must be certified weed-free. Straw and mulch should also be weed-free. Livestock should be fed on weed-free feed for at least 96 hours before being brought onto Sand Creek WMA. Noxious weeds can destroy habitat and forage, reducing the quality of wildlife, recreation and hunting.
Pets - Pets must be leashed or under close control at all times on Sand Creek WMA, with the exception of hunting dogs during hunting seasons. The release or abandonment of domestic animals on Sand Creek WMA or Chester Wetlands is prohibited.
For more information regarding your visit to
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area, contact:
Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
758 North 2000 East
St. Anthony, ID 83445
(208) 390-1611
or
Upper Snake Regional Office
4279 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(280) 525-7290
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