Nearest Town: St. Anthony
Site Size: 31,000 acres
Directions: WMA HQ and CHESTER WETLANDS SEGMENT: from St. Anthony, US Bus. 20 E from the N edge of town 1.5 mi, L (N) on Sand Ck Rd, just before crossing the Del Rio Bridge; go ~1.5 mi and then veer R onto N River Rd to reach WMA HQ and wetlands; park in parking area; motorized vehicle use is not allowed beyond the parking areas. SAND CK PONDS: backtrack to Sand Ck Rd; zero odometer; R (N) on Sand Ck Rd; zero odometer; enter public land at mi 9.4; mi 18 is beginning of the ponds. WHITE SANDS RD: backtrack S from pond on Sand Ck Rd ~4.5 mi; turn SW off Sand Ck Rd and bird White Sands Rd 10.8 mi; L (S) on Red Rd; L (E) on N Parker Rd (W 4th N) to return to St. Anthony.
Description: Sharp-tailed and Sage Grouse reside on the WMA and spring finds these birds congregating on traditional breeding areas (leks), with males engaging in animated displays to both intimidate rivals and woo hens. In the northern part, Blue and Ruffed Grouse find breeding and nesting sites among the cover and shadows of forested habitats.
The ponds at Sand creek attract a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds including Common Loons, Western Grebes, tTumpeter Swans, Snowy Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, Willets and Long-billed Curlews. Osprey and the occasional Bald Eagle are drawn to the ponds in search of fish. The dry upland areas attract Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks and Golden Eagles.
More Information:
IDFG (208) 624-7065
Greater St. Anthony Chamber of Com. (208)624-4352
fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/sandcreek/