Seasonal closures for Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Habitat Management Areas are in place or will be enforced soon. These closures are important in protecting wildlife on their winter range.

“Seasonal closures are essential for minimizing stress-causing disturbances to wintering deer, elk, bighorn sheep and other wildlife,” said Ray Bredehoft, Game and Fish Deputy Chief of Services. “These closures also reduce the human and recreational impacts to forage, which supports wildlife on their winter ranges.”

Game and Fish maintains more than 500,000 acres of land through WHMAs. The areas include access to nearly 225 miles of streams, more than 21,000 lake surface acres and more than 148 miles of road right-of-ways. Management of these areas plays an important role in maintaining healthy winter habitats for species.

Closure dates of WHMAs can vary. For specific area details, visit the WHMA page on the Game and Fish website. The page contains maps, general regulations and rules governing each unique area.