News – Sheridan Media
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.
Game and Fish Deputy Chief of Services Ray Bredehoft said seasonal closures are essential for minimizing stress-causing disturbances to wintering deer, elk, bighorn sheep and other wildlife.
“These closures also reduce the human and recreational impacts to forage, which supports wildlife on their winter ranges,” he said.
Game and Fish report the department maintains more than 500,000 acres of land through WHMAs. These 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.
In Sheridan and Johnson Counties, the Bud Love WHM closes to all human presence on Jan. 1 to May 14. Kerns and Ellis are closed to all human presence until May 31. Amsden Creek and Ed O. Taylor is closed to human presence until May 14.
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Last modified: November 19, 2025