The Boise River Wildlife Management Area was first established by Idaho Fish and Game in 1943. IDFG started by purchasing ranch land along the Middle Fork of the Boise River for mule deer winter range. Now the WMA is over 34,000 acres with IDFG owning about 18,749 acres. The public lands are managed by IDFG, Bureau of Land Management, US army Corps of Engineers, US Forest Service, and the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Federation. There are also many private ranches and homes within the WMA.

The primary goal of the WMA is still to provide winter range for mule deer and elk. Being home to Idaho’s largest mule deer migration population, this area is critical habitat. Mule deer migrate out of the Sawtooth Mountains down to the lower elevations of the Boise Front and Danskin Mountains every winter, the WMA sustains vital high quality winter habitat for these heard’s. IDFG has committed to managing to maintain and improve upland and riparian habitat within the WMA. While also managing human access for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing, and hiking on these public lands. IDFG Boise River WMA Website.

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, in partnership with the BLM and IDFG has been mapping fence lines within the WMA starting in 2024. This is to help the two agencies get an accurate assessment of how much barbed wire fence is currently in the WMA. There are still active grazing allotments in the WMA that require fencing so getting a picture of what is needed on the landscape is critical. This is exactly what the protocol for mapping fences created by the BLM and utilized by BHA’s volunteers aimed to record. A questionnaire is filled out for the general state of fence lines when encountered. Giving managers the information needed to determine if removal or conversion to wildlife friendly fencing is the next step.

On October 4^th BHA hosted 26 volunteers in the effort to continue to map miles of fence in the WMA. Idaho Public Television was also on scene, creating a story about volunteering outdoors with an emphasis on veteran involvement. The day started with a group meeting on how to use the mapping applications, packing lunch, and going over safety. One lucky volunteer was also chosen to receive a $250 First Lite gift card!

Starting at the Archery range and breaking off into smaller groups, volunteers recorded their tracks while walking up and down the rugged hills. Each group committed to 3 to 5 miles where fencing was thought to be. Some groups confirmed there was fence and some saw very little. The group walked over 25 miles and mapped a total of 7 miles of fence! Every team wrapped up around 1pm and some groups even wanted to hike more!

                                                        

 

Overall, we had a great showing, BHA can’t accomplish this amount of work without the help from our volunteers and an effort like this shows the value of teamwork. The data collected is valuable to IDFG and BLM for future decisions within the WMA. Given its proximity to the city of Boise, this WMA holds significant recreational value and offers numerous opportunities for the public. Additionally, the intrinsic value to the State of Idaho’s wildlife populations makes this public land truly priceless. BHA is happy to continue its support with the BLM and IDFG in the future of fencing projects within the Boise River WMA.           

                                                 

                                                             

If you missed this event and want to make it out for the next one, keep an eye on our events page or sign up for email alerts. Next year there will be more stewardship events in the Boise River WMA and throughout Idaho.   

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               Wrapping up the day with a cold beverage courtesy of Dometic!