Migrating Mule Deer Will Move Unhindered on the Bridger-Teton National Forest

Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor, Chad Hudson, recently signed a special order creating a seasonal recreational closure near the outlet of Fremont Lake. The purpose of the closure is to minimize human disturbance to migrating mule deer in the spring and fall. In collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Pinedale Ranger District specialists identified the need for a no human presence closure from November 1 through November 30 and from April 1 through April 30, in a crucial 240 acre area along the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Route which was identified by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Data indicates that deer using this migration route travel farther than any other mule deer migration ever documented, passing through many potentially life-threatening obstacles along the way. The closure area represents an important portion of the migration route, known as the “Fremont Bottleneck.” This bottleneck is a top concern for mule deer managers, as this narrow segment of the migration route is critical for the passage of an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 mule deer each fall and spring. In addition to the narrowness of the migration bottleneck which is bordered by residential development to the south and by Fremont Lake to the north, a major concern with this area is the high level of activity associated with human presence that deer must contend with as they cross Pine Creek or swim the outlet, move past the marina and multi-use trails at CCC Ponds area, and cross the paved FS 111 and CR 154 roads. Recent efforts to eliminate the obstacle of non-wildlife friendly fencing in the area has already been accomplished, as well as the acquisition by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department of the Luke Lynch Wildlife Habitat Management Area, located just west of the proposed closure area. Signs will be posted at key entrances to the area to remind public of the seasonal closure.



Jeff
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
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Bullhead Lake

Though it's a 7.2-mile roundtrip hike, Bullhead Lake in Glacier National Park is relatively easy, considering there's only 425 feet of elevation gain. Along the route hikers will visit Fishercap Lake, Redrock Lake and Redrock Falls begore reaching Bullhead. From Bullhead hikers will enjoy great views of Swiftcurrent Mountain, Swiftcurrent Glacier, as well as the headwall above the lake:

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
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Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Most entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed Nov. 1

The West, South and East entrances and nearly all roads in Yellowstone National Park will be closed to regular vehicle traffic Nov. 1. The park annually closes roads at this time of year to prepare them for the winter season and snowmobile and snowcoach travel, which will begin Dec. 15. The last day for visitors to drive most park roads will be Tuesday, Oct. 31.

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley).

Visitors planning to drive in the park during the fall and winter should:

Prepare for changing weather conditions.

Have flexible travel plans.

Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details.

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions.

Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice.

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:

Visit Park Roads.

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.

All communities near Yellowstone are open year-round, with local businesses offering a wide range of fall and winter recreation opportunities. For information about communities in Montana (Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, and Silver Gate), visit www.visitmt.com. For information about communities in Wyoming (Cody and Jackson), visit www.wyomingtourism.org. And if your travel plans to the park take you through Idaho, visit www.visitidaho.org.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Bear Safety: How to Deploy Bear Spray

I recently noticed this video on how to deploy bear spray on the Glacier Institute's website. I thought this was a quick, worthwhile instructional video for those that carry bear spray, but have never had to use it. In it, you'll notice Garrett deploys the entire cannister. I'm not so sure that's the proper thing to do in the event of a charging bear. My understanding is that you should only spray for a few seconds to create a cloud, while keeping a few seconds of spray left in reserve in case the first burst didn't work for some reason (wrong wind direction, bear didn't approach close enough, etc.), and the bear were to return. I could be wrong on this, so please feel free to leave a comment below if you have a different thought or information.

Bear Safety: How to Spray Bear Spray from Glacier Institute on Vimeo.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

FWP Releases 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation And Management Plan For Public Comment

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft plan and environmental impact statement to guide the agency’s recommendations for the long-term management and conservation of wolves across the state.

The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (2023 Wolf Plan) incorporates updates in wolf-related research, more than 20 years of management experience, evolution in conflict management, new laws, social perspectives, and public input.

The new draft plan builds on a foundation of FWP wolf management: monitoring populations, tracking harvest, effective conflict management, and flexibility to integrate evolutions in science.

“The 2003 Wolf Plan guided our successful management for two decades. And under that management, wolves have become well established in Montana,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “This new plan relies on the best available science and reflects current Montana law and all the public input we’ve heard over the years regarding wolf management in Montana. I encourage folks to comment.”

The draft 2023 Wolf Plan shifts a key counting metric from the number of breeding pairs to the number of wolves representing at least 15 breeding pairs. The draft 2023 plan establishes that 450 wolves would ensure 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates will continue to be determined by the peer-reviewed Integrated Patch Occupancy Modeling method, or iPOM. The draft 2023 plan also describes the current depredation prevention and response program.

In the past 20 years, the public has had opportunities to comment on various components of wolf management as it was considered by the Montana Legislature, the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and FWP. Given this and the current direction within statute for wolf management in the state, FWP is not convening a citizen advisory group for wolf management at this time.

FWP is seeking public comment for 60 days on both the draft 2023 Wolf Plan and DEIS. The deadline for comments is Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. To view the draft 2023 Wolf Plan and comment, click here.

FWP is also seeking public comment on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). This document analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed plans. To view the associated DEIS, click here.

Comments on the plan and DEIS will be collected online and can also be sent by mail to 2023 Montana Wolf Management Plan DEIS, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Division, 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59620, or by email to FWPWolfPlanEIS@mt.gov.

Public meetings to answer questions about the draft 2023 Wolf Plan will be scheduled prior to the close of the public comment period and announced soon on the FWP website.



Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park