SEELEY LAKE - The Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA), aka the Game Range, along with many other state WMAs opens Saturday, May 15 at 12 p.m. to shed-antler hunters and other recreationists. While cars have already started “lining up” at the Game Range’s West Gate on Highway 83, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Game Warden Sydney Young reminds the public that it is illegal to park vehicles within the road right-of-way on a public highway.
Many of Montana’s WMAs provide security to wintering wildlife during the most vulnerable time of the year. These WMAs are closed to public use following the end of the hunting season and do not reopen until May 15 or June 1, depending on the WMA. Hunting for and collecting “shed” antlers in spring has become a popular activity on more than 30 WMAs managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
Because the west gate to the Game Range is located on Highway 83, Young said if vehicles are parked “in line” at the gate, they are subject to being marked abandoned by Montana Highway Patrol. According to Montana Code Annotated 61-12-401, Montana Highway Patrol can take a vehicle into custody if it has been abandoned for 48 hours or more on the right-of-way of any public highway other than a county road.
While congestion on the Highway and safety for motorists and those with horses has been a topic of discussion and concern, FWP had not changed how they will manage the opener this year. The gates will open at 12 p.m. and the public will be allowed to enter.
Passing motorists are asked to slow down when traveling Highway 83 south of Salmon Lake to Clearwater Junction. Those waiting to enter the Game Range prior to its opening are asked to be extra careful around the active Highway. No traffic control will be in place.
To learn more about Montana’s WMAs and to confirm specific opening dates, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Fish & Wildlife” then click “Wildlife Management Areas.”
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