Thanks for asking a great question. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA) are lands that provide crucial wintering habitat for big game and important production areas for birds and mammals. This habitat is crucial for wildlife during the winter months for survival, and it reduces the impact to private lands for livestock production. Other benefits include protection of quality watersheds, native plants, and wildlife corridors.

The Game and Fish manages 38 WHMAs with approximately 450,000 acres, under the direction of the Game and Fish Commission. These lands are comprised of Commission fee title lands acquired primarily through federal wildlife funding programs, and also include Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, Office of State Lands and Investments, National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service lands.  

The WHMAs provide permanent access for sportsmen and sportswomen to fish, hunt, trap, boat, view wildlife, picnic, and hike on the areas except during the seasonal closures. Camping is allowed in designated areas and motor vehicles are allowed on designated roads. Each WHMA has informational signs which have the specific uses and rules for the area. We welcome you to utilize these wonderful outdoor resources.