Spence & Moriarity

THIS AREA OPENS TO ALL HUMAN PRESENCE AT 8:00 AM MAY 16th.

Please review the general regulations. 14 day camping limit Camp in designated campgrounds only Weed free certified hay only No commercial use or outfitting of hunters or anglers is permitted on the Spence and Moriarity Wildlife Management Area.

Spence & Moriarity WMA is closed to human presence Dec. 16 - May 15

Areas west of the East Fork Rd are closed to human presence Dec 16 - May 15.

Must Apply for Early Access

Early Opening Rules APPLY FOR PERMISSION SLIPS

Fishing, Hunting, Trapping, Camping, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing

Comfort Stations, Campgrounds

35871.9

Lander Regional Office
260 Buena Vista
Lander, WY 82520

(307) 332-2688

Commonly Found Species

Big and Trophy Game in this Area
Below are specific Big and Trophy Game species commonly found within this WHMA area.
  • Antelope - 84
  • Deer - 128/171
  • Elk - 67
  • Moose - 6
  • Bighorn Sheep - 22
  • Mountain Lion - 18
  • Black Bear - 23
  • Wolf - 5
Fish Species in this Area
Below are specific Fish species commonly found within this WHMA area.
  • Brook Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Mountain Whitefish
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Snake River Cutthroat
  • Yellowstone Cutthroat
Small game and Birds in this Area
Below are specific Small game species commonly found within this WHMA area.
  • Doves
  • Partridge
  • Pheasant
  • Rabbit
  • Sage Grouse
  • Sandhill Crane
  • Sharp tailed Grouse
  • Turkey
  • Waterfowl
  • Mountain Grouse
Spence and Moriarity Wildlife Management Area was purchased in 1991 to expand crucial winter range for elk. The 41,156 acres are northeast of Dubois and managed primarily for elk. A unique feature of this wildlife management area is that every species of big game animal in Wyoming resides here, except mountain goat. The area is comprised mainly of sagebrush grasslands, with some areas of mixed conifers and riparian (river bottom) areas. In addition to elk, there are moose, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, rabbits, coyotes, foxes and songbirds. The Wiggins Fork River, Bear Creek and the East Fork River provide fishing opportunities for cutthroat, brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as mountain whitefish. Access to this area is provided all year from the East Fork road. However, portions of this area are closed to the public each year to prevent disturbance to wintering wildlife. This WMA lies within bear country, please visit our bear wise page for information on recreating in bear country - https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Grizzly-Bear-Management/Bear-Wise-Wyoming. Early Access Permission Slips Spence and Moriarity Wildlife Management Area and Inberg/Roy Wildlife Habitat Management Area are contiguous and located north east of Dubois. Access to the Human Presence Closure Area will be through the Bear Creek gate located milepost 9.6 on the East Fork Road. Each of the forty (40) persons randomly drawn for early access must possess an appropriate permission slip prior to entering the Human Presence Closure Area. It is the permission slip holder's responsibility to know, understand, and comply with the early access rules in order to access the Human Presence Closure Area. Failure to comply is a violation of Game and Fish Commission Regulations and may result in fines, the termination of access privileges, and/or other legal penalties. Permission slip holders should abide by the early access rules and respect the land for continued access opportunities.