Some wildlife habitat management areas in the Sheridan Region will begin closing to motorized vehicles in mid-November as part of their annual seasonal closures. WHMA roads that remain open to vehicle access later in the season may close earlier than scheduled if personnel believe wet weather creates conditions where resource damage could occur. Off-road motorized travel is prohibited on wildlife habitat management areas.

Many WHMAs around the state were purchased with the specific purpose of providing winter range for elk and other big game. Protecting and improving winter range where possible, is the primary management objective of these properties. Annual seasonal closures have been in effect for decades and are intended to protect wintering wildlife from disturbance. 

2025-2026 closures

Amsden Creek - Closed to motorized vehicles Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 - foot and horseback access only. Closed to human presence Nov. 16, 2025 through May 14, 2026. Opens 8 a.m. on May 15, 2026.  

Bud Love - Closed to human presence Jan. 1 through May 14, 2026. Opens 8 a.m. on May 15, 2026.  

Ed O. Taylor - Closed to human presence Jan. 1 through May 14, 2026. Opens 8 a.m. on May 15, 2026. 

Ellis - Closed to motorized vehicles Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 - foot and horseback access only. Closed to human presence Jan. 1, 2026 through May 30, 2026. Opens 8 a.m. on June 1, 2026.  

Kerns - Closed to motorized vehicles Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 - foot and horseback access only. Closed to human presence Nov. 16, 2025 through May 31, 2026. Opens 8 a.m. on June 1, 2026.