The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has reopened the Amsden Creek and Kerns wildlife habitat management areas in northern Sheridan County. The properties had been closed to public access due to impacts from the Elk Fire. 

The Amsden Creek and Kerns WHMAs will be open to non-motorized use only. No camping will be allowed. The areas will also adhere to their annual seasonal closure dates that have been in place for decades to protect wintering wildlife from disturbance:

Amsden Creek WHMA
Nov. 16, 2024 to May 14, 2025 - closed to human presence

Kerns WHMA
Nov. 16, 2024 to May 31, 2025 - closed to human presence

Members of the public are cautioned that road and fence repairs, fireline rehabilitation and other post-fire activities will be taking place on these properties in the coming weeks. Significant portions of the properties were burned and users are also cautioned that there is the potential for falling trees, loose rocks and debris and other safety concerns.

The Tongue River Canyon Public Access Area will remain CLOSED at this time.

Other properties outside the fire perimeter have also reopened.

The Story Fish Hatchery is again open to the public.

The Penrose Public Access Area, accessed via Game and Fish property near Story, is reopened to public access. 

Sheridan County Walk in Area #12 is reopened for public hunting. This area is privately-owned property, so hunters are asked to respect the land and the landowner and adhere to all rules and regulations for the area.

The Bighorn National Forest still has a public access closure in place for several trails and a portion of the forest south of Highway 14. Forest users can visit the Bighorn National Forest website or Facebook page for current updates. Additionally, county road closures implemented by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office can be found on the Sheridan County Emergency Management Department website.