Wyoming Game and Fish Department Reopens Amsden Creek and Kerns Wildlife Areas Following Elk Fire Closure

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced the reopening of the Amsden Creek and Kerns wildlife habitat management areas (WHMAs) in northern Sheridan County, which had been closed to the public due to the impacts of the Elk Fire, Sheridan Media reports.

Both the Amsden Creek and Kerns WHMAs will now be open for non-motorized use only, with no camping permitted. The areas will also follow their established seasonal closure dates aimed at protecting wintering wildlife from disturbances. Specifically, the Amsden Creek WHMA will be closed to human presence from November 16, 2024, to May 14, 2025, while the Kerns WHMA will be closed during the same timeframe until May 31, 2025.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution as road and fence repairs, fireline rehabilitation, and other post-fire activities are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Significant portions of the properties were affected by the fire, and users should be aware of potential hazards such as falling trees, loose rocks, and debris.

While the Amsden Creek and Kerns WHMAs have reopened, the Tongue River Canyon Public Access Area remains closed. Other properties outside the fire perimeter have also been made accessible again. The Story Fish Hatchery has reopened to the public, and the Penrose Public Access Area, which can be accessed via Game and Fish property near Story, is now available for public use.

Additionally, Sheridan County Walk-In Area #12 has reopened for public hunting. As this area is privately owned, hunters are reminded to respect the land and landowners while adhering to all applicable rules and regulations.

The Bighorn National Forest continues to have public access closures in effect for several trails and portions of the forest south of Highway 14. For the latest updates, forest users are encouraged to check the Bighorn National Forest website or its Facebook page. Information regarding county road closures implemented by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office can also be found on the Sheridan County Emergency Management Department website.