Ranchers Gift To Bird Hunters
I’m Susan Allen welcome to Open Range stay tuned becuase I’ve got good news for those of you who love to bird hunt. Pheasants Forever has acquired a 2,700 acre ranch near Hamer, Idaho. The ranch acquisition, Pheasants Forever's largest wildlife habitat project in Idaho, will eventually be opened for public hunting and outdoor recreation. The southeast Idaho ranch lies directly between the Camas National Wildlife Refuge and the state Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area. Connecting these properties effectively creates 21,195 acres of wildlife habitat in one management block. The area provides grass-sagebrush uplands and meadows, and lakes, ponds and marshlands that provide vital habitat for a variety of migratory birds. It was the intent of the sellers, who decided to retire from ranching, to see the ranch protected to continue to provide wildlife habitat, as well as a place for the general public to enjoy outdoor pursuits. The landowners wish to remain anonymous. "Countless hunters, hikers and birders are indebted to this ranch family's conservation foresight," said Ryan Storm, Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative in Idaho, who worked for two years on the acquisition. The sellers donated a percentage of the land value as part of the acquisition. Terry Thomas, Regional Habitat Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Upper Snake Region stated, " The net result for wildlife will be far greater than the 2,700 acres of the acquisition. All involved in this acquisition are to be commended, especially the ranchers for their vision and Pheasants Forever who worked tirelessly to make that vision become a reality."
