The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest has announced the seasonal closure near the outlet of Fremont Lake, effective from November 1 to November 30 and from April 1 to April 30 each year. This closure is designed to reduce human disturbance to migrating mule deer during critical times in the spring and fall. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has designated this area as part of the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Route.
The “Fremont Lake Bottleneck” is a narrow segment of the migration route that thousands of mule deer use each year. The area poses significant challenges for the deer, including residential development to the south and Fremont Lake to the north. Deer must navigate obstacles like Pine Creek, the lake outlet, and high-traffic areas near the marina, multi-use trails, and roads.
Efforts have also been made to improve the area for wildlife, such as removing non-wildlife-friendly fencing and securing additional habitat through the Luke Lynch Wildlife Habitat Management Area. Signs will be posted at key entry points to remind the public of the closure.
For more information, contact Rusty Kaiser, Wildlife Biologist with the Pinedale Ranger District, at 307-231-5980. Additional updates can be found by visiting Bridger-Teton National Forest’s website or following them on Facebook and X.
