PINEDALE— The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest would like to remind the public of a recent decision regarding a seasonal recreational closure near the outlet of Fremont Lake.  The purpose of the seasonal closure is to minimize human disturbance to migrating mule deer in the spring and fall. In collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Pinedale Ranger District decided to implement a no-human presence closure from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 and from April 1 through April 30, in a crucial area along the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Route which was designated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.  

This map depicts the seasonal recreational closure, which begins April 1, near the outlet of Fremont Lake.

Data indicates that deer using this migration route travel farther than any other mule deer migration ever documented, passing through many potentially life-threatening obstacles along the way. The closure area represents an important portion of the migration route, known as the “Fremont Bottleneck.”

Mule deer migrate through the area known as the Fremont Bottleneck in November 2023.

This bottleneck is a top concern for mule deer managers, as this narrow segment of the migration route is critical for the passage of thousands of mule deer each fall and spring. In addition to the narrowness of the migration bottleneck which is bordered by residential development to the south and by Fremont Lake to the north, a major concern with this area is the high level of activity associated with human presence that deer must contend with as they cross Pine Creek or swim the outlet, move past the marina and multi-use trails at CCC Ponds area, and cross the paved Forest Service Road 111 and County Road 154.  

This sign along Fremont Lake explains the history of the Sublette Mule Deer Migration Route that runs through the area.

Recent efforts to eliminate the obstacle of non-wildlife-friendly fencing in the area have already been accomplished, as well as the acquisition by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department of the Luke Lynch Wildlife Habitat Management Area, located just west of the proposed closure area. Signs will be posted at key entrances to the area to remind the public of the seasonal closure.  

Signs like this will soon be posted at each of the entries into the area impacted by the seasonal closure. The signs will remain in place through …