JACKSON - The elk hunting season is now closed at the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) south of Jackson and elk are beginning to show up at the traditional winter feeding site. However, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department hopes to continue to allow waterfowl hunting on an eastern portion of the WHMA, as they have for the past several years, as long as it doesn't disrupt wintering elk.

Wyoming Game and Fish personnel have posted signs that are visible along the designated boundary between the open and closed area. Access is limited to foot traffic; vehicles can park in pullouts along WY Highway 89 adjacent to the South Park WHMA. The area will remain open to limited foot access until January 1, 2014, when all public access will be prohibited until May 1, 2014.

This arrangement will remain in place as long as waterfowl hunters abide by the closed areas and elk aren't being disturbed. Game and Fish wardens and biologists will make the decision to close the area if elk are at risk of leaving the WHMA and commingling with livestock or are causing damage to private lands. If the decision is made to close the area to waterfowl hunting it will be posted as such at the main entrances from WY Highway 89.

The Wyoming Game and Fish reminds waterfowl hunters that a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp) is required of all waterfowl hunters 16-years and older. Also, a HIP permit is required of all licensed hunters who hunt migratory game birds. The HIP permit is also applicable for holders of Pioneer and Lifetime hunting licenses. HIP permits are nontransferable to other states. A separate validation is required in each state where migratory birds are hunted. Hip permits are available free on the Game and Fish website at: wgfd.wyo.gov.

In addition, the department reminds everyone that it is illegal to construct permanent blinds on any Game and Fish WHMA and that temporary blinds must be removed or they will be considered litter. Commission regulation requires those constructing temporary blinds to mark it with their name and address.

Waterfowl hunters also are reminded that it is illegal to shoot trumpeter swans or snow geese, which may be found using the South Park WHMA.