Seasonal Closure of Sand Hills Critical Wildlife Area Enforced to Protect Mule Deer Habitat
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has implemented its annual closure of the Sand Hills Critical Wildlife Area to motorized vehicles, effective from December 1, 2025, until April 30, 2026. This area, situated approximately 20 miles north of Reno, Nevada, is bounded by Red Rock Road to the west, Bedell Flat Road to the north, and Bird Springs Road to the east.
Spanning around 13,300 acres, the closure aims to safeguard the winter habitat essential for the survival of mule deer. Law enforcement officers will patrol the closure perimeter to ensure compliance, while areas outside this boundary remain accessible to motorized activities. Public land users are encouraged to explore alternative riding locations during this period.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife emphasizes the importance of these seasonal off-highway vehicle (OHV) restrictions to help preserve mule deer and maintain their health, particularly after devastating fires have ravaged large segments of their habitat. The lack of human interference is critical for the interstate mule deer herd’s well-being.
“This seasonal closure is vital for Mule Deer habitat,” stated Kim Dow, Carson City District Manager. “We encourage the public to enjoy recreating on public land by finding alternate riding areas during this time.”
The BLM oversees more than 245 million acres of public land primarily across 12 western states, including Alaska. The agency also manages 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate nationwide. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.
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