Springer/Bump Sullivan Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Springer Wildlife Habitat Management Area is 15 miles south of Torrington and is considered by many to be one of the best pheasant and goose hunting areas in the state.  These 1,911 acres along U.S. Highway 85 were established in 1948 to provide pheasant habitat and increased hunting opportunities.  More recently, waterfowl have also benefited.  The Wyoming Game & Fish Department co-manages this area with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Surrounding the reservoirs in this area you will find rolling plains at an elevation averaging 4,200 feet.  Most of the vegetation is sagebrush grassland with a variety of native grasses, rubber rabbitbrush, sagebrush and gray horsebrush.  Various types of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees have been planted here to increase nesting, hiding and feeding areas for wildlife.

Current management priorities on the Springer area are focused on geese, ducks and pheasants.  Geese are probably the major success story, with thousands of eggs being laid each year in artificial nesting structures.  During the spring and fall, large numbers of waterfowl use this area as a stopover point on their migration routes.  Many species of ducks, Canada and snow geese, sandhill cranes and many shorebirds can also be seen.  In addition, pheasants, cottontail rabbits, wild turkeys, mule deer and white-tailed deer, skunks, fox squirrels and muskrats live here.  Songbirds, doves and bald eagled also use these lands.

Although most of Springer area is closed to goose hunting, public land on Bump Sullivan Reservoir and surrounding private lands provides goose-hunting opportunities during winter months.  Non-toxic shot is required when attempting to take any game species when hunting with a shotgun. Fishing opportunities are limited.  Water levels fluctuate constantly on the reservoirs because the water is for irrigation.  Bullheads, carp and perch are found in these waters.

In addition to hunting and fishing, there are a variety of recreational opportunities here, including picnicking, swimming, boating and wildlife observation.

Springer/Bump Sullivan is open all year, except most of the Springer area is closed to goose hunting. The area is closed to motorized vehicular travel from October 1st through Memorial Day weekend. Off-road vehicular travel is not allowed.