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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Owyhee County Search and Rescue (SAR) want to remind the public that while enjoying the tremendous recreational opportunities in southwest Idaho, to please do so safely and responsibly.

“There are year-round recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands in Owyhee County in addition to the many other uses, such as grazing,” said BLM Boise District Manager Tanya Thrift. “These lands are often remote, and we ask visitors to please take precautions to avoid hazardous situations and come prepared in case of an emergency.”

There have been a high number of Emergency Medical Services and SAR responses to incidents on public lands within Owyhee County that could have been prevented with a little preparation and adherence to basic safety principles.  

• Always let someone know where you are going and what time you will return.

• Cellphone service is very limited, especially outside of highway corridors.

• Be prepared for emergencies by taking along extra water, food and clothing.

• Stay on designated roads and trails; it is unlawful to travel cross-country with motorized vehicles in Owyhee County.

• Carry a spare tire and know how to change a flat one.

• Unpaved roads should be avoided during inclement weather, and most require high- clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles even in dry conditions.

• Adhere to closure times for recreation sites such as Jump Creek (April 1 to Oct. 1 is 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Oct. 2 to March 30 is 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.). Violators will be ticketed.

• Be aware that the BLM manages public lands for multiple uses, including grazing, mining, logging and a wide variety of recreation. Please be respectful of other users.

“Always know where you are going. The biggest problem we have is when somebody in distress calls the sheriff’s office, but has no idea where they are at,” said Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kenny Hoagland. “If lost, stuck, disabled or in an emergency, do not call a friend to relay the information to us, call 911. That way we can get a GPS location from your phone call.”

“It’s also important to check the weather,” said Hoagland. “Most rainstorms turn our dirt roads muddy, slick and impassable even with four-wheel drive. Please stay on established roads. Not only can you get stuck, you tear up the land that takes years to recover, if ever.”

When called upon, first responders and volunteer SAR personnel take time away from their families and jobs to provide emergency services after dark, on weekends and in extreme weather conditions. Often, these personnel experience the same hazards that contributed to the emergency. Response times, especially in remote areas, can take several hours.

“We welcome visitors to come down and enjoy the public lands in Owyhee County,” said Hoagland. “Just please be safe and considerate of others sharing the land with you.”