UPDATE: Winter wildlife enthusiasts, get ready! Starting December 5, 2023, the Hardware Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Utah will offer thrilling sleigh and wagon rides among herds of wild elk. This breathtaking experience, provided by Haviland’s Old West Adventures, will run through February 15, 2024, making it a must-do winter activity.
Each weekend, including select dates like December 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31, visitors can engage in this unique wildlife adventure. The rides offer not just a scenic journey but an educational experience, with on-site opportunities to learn about elk at the Education Center’s “All About Elk” exhibit.
As the festive season approaches, the Education Center will also host Christmas ornament-making sessions featuring local flora, allowing guests to create lasting memories from their visit. Director Marni Lee emphasized the importance of taking home a piece of the WMA’s rustic charm.
Ticket prices are affordable: $12.50 for adults and children over 9, $5 for kids aged 4 to 8, and free for children 3 and under. Tickets must be purchased in-person on the day of the ride, so plan accordingly!
While the excitement builds, officials also stress the need for caution regarding wildlife health. The presence of Brucella abortus, a bacteria causing brucellosis among elk and bison, poses a risk. As this disease can lead to reproductive issues in infected animals, wildlife managers, led by Jim Christensen, are closely monitoring the situation. They aim to time the viewing and feeding season to minimize the risk of disease spread among the migrating elk.
Visitors heading to Hardware WMA can find it 16 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101, winding through the picturesque Blacksmith Fork Canyon. This stunning route leads to an area where nature thrives and elk roam freely, inviting guests to step into a world where wildlife and winter magic coexist.
With the season rapidly approaching, those interested in this extraordinary wildlife experience are encouraged to act quickly. For more details, check the official DWR website or contact the Hardware WMA directly. Don’t miss the chance to witness this seasonal spectacle and support wildlife conservation efforts!
