AZ Game and Fish temporarily closes wildlife area

FLAGSTAFF - The Arizona Game and Fish Department has temporarily closed all public entry the Raymond Wildlife Area near Flagstaff until June 20.

The closure took effect on Friday.

Recently, the Game and Fish Commission approved the closure to assist wildlife managers with their efforts to maintain the local bison herd on the department-owned property.

The closure is necessary to protect ranching operations and property of nearby neighbors, as well as the safety of the public visiting the wildlife area.

The bison have been moving off the wildlife area because of pressure from visitors along with hunting activity.

Bison have been living on the Raymond Wildlife Area since 1945 when they were brought there from the department-owned House Rock Valley Wildlife Area.

Raymond Wildlife Area is located 30 miles east of Flagstaff.