Dec. 2021 - 35

Located 19 miles west of Kaycee, the Ed
O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management
Area is closed to human activity from Jan.
1 through May 14 to protect wintering
wildlife from disturbance. (WGFD photo)
Outlaw Cave, named for its reputed former
use as a hideout for Butch Cassidy and members
of his Wild Bunch during the late 1800s.
Members of the group would occasionally use
the canyon and surrounding Hole-in-the-Wall
country to hide from law enforcement between
bank robberies. The steep terrain and isolated
location that made it an ideal spot for 19th
century fugitives also makes it a tough place
for modern-day users to access.
Much of the area is
used seasonally by
the Upper Powder
River mule deer
herd which has been
below population
objectives since the
early 2000s.
" The roads to access the Ed O. are rough
and high clearance; 4-by-4 vehicles are highly
recommended, " said Seth Roseberry, Game
and Fish habitat and access coordinator in
the Sheridan Region. " Whether entering the
north side along Blue Creek or the south side
near Outlaw Cave, most users do not drive
vehicles with trailers or campers past the first
mile or two. If you plan on driving into the
Ed O. Taylor, plan for a short drive that takes
a long time on a bumpy road. "
The area also offers some challenges for
Game and Fish managers. Fences need continual
maintenance to exclude domestic
livestock while also allowing movement of
wildlife. Roads are susceptible to erosion due
to the rocky nature and sparse soil in the area.
Invasive weeds such as cheatgrass, knapweed,
houndstongue and thistle brought to the area's
roads and trails on tires and feet are a constant
menace, reducing rangeland productivity and
diversity when they become established.
Mule deer
and mahogany
Though it was purchased for the benefit of
elk and deer, in recent years the improvement
of critical habitat the WHMA offers mule deer
has taken on more importance. Much of the
area is used seasonally by the Upper Powder
River mule deer herd which has been below
population objectives since the early 2000s. An
ongoing, intensive Mule Deer Initiative study
by Game and Fish is trying to determine why.
Though initial data indicates chronic wasting
Wyoming Wildlife | 35

Dec. 2021

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