Payette River WMA’s Birding Islands segment is located just northeast of the town of New Plymouth in west-central Idaho’s Payette County. From Interstate 84, take Exit 9 and travel 4.5 miles on State Highway 30 through the town of New Plymouth. Just past the New Plymouth Post Office look for the Birding Island South sign. Turn east onto Idaho Street and drive 0.5 miles to Holly Avenue. Turn north and follow Holly Avenue 1.5 miles to NW Second Avenue. Turn east and follow road .7 miles to Payette River WMA’s Birding Islands South parking lot. Hundreds of geese nest around Payette River WMA, together with mallards, gadwalls, northern pintails, American wigeon, green-winged and cinnamon teal, lesser scaup, redheads and wood ducks. Snowy and common egrets, great blue herons, American bitterns and white pelicans are often seen cruising the river. While large mammals are scarce, small mammals are common. Muskrat, mink and beaver patrol the waterways of the Payette River and reside in some of the WMA ponds, sloughs and canals. Raccoon, skunk, red fox and coyote are all found on WMA lands, but like their larger counterparts, can be difficult to observe. Numerous two-track roads wind through the area, and guests are welcome to hike these established routes or explore other areas on their own. Waterfowl and wading birds are easily spotted during a trek along the river’s edge. Waterfowl hunting can be good in early fall and winter. Upland game bird hunting (particularly for ring-necked pheasant) can be good, though heavy cover makes a hunting dog necessary. Several of the WMA ponds contain bass, and the Payette River is home to rainbow trout, bass and other catchable species.