HARRISON — When Norris Warner purchased his property on Thompson Lake in 1999, he was attracted to the calm of the lake and the surrounding wildlife preserve.

Until now, there was no hunting in the region, but all this has changed recently.

“About three weeks ago I woke up to gunshots, which is really weird,” Warner said.

After investigation, he noticed a large number of hunters at the lake and that all signage for the wildlife reserve had been removed.

After asking questions, Warner and other residents contacted the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. They learned that the Thompson Lake waterfowl closure had been lifted in recent years.

“It’s not only a loss of serenity, it’s been a haven for waterfowl for years. It’s really sad,” Warner said.

He said he wishes there was a warning for residents or a public hearing so it wouldn’t be a complete surprise when hunters start moving into the area.

Fish and Game’s decision was made in 2020, as part of a review to find unnecessary limitations for hunters.

TJ Ross, regional communications manager for Idaho Fish and Game, said the commission made a similar decision to open the Myrtle Creek Preserve in Bonners Ferry to hunting, fishing and trapping in 2022. Before that, the area had been closed for 85 years.

Due to the timing of the decision, regional wildlife habitat manager Norm Merz said it was a “soft release” during COVID, so there was no outreach . The department typically makes announcements more publicly, but due to personnel changes and issues stemming from the pandemic, there has been no public process.

“It was simply seen as a restriction on the availability of fighters,” Merz said.