Dickshooter facts for kids
Dickshooter is a special name for a few natural spots in Owyhee County, Idaho, which is in the state of Idaho. It refers to a trail marker, a ridge, a reservoir, and a creek. These places are all close to each other in the southwestern part of Idaho. They are in a wild, natural area, about 39 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of a town called Riddle, Idaho.
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Exploring Dickshooter's Nature
The Dickshooter trail marker is located between two creeks: Battle Creek and Deep Creek. This area is a fantastic place for outdoor fun all year round.
Fun Things to Do There
You can enjoy many activities in the Dickshooter area, such as:
- Hiking on trails
- Camping under the stars
- Hunting (with proper permits)
- Fishing in the waters
- Swimming in natural spots
- Watching birds, including many different kinds
- Riding ATVs
- Mountain biking on exciting paths
- Cross-country skiing in winter
- Snowmobiling when there's snow
Amazing Wildlife
The wild areas around Dickshooter are home to many cool animals. You might spot:
- Bighorn sheep with their big horns
- Elk, a large type of deer
- Antelope, known for their speed
- Deer of different kinds
- Bears
- Bobcats
- Mountain lions
- Grouse, a type of bird
- Many different birds of prey, like eagles and hawks
The Dickshooter area is quite far from main roads. It takes a few hours to drive there. This makes it a truly isolated and wild place to explore.
Dickshooter Creek: A Special River
Quick facts for kids Dickshooter Creek |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Confluence with Deep Creek |
| Length | 9.3 mi (14.96 km) |
Dickshooter Creek is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means it is protected by the government because of its special natural beauty. The creek flows south into Deep Creek. During the summer months, the creek often dries up. The deep valley, or gorge, that the creek has carved out is a popular spot for hiking and backpacking adventures.
Dickshooter Ridge: A Habitat and a View
Dickshooter Ridge is another wild area. It provides a home for important animals like sage grouse and bighorn sheep. Long ago, there was a plan to use part of Dickshooter Ridge for military training exercises by the United States Air Force.
A road called Dickshooter Ridge Road was once used by travelers. It connected Silver City, Idaho to Salt Lake City in Utah, and also to Humboldt County, Nevada. This road offered amazing views of steep, walled canyons and wide-open desert landscapes.
Protecting the Land
The United States Congress passed a law called the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. This law helps protect wild areas across the country. It includes the land around Dickshooter Creek and Dickshooter Ridge, making sure these special places stay wild and natural for the future.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The name Dickshooter comes from an early settler in the area named Dick Shooter. Because of its unique sound, Dickshooter has often been mentioned on lists of unusual place names in the United States.
