Hunting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said more than 95% of national refuge lands could be open to hunting after proposed expansions, which follow a Trump Administration order from earlier this year that directs agencies to remove barriers to hunting and fishing.

Signs point to the first major outbreak of canine distemper since the state took over management. As a result, this year will likely see fewer hunting tags than most: the state has proposed cutting the wolf mortality limit to 22. That’s down half from last year.

Relaxed gun restrictions on public lands worries conservation groups about safety to public and wildlife

Outdoor recreation remains a major economic player, but inflation, tariffs and affordability concerns may have contributed to a slowing growth rate in 2024.

The Interior Department’s secretarial order directs federal land managers to find places with unnecessary barriers to hunting and fishing and expand public access to outdoor recreation.

The zones are managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and make up more than 500,000 acres of land, with access to more than 200 miles of streams.

That means stepping over private land access public land remains legal in some states, including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.

A map of disposal sites is on the department's website. It's hoping to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service incentive launched last year and is now expanding to more wildlife refuges.

The groups are asking Colorado Parks and Wildlife launch a phased ban of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on state lands to address animal and human health concerns.