Wyoming Game and Fish Department

A task force that was convened by the governor has made recommendations for changes that, if approved, would go into effect in 2024. They would increase the number of non-resident licenses to help thin elk herds across the state, which have nearly doubled in population since 1980.

As the weather starts to get cooler, bears are getting ready for hibernation. That means they are actively seeking foods to put on fat for their long sleep.Dan Thompson, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s large carnivore supervisor, said because bears are so active right now, hunters, landowners and others who use the outdoors need to be bear aware. Especially in places like the Cody area, where the animals are expanding their range.

There are several hunting areas in the state that require hunters to submit a sample of their harvest to test for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is part of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) management of the deadly neurological disease.

People have always feared the unknown. And that fear transforms some animals into monsters in our minds — like sharks in the ocean, or rattlesnakes in the West.

Drought and the severity of winter conditions are factors as to whether there will be more or less wildlife available for hunters during hunting season. Overall, the outlook is favorable, though some species of wildlife are expected to more plentiful for hunters than others. The season officially began in mid-August.

There are around 40 aquatic snail species in Wyoming, and during the snail survey the researchers found 18 species in the three areas they searched. The research was supported by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Restrictions are often implemented during the summer months when fire and drought conditions are the most severe and are often lifted in the fall and winter, though they can remain in place during these times as well. Protecting lands for hunting, preserving public access, and preserving wildlife habitats are major reasons that restrictions are put in place.

As Wyoming is seeing record temperatures, the Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to change their practices so as to not stress or exhaust fish.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and Wyoming Department of Health have updated the recommendation for how much fish someone can safely eat that is caught in Wyoming waters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most fish contain mercury and too much can be harmful to one’s nervous systems, especially to young children, those who are pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Within a year, Wyoming will have a detailed elk management plan for the first time in history, and it will guide the state for the foreseeable future.The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has been working with the public since late last year to address arising issues.