Wyoming Game & Fish Info
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has roots all the way back to the 1890's. This period marks a major decline in the population of wild game in the state of Wyoming due to unlimited harvesting practices used by settlers. During that decade, the positions of State Fish Warden (1890) and State Game Warden (1899) were established to protect Wyoming's wildlife from the dangers of over harvesting. These positions were dedicated to the replenishment of the wildlife in the area.
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In 1921, the Game and Fish Commission was established to provide citizen oversight to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Commission is made up of seven officials, appointed by the Governor, each representing a region in the state.
The Game and Fish is funded by the traditional user pays philosophy. This means that there is no general fund appropriated from the state for Game and Fish. The funding comes mainly from the annual sales of licenses to hunters and fishermen.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department provides an adequate and flexible system of control, propagation, management and protection, and regulation of all wildlife in Wyoming.
HUNTING FORECAST
Elk populations remain healthy, but history shows the determining factor in mountain hunting is weather and hunter dedication. If the season is blessed with snow, which has been a rarity in recent years, to aid tracking and visibility, hunter success goes up.
Often referred to as alpine whitetails for their elusiveness in thick timber, elk generally demand a diligent and concerted hunting effort no matter what their number.
Usually deer seasons are not as common as elk, and seasons are typically shorter. General firearm deer hunters in the Sweetwater River drainage and other central Wyoming areas will be restricted to four-point or better mule deer. The regulation is being used to reduce buck harvest and improve the proportion of bucks to does in the population. Four point or better mule deer restrictions continue for a second year in many hunt areas near Cody.
Limited quota elk and deer areas will afford good hunting as the number of licenses was designed to be in proportion to the number of animals.
Non-resident hunters are alerted to the fact that antelope and deer licenses are still available in many private land areas of eastern Wyoming. Hunters are urged to procure permission before buying the license. Cow elk licenses are also available in many areas across the state.
Unfortunately moose appear to be struggling in many western Wyoming hunt areas. Although Game and Fish hopes licenses are pared to the population, hunters should enter the woods expecting to hunt harder and longer.
By most accounts, sage grouse production has improved this year and hunters may have an improved chance of bagging young grouse. Mountain grouse, blue and ruffed, are expected to offer good hunting again this year.
The game animal to register the biggest gains is probably the cottontail rabbit. Their computer-quick reproductive rates allow rapid rebounds when conditions are good.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Cody Regional Office
2820 State Highway 120
Cody, Wyoming 82414
Phone: 307-527-7125
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