- Joined
- Mar 11, 2001
- Messages
- 70,011
- Reaction score
- 1,007
G&F Adjusts Hunting Season Proposals to Drought and Other Factors
WY G&F
03/21/2003
CHEYENNE – Moderate increases in eastern Cowboy State antelope and deer licenses, a reduction in Jackson and Cody area elk licenses, an overall reduction in moose quotas and opening formerly closed areas to pheasant hunting highlight the annual hunting season meetings being held around the state through April 3.
“In most of eastern Wyoming, the goal is to reduce or stabilize the deer and antelope populations until the habitat can recover from the prolonged drought,” said John Emmerich, Game and Fish Department assistant Wildlife Division chief. “Basically, we want the population managed for levels the habitat can support.”
Emmerich adds that Jackson and Cody area elk herds have been reduced to near their population objectives, prompting the proposal to reduce elk licenses. Low calf production contributing to declining moose numbers has prompted the reduction in moose licenses in many western hunt areas. But additional moose licenses are planned for areas 34, 42 and 43 in the Bighorn Mountains and area 38 in the Snowy Range Mountains.
The G&F is also proposing several bighorn sheep adjustments including reducing the quota to four in area 7 east of Jackson and to 12 in area 10 southeast of Dubois. Licenses would be increased to 28 in area 2 west of Cody, and regulations would be liberalized to allow any ram to be harvested in area 1 northwest of Cody and area 19 which includes Laramie Peak.
Closed pheasant areas are proposed to be opened in 2003. Currently, pheasants that escape bird farms in closed areas cannot be hunted.
“Opening these closed areas to pheasant hunting will allow hunters to harvest the escapees from bird farms,” Emmerich said.
"Although hunting seasons are at least a few months off, now is the time to air your opinion about the upcoming seasons," Emmerich said. "Although hunters are more likely to comment if they don't like a proposal, it helps us gauge public opinion if hunters would also comment when they support a recommendation."
Wyoming's proposed big game, game bird and waterfowl seasons are being explained and discussed at local meetings across the state. Contact the nearest G&F regional office for locations. These final regional meetings begin at 7 p.m.:
Date City Location
March 26 Pinedale Library
March 31 Cheyenne Dept. of Transportation Auditorium
April 1 Green River Green River Regional Library
April 1 Riverton Riverton Branch Library
April 2 Casper Casper Regional Office
April 3 Worland Washakie County Fairgrounds
April 3 Sheridan Sheridan College C-TEL Room
Comments about the proposed hunting seasons will also be accepted through April 4 by writing: Regulations, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604. Copies of specific season proposals are available by writing the same address.
All comments presented at meetings and received by mail will be presented to the G&F Commission before they establish 2003 hunting seasons at their April 2122 meeting in Casper. The commission will also accept public comments at their meeting.
Anyone who requires auxiliary aids to attend a meeting should contact the nearest G&F office. The G&F supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for accommodations.
WY G&F
03/21/2003
CHEYENNE – Moderate increases in eastern Cowboy State antelope and deer licenses, a reduction in Jackson and Cody area elk licenses, an overall reduction in moose quotas and opening formerly closed areas to pheasant hunting highlight the annual hunting season meetings being held around the state through April 3.
“In most of eastern Wyoming, the goal is to reduce or stabilize the deer and antelope populations until the habitat can recover from the prolonged drought,” said John Emmerich, Game and Fish Department assistant Wildlife Division chief. “Basically, we want the population managed for levels the habitat can support.”
Emmerich adds that Jackson and Cody area elk herds have been reduced to near their population objectives, prompting the proposal to reduce elk licenses. Low calf production contributing to declining moose numbers has prompted the reduction in moose licenses in many western hunt areas. But additional moose licenses are planned for areas 34, 42 and 43 in the Bighorn Mountains and area 38 in the Snowy Range Mountains.
The G&F is also proposing several bighorn sheep adjustments including reducing the quota to four in area 7 east of Jackson and to 12 in area 10 southeast of Dubois. Licenses would be increased to 28 in area 2 west of Cody, and regulations would be liberalized to allow any ram to be harvested in area 1 northwest of Cody and area 19 which includes Laramie Peak.
Closed pheasant areas are proposed to be opened in 2003. Currently, pheasants that escape bird farms in closed areas cannot be hunted.
“Opening these closed areas to pheasant hunting will allow hunters to harvest the escapees from bird farms,” Emmerich said.
"Although hunting seasons are at least a few months off, now is the time to air your opinion about the upcoming seasons," Emmerich said. "Although hunters are more likely to comment if they don't like a proposal, it helps us gauge public opinion if hunters would also comment when they support a recommendation."
Wyoming's proposed big game, game bird and waterfowl seasons are being explained and discussed at local meetings across the state. Contact the nearest G&F regional office for locations. These final regional meetings begin at 7 p.m.:
Date City Location
March 26 Pinedale Library
March 31 Cheyenne Dept. of Transportation Auditorium
April 1 Green River Green River Regional Library
April 1 Riverton Riverton Branch Library
April 2 Casper Casper Regional Office
April 3 Worland Washakie County Fairgrounds
April 3 Sheridan Sheridan College C-TEL Room
Comments about the proposed hunting seasons will also be accepted through April 4 by writing: Regulations, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604. Copies of specific season proposals are available by writing the same address.
All comments presented at meetings and received by mail will be presented to the G&F Commission before they establish 2003 hunting seasons at their April 2122 meeting in Casper. The commission will also accept public comments at their meeting.
Anyone who requires auxiliary aids to attend a meeting should contact the nearest G&F office. The G&F supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for accommodations.
