Wolf Hunting Season Proposed
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
May 4, 2017
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its draft wolf hunting season regulations for public review and comment. The proposal calls for a season date from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 in most areas where wolves are classified as trophy game, with a total quota of 44 wolves.
Here’s the press release from the agency:
Gray wolves were recently returned to state management, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is again leading these efforts. As was the case in 2012 and 2013 when Game and Fish led management, the department is proposing gray wolf hunting seasons within the Trophy Game Management Area.
Game and Fish is holding public meetings on the proposed 2017 gray wolf hunting seasons and has opened a comment period to gather public input. This timing allows for the final proposal to go to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission at its regularly scheduled July meeting.
"We have developed a conservative hunting season framework in the Trophy Game Area for the public to consider and provide comments. Our track record in 2012 and 2013 shows that this approach will ensure we maintain a recovered population of wolves while providing opportunity for those who want to hunt gray wolves," said Doug Brimeyer, deputy chief of the Game and Fish’s wildlife division.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend one of the public meetings to be held across the state discussing these regulation proposals:
Date Time Town Location
May 17: 6 p.m. Green River Game and Fish Office
May 22: 6 p.m. Jackson Virginian Hotel
May 23: 6 p.m. Cody Bighorn Federal Bank
May 23: 7 p.m. Sundance Crook County Courthouse
May 23: 7 p.m. Sheridan Game and Fish Office
May 24: 6 p.m. Laramie Game and Fish Office
May 25: 6 p.m. Casper Game and Fish Office
May 25: 6 p.m. Lander Game and Fish Office
June 1: 6 p.m. Pinedale Game and Fish Office
In addition to proposed gray wolf hunting regulations other draft regulations may be discussed at these meetings.
Wolves outside the Trophy Game Management Area are considered predatory animals as defined in state law and therefore can be harvested. Any wolf harvested in the predator zone must be checked in to the Game and Fish within 10 days of harvest. The department does not manage for population viability outside the Trophy Game Management Area as wolves that occur in these areas are more likely to be involved in conflicts.
Written comments on gray wolf hunting regulations shall be accepted through 5 p.m. June 19 at public meetings, online, or by mail:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Regulations
3030 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
Copies of the proposed regulations are available on the Game and Fish website at the link below and at the address above in accordance with Chapter 1 Regulation Governing Access to Public Records.
Written comments shall be presented to the Game and Fish Commission prior to the public hearing at their July 18-20 meeting in Afton at the Afton Civic Center.
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