Wildlife managers actively monitoring winter impacts, evaluating hunting seasons

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports they are actively monitoring impacts the harsh winter is having on big game populations across southern, central and western Wyoming. As a result of extreme winter impacts, Game and Fish wildlife managers have made significant adjustments to hunting season proposals in many areas of the state. 

According to the department, while formulating hunting season recommendations wildlife managers evaluate forage availability, disease prevalence and winter mortality. 

Sheridan Media reported on the initial season proposals that were presented during public meetings around the state in March. But the Game and Fish report that after considering the ongoing impacts of winter and the overwhelming public concern, wildlife managers have modified their recommendations in areas with extreme winter mortality. A new set of draft regulations will be posted online and presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission during its season-setting meeting April 18.

“As we have seen this week, we are still experiencing extreme winter conditions and significant wildlife mortality in many areas of the state,” Game and Fish Chief Game Warden Rick King said. “The department may make additional regulation changes for the Commission’s considerations up until the time we present them. Our 2023 season proposals will reflect a very conservative approach.”

Game and Fish reports they are closely monitoring big game distribution and have the ability to seek an emergency regulation in order to delay the opening of the antler collection season to protect big game on winter ranges.

Game and Fish have invited the public to attend the season-setting Commission meeting April 17-18 in Casper. A virtual option is available. The full agenda is available on the Game and Fish website, by clicking here.

Hunters can also stay informed on the upcoming hunting season and winter impacts by signing up for the Game and Fish Hunting Update by clicking here.