At the June 16th-17th meeting of the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce, the Taskforce determined the list of topics they would begin to tackle. This is a preliminary list, and is subject to change as the Taskforce progresses.

The Taskforce will continue to take public input regarding topics to consider until the July 8th meeting.

If you wish to provide input, please use the Comment Submission Form.

Draft List of Topics to be Covered by the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce

Drafted June 17th, 2021

1. Resident hunters are frustrated with limited licenses, access, and overall opportunities to hunt.

What policies might sustainably increase resident sportsmen’s opportunities for the big 5 (moose, sheep, grizzly, goat, and bison)?

a. License allocations

b. Preference points and fees resident and non-resident, youth, waiting periods

c. Battling point creep

d. Resident/non License fees, draw dates, application dates and process

e. Mandatory harvest survey

2. Resident hunters are frustrated with limited licenses, access, and overall opportunities to hunt.

What policies might sustainably increase resident sportsmen’s opportunities for deer, elk and antelope?

a. License allocations

b. Points non-resident/resident and fees, youth

c. Waiting periods

d. Resident/non License fees, draw dates, application dates and process

e. Mandatory harvest survey

f. Quota splits and outfitter only draw

g. Left-over draw

h. Tagging simplification and education

i. Overall game numbers and health

j. Type 9 licenses in areas where resident general license and general archery hunting is allowed

k. Choose your weapon

3. Private landowners are stewards of the landscapes that provide critical habitat for Wyoming wildlife. Although these landowners may sometimes appreciate and benefit from the wildlife, wildlife can also have negative impacts on landowners’ livelihoods (depredation, forage lost, risk of disease transmission, etc.)

What policies and practices might support and incentivize private landowners as stewards of wildlife habitat?

a. Access to and/or via privately owned lands

b. Enhancing game numbers and herd health

c. Compensation (monetary or other benefits) for depredation, loss and/or habitat improvement

d. Landowner license including the structure, distribution, transfer etc.

e. Landowner license issuance

f. Setting herd objectives

g. Trespass issues

4. In addition to being fellow sportsmen themselves, outfitters and their guests bring economic benefits to the state (license fees, tourism industry and related jobs, etc.) and have a vested interest in the wellbeing of Wyoming wildlife.

What policies might support outfitters and their guests to maximize the benefits to Wyoming’s economy and wildlife?

a. Turkey outfitting

b. Nonresidents who have a tag but no place to hunt

c. Nonresident requirements to hire outfitters hunting in wilderness --> see #3 below

d. Regulation of guided fishing boats

e. Fishing outfitters board

5. Commissioners’ licenses hold a “special” place in Wyoming. Concerns exist as to the allocation of these licenses.

How might the distribution of commissioners licenses be improved to better serve state priorities?

6. Wildlife health and abundance necessitates strong and thoughtful management.

How might management schemes and methods be improved to better serve Wyoming residents (humans and wildlife) ?

a. Mule deer management

b. Elk numbers

c. Elk area regionalization

d. Predators

7. Other important topics are relevant to wildlife wellbeing.

What improvements in these other areas might help?

a. Long term stability ($+) of Game and Fish

b. Poaching and its punishment

c. Invasive species mitigation

d. Trapping and hiking safety

e. High water mark

f. Traffic deaths

g. Consider advancement of technology to preserve/maintain fair chase

h. Endangered Species Act

i. Non-residents who draw a tag and don’t have anywhere to use it.