Governor’s Task Force Considers Future of Wyoming’s Fish and Wildlife
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department could begin running out of money in the next three years if it doesn’t find another source of revenue or increase license fees, according to department projections.
Hunting and angling numbers are down, and license fees haven’t increased since 2008. The department recently went through a series of cuts – from limiting the number of fish stocked in reservoirs to ending a hunting and fishing heritage expo – but officials say those won’t be enough in the long term.
While the situation may sound dire for the future of Wyoming’s fish and wildlife, a panel of 19 Cowboy State residents are looking for solutions. The Governor’s Fish and Wildlife Task Force has met twice in Casper and plans to gather twice more, including meetings Wednesday and Thursday. Members have talked about everything from giving the Game and Fish Commission more authority to set license fees to asking the Legislature to absorb more costs of managing nongame animals.Full Article: Group Considers Future of Wyoming’s Fish and Wildlife
Cover image: L. Robertson