Wyoming Outfitters aid in Brucellosis efforts
by WYGF
June 26, 2005
Efforts to understand and manage brucellosis in Wyoming’s elk population got a shot in the arm thanks to financial contributions from the state’s guides and outfitters. The Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association (WyOGA) donated $1,000 to the Game and Fish Department June 18 for use in brucellosis research and management.
"This is the first time we’ve been in a position to help the Game and Fish financially," said WyOGA President E.K. Bostwick. "Brucellosis affects all the hunters, guides and outfitters in the northwest corner of the state. We’re excited to help fund this most worthwhile cause."
The WyOGA was formed in 1959 for hunting outfitters to deal with emerging agency regulations, land use disputes and to raise the degree of professionalism in the industry.
Brucellosis is a disease that affects large ungulates such as cattle, elk and bison. The disease can cause cows – both domestic and elk – to abort their calves. Transmission between and among species occurs when cattle or elk sniff or lick the infected fetus, placenta or fetal fluids. G&F, as part of the Wyoming State Brucellosis Coordination Team, was charged with developing Brucellosis Management Action Plans for each elk herd unit that has winter elk feedgrounds. Brucellosis is known to infect the G&F’s 22 elk feedgrounds and the National Elk Refuge.
Bostwick hopes this if the first of many donations from WyOGA to aid wildlife conservation efforts.
"Our goal is have a long-term partnership with the department and provide ongoing financial support for wildlife conservation," he said. Bostwick added that donations from individual WyOGA outfitter member groups are also planned. Those funds would target local priorities and G&F projects.
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