WG&F to host wolf meetings
by Wyoming Game and Fish Department
November 17, 2008
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will host public information gathering meetings and a public comment period to finalize an emergency rule regarding gray wolf management in Wyoming. The regulatory process has been initiated to finalize emergency regulation Chapter 21 put in place to address concerns identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the state's regulatory mechanisms for the management of wolves.
The proposed rule includes specific language to clarify Wyoming's commitment to maintain at least 15 breeding pairs of wolves and 150 individual wolves in Wyoming's established Trophy Game Management Area. The draft rule also addresses actions the commission will take if numbers within Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the Rockefeller Parkway drop below eight breeding pairs.
Other revisions include shortening some reporting requirements for those who kill wolves, either through licensed hunting or through livestock depredation actions; further defining "damage to private property" and "chronic wolf depredation"; further restricting the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission's ability to change the boundaries of the Trophy Game Management Area; and restricting lethal take permits to no more than two wolves.
These changes are consistent with recent draft changes to Wyoming's Gray Wolf Management Plan. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will be considering changes to the plan at its November 17-18 meeting in Jackson. The commission will consider changes to Chapter 21 at it January 29-30 meeting in Cheyenne.
The public meetings regarding the proposed rule will be held as follows:
Dec. 15 - Lander, Inn of Lander, Warbonnet Room, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 - Jackson, Wyoming Game and Fish Regional Office, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17 - Cody, Big Horn Federal, 7 p.m.
Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. Dec. 29, 2008. Written comments should be mailed to:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Wildlife Division
ATTN: Regulations
3030 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
Copies of the draft regulations are available at the same address and on the Game and Fish website.
The Game and Fish supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.
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