WGFD to discuss shed antler season Oct. 8
by Wyoming Game and Fish Department
September 22, 2009
JACKSON - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is holding public information-gathering meetings to discuss Chapter 61, Collection of Shed Antlers and Horns and Chapter 14, Late Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons.
Public meetings are scheduled to be held at 7:00 pm at the WGFD Regional Offices in Jackson on Wednesday, October 7, and in Pinedale on Thursday, October 8.
Chapter 61, Shed Antlers and Horns, is a new regulation proposal and anyone who collects shed antlers and horns is encouraged to attend one of the meetings.
This proposed regulation would direct and empower the Game and Fish Commission to regulate and control the collection of shed antlers and horns of big game animals, for the purpose of minimizing the harassment or disturbance of big game populations, on public lands west of the Continental Divide any time between January 1 and May 1 of each year. This regulation is designed to minimize the harassment or disturbance of big game animals on their winter and spring ranges when they are most vulnerable to physiological stress and displacement to less productive habitats.
The new proposed regulation specifies that, no person shall collect shed antlers or horns from big game animals on public land west of the Continental Divide, excluding the Great Divide Basin, from January 1 through April 30 of each year. Exceptions have been provided for Department personnel and contract elk feeders to collect antlers on elk feedgrounds, as per Department policy.
"We realize the timing on these meetings is not the best with mosthunting seasons in full swing," said Jackson and Pinedale Public Information Specialist, Mark Gocke. "In order for a new regulation topass, there are several steps that must take place. It takes 120 days to process a new regulation and we had to act now in order to be prepared to have a regulation in place for this winter."
Public information gathering meetings are also being held in Green River and Casper on October 6. A complete list of meeting locations, copy of the proposed regulation and Statement of Reason may be viewed at: http://gf.state.wy.us/admin/Regs/index.asp
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission hearing to take action on these regulations will be November 19, 2009 in Laramie, Wyoming. In order for written comments to be reviewed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission prior to the public hearing, written comments will be accepted no later than by 5:00 pm October 26, 2009.
Written public comments will be accepted at all public information gathering meetings as listed above for these regulations and at the Casper Regional Office. Written comments shall only be mailed to the following address: Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Division ATTN: Regulations 3030 Energy Lane Casper, WY 82604 (307)473-3400. The State of Wyoming supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Anyone requiring auxiliary aids, regarding this Public Notice, should contact the Green River Game and Fish Office at 307-875-3223. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.
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