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Habitat conditions on lot of crucial big game winter ranges look favorable for the winter of 2015-2016.  A few years of timely precipitation produced good growth on both shrubs and herbaceous plants.  Basically, the groceries out there for wintering big game look good in most places this winter. 

However, keep in mind that wintering game animals will now enter an energy deficit state depleting their fat reserves as they cope with the harsh winter conditions.  Although elk, deer, bighorn sheep and moose might become more visible this time of year, it’s important to give these wintering animals a break while out recreating by giving them ample space and to not unnecessarily push them from critical wintering grounds.  Every calorie and movement counts for big game this time of year.

Respect and be aware of crucial big game winter range closures which occur on some key Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service lands around the state.  Many of the WGFD Wildlife Habitat Management Areas have restrictions during the winter months to accomplish one goal, benefit winter wildlife.

Jordan Kraft
South Pinedale Game Warden

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