For a second time the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is partnering with outdoor recreation businesses to thank boaters when they complete their watercraft inspection. Boaters who have their watercraft inspected by Game and Fish can enter into a raffle for prizes, including a trout float or walleye fishing trip for two with Two Dogs Guide Service, a Byerly Buck Wakeboard with Shift CT Boots from Marine Products, a Minn Kota Endura Max trolling motor from the West Laramie Fly Store and a Lost Creek 4 Float Tube from Sportsman’s Warehouse.
This will be Wyoming’s seventh boating season following passage of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) legislation in 2010. Last year, over 47,000 watercraft inspections were conducted for invasive plants and animals, including zebra and quagga mussels. This included over 4,000 inspections on watercraft considered to be a high risk for transporting AIS, and of those 1,298 required decontamination to eliminate the potential for AIS transport.
“We really appreciate boaters taking the time to help keep Wyoming’s waters clear of invasive species. The raffle is a means to say thanks for taking the time to help with this effort from Game and Fish and our partners,” said Beth Bear the AIS program coordinator for the Game and Fish.
The Wyoming AIS Boater Appreciation Raffle will provide boaters who go through an inspection a receipt with a unique identifying number allowing boaters to go to the Game and Fish website, fill out a short survey and submit their entry. All prizes are completely funded by raffle sponsors. The last day to enter the raffle is November 26 and winners will be selected and posted on the raffle webpage on December 1.
Check stations will be open April 30 through September 25 at various ports of entry in the state. In addition, Game and Fish conducts inspections at major waters and at regional offices throughout the state. From March through November, all watercraft must be inspected each time they enter the state before launching in any Wyoming water. During all times of the year, an inspection is required if a watercraft has been on a water positive for zebra/quagga mussels. Boaters are encouraged to follow the “Drain, Clean, and Dry” protocol each and every time they launch, even when an inspection station is not present at the water.
“It is more important than ever that the state continue our aquatic invasive species prevention efforts, that boaters continue to get mandatory inspections when entering Wyoming from out of state, and that all boaters remember to drain, clean, and dry every time they boat.” Bear said. “This raffle is a thank you to boaters who help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.”
Information on inspection locations including Game and Fish offices and private locations can be found at on the AIS website.
