Boating season in Wyoming is coming to a close and so are the Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic invasive species check stations. Check stations throughout the state close on Sept. 15. However, it is a requirement that any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through November 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching.
“Boaters who need to get their watercraft inspected between Sept. 15 and the end of November can stop by a Game and Fish office or any private certified inspector,” said Beth Bear, Game and Fish AIS coordinator. “Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days is required to undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching during all months of the year.”
Game and Fish has a list of private inspectors online, as well as additional inspection requirements.
Boaters who went through an inspection at a Game and Fish AIS check station still have time to submit their surveys to be entered into the 2016 Wyoming AIS Boater Appreciation Raffle. The last day to enter the raffle is November 30, and winners will be selected and posted on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department raffle webpage on December 3. Boaters whose watercraft were inspected received a receipt with a unique identifying number. With this number, boaters can go to the Game and Fish website, fill out a short survey and submit their entry.
As a thanks to boaters, Game and Fish is partnering with outdoor recreation businesses to enter into a raffle for prizes, including a kayak package with two Emotion Guster Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, ratchet straps and a Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler; a two-person guided trout or walleye fishing trip; Garmin Striker 5cv Fish Finder; Coolest Cooler and a Creek Company Odc 420 Ultralight Float Tube. Prizes are provided by Sportsmen’s Warehouse, Two Dogs Guide Service, Citimarine, Marine Products and the West Laramie Fly Store. All prizes are completely funded by raffle sponsors.
