Gray wolves were recently returned to state management, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is again leading these efforts. As was the case in 2012 and 2013 when Game and Fish led management, the department is proposing gray wolf hunting seasons within the Trophy Game Management Area.
Game and Fish is holding public meetings on the proposed 2017 gray wolf hunting seasons and has opened a comment period to gather public input. This timing allows for the final proposal to go to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission at its regularly scheduled July meeting.
“We have developed a conservative hunting season framework in the Trophy Game Area for the public to consider and provide comments. Our track record in 2012 and 2013 shows that this approach will ensure we maintain a recovered population of wolves while providing opportunity for those who want to hunt gray wolves,” said Doug Brimeyer, deputy chief of the Game and Fish’s wildlife division.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend one of the public meetings to be held across the state discussing these regulation proposals:
| Date | Time | Town | Location |
| May 17 | 6 p.m. | Green River | Game and Fish Office |
| May 22 | 6 p.m. | Jackson | Virginian Hotel |
| May 23 | 6 p.m. | Cody | Bighorn Federal Bank |
| May 23 | 7 p.m. | Sundance | Crook County Courthouse |
| May 23 | 7 p.m. | Sheridan | Game and Fish Office |
| May 24 | 6 p.m. | Laramie | Game and Fish Office |
| May 25 | 6 p.m. | Casper | Game and Fish Office |
| May 25 | 6 p.m. | Lander | Game and Fish Office |
| June 1 | 6 p.m. | Pinedale | Game and Fish Office |
In addition to proposed gray wolf hunting regulations other draft regulations may be discussed at these meetings.
Wolves outside the Trophy Game Management Area are considered predatory animals as defined in state law and therefore can be harvested. Any wolf harvested in the predator zone must be checked in to the Game and Fish within 10 days of harvest. The department does not manage for population viability outside the Trophy Game Management Area as wolves that occur in these areas are more likely to be involved in conflicts.
Written comments on gray wolf hunting regulations shall be accepted through 5 p.m. June 19 at public meetings, online, or by mail:
3030 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
Copies of the proposed regulations are available on the Game and Fish website and at the address above in accordance with Chapter 1 Regulation Governing Access to Public Records.
Written comments shall be presented to the Game and Fish Commission prior to the public hearing at their July 18-20 meeting in Afton at the Afton Civic Center.
The Game and Fish Department supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.
