Access Yes, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department program that provides public access areas to hunt and fish, is getting a big boost this January, thanks to a generous donation from Lathrop and Sons. For the month of January, with each purchase of a Lathrop and Sons Mountain Hunter Boot or 3D mapping kit, participants will receive $50 off by using the code "Access Yes" when they place their order. In turn, Lathrop and Sons will donate $50 for each item purchased to the Access Yes program in the purchaser’s name.

“Public access is a cornerstone of the North American model of wildlife conservation. Hunters and anglers play an important role in managing wildlife populations and pay the lion’s share of the bill for many wildlife conservation efforts,” said Matt Withroder, Game and Fish Casper regional access coordinator. 

In Wyoming, about 85 percent of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s funding comes directly from license revenue and taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. The public consistently ranks enhancing outdoor recreational access among the top priorities for the Game and Fish.

Lathrop and Sons, a family-owned hunting boot company, supports the role sportsmen and sportswomen play in wildlife conservation and wants to ensure abundant hunting and fishing opportunities remain hallmarks of Wyoming and a continued part of our American heritage.

In 2018, Access Yes provided 2.848 million acres of hunting access on otherwise inaccessible private, state and landlocked public lands. Additionally, 4,006 lake acres and 86 stream miles were provided for fishing. 

“A thank you to Lathrop and Sons for their generous support for Access Yes,” said Withroder. “It is to donations from our partners, hunters and anglers that allows the Game and Fish to provide increased public hunting and fishing access opportunities throughout Wyoming. A big thanks goes out to all those that donate to Access Yes”

The Game and Fish created the Private Lands Public Wildlife program in 2001, now called Access Yes, to increase hunting and fishing opportunities. In exchange for allowing public access, landowners receive modest payments, increased law enforcement as well as assistance with managing hunters and anglers, which can help and reduce wildlife damage. Access Yes is supported by Game and Fish funds and donations from conservation nonprofits and private individuals. In 2018, every Access Yes dollar provided approximately 3.1 acres of access.

Visit the Access Yes website for more information on access areas.