Raffle prizes are being supplied by Sportsman’s Warehouse in Casper, Cheyenne and Rock Springs; The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages and RV; Citimarine; Marine Products and the West Laramie Fly Store. Prizes include a kayak package with two Emotion Guster Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, ratchet straps and a Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler; a two-person guided trout fishing trip; Dragonfly 4DVS Fish Finder; Liquid Force Harley Grind Wakeboard and a Calcutta High Performance cooler.
Boaters will be provided a raffle entry each time their boat is inspected at a Wyoming Game a Fish Department check station. Prize winners will be randomly selected on December 3.
“Invasive species are serious threats to quality fishing and boating. Sportsman’s Warehouse is proud partner with the Game and Fish and Wyoming boaters to prevent their spread,” said Tim Francois manager of the Cheyenne Sportsman’s Warehouse. “The AIS raffle both increases awareness about this important issue and provides a great way to thank boaters for their participation.”
Zebra and quagga mussels represent two species of great concern. Both species remove substantial amounts of food and nutrients from the water, making less available for fish. Their rapid colonization of hard surfaces also results in costly economic impacts to water supplies, agriculture, aquaculture and other commercial activities. Once established, removal of these mussels from a water body is nearly impossible and treatment options are limited. The most effective conservation measure is prevention. Zebra and quagga mussels have been detected in neighboring states including Colorado, Nebraska, Utah and Montana. The invasives can also damage other water systems.
Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through November 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching. 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. All watercraft must stop at any open watercraft check station on their route of travel, even if not intending to launch in Wyoming.
“Partnerships are key to ensuring future high quality fishing and boating in Wyoming.” said Beth Bear, Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator. “The AIS Boater Appreciation Raffle is a great example of teamwork between boaters, outdoor retailers and Game and Fish to address this critical issue.”
For more information about aquatic invasive species visit Wyoming AIS Boater Appreciation Raffle.
