The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is requesting public input on a proposed change to the management objective for the Rattlesnake Pronghorn Herd Unit.  Game and Fish reviews big game herd objectives every five years to determine if they are appropriate in achieving the goals of wildlife managers, landowners, and the public.
 
The Rattlesnake Pronghorn Herd Unit includes Hunt Areas 70, 71, and 72.  Currently, Game and Fish manages for a post-hunting season population size of 12,000, with a recreational management strategy in Hunt Area 70 and a special management strategy in Areas 71 and 72.  Under a recreational framework, managers set seasons with the goal of maintaining preseason ratios of 30 to 59 bucks per 100 does.  Under a special management framework, managers set seasons with the goal of maintaining preseason ratios of 60 to 70 bucks per 100 does.  Managers are proposing to align management strategies by using a recreational framework in all three hunt areas within the herd unit.  The proposed change would simplify management within the herd unit while providing the potential to improve hunting opportunity in Hunt Areas 71 and 72.  There is currently no proposed change for the postseason population objective, which would remain at 12,000 pronghorn.
 
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, input will be taken online in place of a public meeting.  Further information and an online comment form can be found at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/Casper-Region/Casper-Region-News/Game-and-Fish-proposed-updates-to-Antelope-Areas.
           
Online comments will be accepted through May 23, 2020.