2026 Check Stations

Hunters who have pursued big game over the years are well-familiar with Wyoming Game and Fish Department check stations around the state.  Stopping at check stations is important to collect data from the field but also share information with hunters.  But it’s also the law.  State regulations are clear:  In Wyoming, hunters are legally required to stop at every check station on their route to and from their hunting area, regardless of whether they have harvested any wildlife or are transporting it.

Check stations serve a valuable service for Game and Fish—the data provided from samples of harvested animals plays a direct role in wildlife management—if a tooth is extracted for example, that tooth provides a more specific age of that animal.  Lymph node removal of deer, elk and moose helps the department monitor chronic wasting disease.  It’s an opportunity to collect large sample sizes that can provide good information related to the health of herds, and it gives Game and Fish the opportunity to assess what stage the population is in—whether it’s trending up or down for example, especially with antlered segments of a herd.  There are also current topics being considered by the department where hunters can ask questions.  

Check stations are an easy and convenient way for hunters in mandated CWD sampling areas to have a lymph node sampled from their animal. Game and Fish personnel can collect that sample in a matter of minutes, and have you on your way.  But check stations also check for legal compliance, so hunters need to be sure they can produce their valid licenses and permits upon request by an authorized department representative.     

All hunters and anglers must stop at a check station either to or on their way from the field—even if they don’t have wildlife in possession.   Again, the data a harvested animal can provide helps Game and Fish make management decisions that benefit wildlife populations—and ultimately benefit hunters too.