SHERIDAN — The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission heard proposals from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on several regulation changes and updates during the first day of its July meeting Tuesday in Sheridan
Game and Fish Fiscal Division Chief Dirk Miller provided a presentation and comments on the updated proposed changes to Chapter 35 regulations. As a response to Commission direction, Game and Fish proposed changes that would limit veterans who had 100% disability status through the Department of Veterans Affairs from qualifying for extended-season benefits reserved for disabled hunters unless they had a physical disability.
There was significant public comment against the change, which prompted the department to modify its recommendations back to the original language.
“This is a great example of the Game and Fish responding to public feedback,” Miller . “It illustrates the importance of participating in the process, and engaging with us in our regulatory process.”
Changes to Chapter 35 that were approved by the Commission were:
— Increased access to Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge for disabled hunters.
— Streamlined issuance of Disabled Hunter Companion Permits.
— Removal of age limitations for persons with life-threatening illness.
— Minor revisions to clean up and update language in the regulation.
Miller also presented the department’s proposed changes to Chapter 44 for donated licenses. The proposed changes to the regulation would limit the number of donated licenses per individual to two full-priced licenses in a five-year period. As currently written, the regulation allows recipients to receive donated licenses for an unlimited number of seasons. After discussion, the Commission voted to approve the proposed changes 4-1, with Commissioner Fonzy Haskell casting the dissenting vote. The changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Donated license holders can also go through the regular draw process, including the once-in-a-lifetime licenses, through the regular process. Under the proposed changes, recipients would still be able to apply for these in addition to receiving a donated license.
The Commission approved all changes to regulations affecting management of aquatic invasive species. Mark Smith, Game and Fish fisheries management coordinator, presented multiple changes to the regulation including adding golden mussels to the list of emergency prohibited species, exempting low-risk water craft and water-sport toys from AIS inspection and a change to allow closure and restrictions of watercraft use for decontamination at infested Wyoming waters.
The Commission also approved an increase in AIS decal fees for motorized watercraft for Wyoming residents and nonresidents. The Wyoming resident decal fee increased from $10 to $20, and the nonresident fee increased from $30 to $50. No changes were proposed to the non-motorized decal fees. The department estimated this would increase revenue for AIS efforts by $420,000, and fund 37% of the $3.2 million annual cost of AIS prevention efforts.
Changes to the 2026 gray wolf hunting season were approved by the Commission. The changes will reduce available gray wolf licenses to 22 to order to meet management requirements. Additionally, several wolf hunting areas were consolidated.
Tuesday was the first day of a two-day meeting. The meeting will conclude today in Sheridan. More information regarding today's meeting can be found on the Game and Fish website Commissioners page. You can join the meeting today's virtually on Zoom.