CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission held its first meeting of 2026 last week at Wyoming Game and Fish Department Headquarters in Cheyenne. The meeting included several presentations on upcoming initiatives and efforts the department has in place.

The Commission approved a change to policy to allow for the department’s education team to move forward in offering a fully online hunter education course option for those over 18. Following this approval, the Department will develop an online course that is anticipated to go live in early 2027. . As with all Game and Fish hunter education courses, the online course will meet International Hunter Education Association standards. Wyoming accepts hunter education certificates from all  U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and Mexico, and requires that all hunters born on or after January 1, 1966, carry proof of their hunter education certification with them in the field while hunting. More information on hunter education and current options available can be found on the hunter education page on the Game and Fish website.

Beginning in 2027, Game and Fish plans to transition from an annual hunting season-setting process to a three-year cycle to improve data analysis and provide greater regulatory stability for hunters. This shift aims to refocus public engagement from traditional annual meetings with season proposals already developed to fostering more meaningful public engagement in years seasons are not set, so public input can be better considered prior to developing formal proposals. In addition, Game and Fish will be able to maintain the flexibility to implement emergency changes for unforeseen events like severe winters or disease outbreaks. Following the final annual cycle in 2026, the department expects to formally approve and launch the first multi-year cycle beginning in 2027, which will establish seasons through 2029. This plan was presented to the Commission at their January meeting and received full support to proceed as planned.  

The Commission also heard an informal presentation outlining the 2026 Mule Deer Conservation Strategy. Building on the success of the Mule Deer Initiative that was adopted by the Commission in 2007, the strategy will serve to identify priority actions and coordinate the department’s approach to habitat conservation and herd management over the next five years. The plan sets significant financial goals, including $50 million annually to protect intact working lands and $75 million to treat 1 million acres of invasive species. The strategy also prioritizes connectivity by earmarking $50 million for high-priority wildlife crossings and $15 million to convert 500 miles of fencing to wildlife-friendly designs. By integrating research and collaborative partnerships, the department aims to secure vital migration corridors and winter ranges to ensure the long-term resilience of the state’s mule deer herds. The department did not request funds at this time.

The next Game and Fish Commission meeting is March 18-19 in Torrington. More information, including schedules, video of previous meetings and how to get involved and submit comments for future meetings can be found on the Commission web page on the Game and Fish website.

—WGFD—