CASPER – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is requesting public input on a proposed change to the management objective for the Pine Ridge Elk Herd Unit in the Casper Region. A public meeting will be held on June 3 at the Casper Game and Fish Regional Office, 3030 Energy Lane, at 4:00 p.m.

Game and Fish managers strive to maintain big game herds near their established objectives to protect habitat quality, avoid damage to rangelands, and provide quality hunting opportunities. Big game herd objectives are evaluated every five years to determine whether they are appropriate for achieving the goals of wildlife managers, landowners, and the public.

The Pine Ridge Elk Herd Unit includes Elk Hunt Area 122.  Currently, Game and Fish manages for a satisfaction objective of 60% set in 2012 and is proposing to implement a population objective of 1,500.  This herd has been over the satisfaction objective for 15 years. Landowners have expressed concern about the overabundance of elk in this herd unit. A sightability survey conducted in 2025 yielded a population estimate of approximately 2,000 elk. A population objective provides managers with additional tools to manage this herd more accurately.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.