CHEYENNE — In cooperation with partner agencies, nonprofit organizations and conservation groups, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has published the third edition of the “Wyoming Landowner’s Guide to Fences and Wildlife,” a comprehensive guide to wildlife-friendly fencing solutions and resources. Copies of the fencing guide are available for free at Game and Fish Regional offices, as well as through various partners throughout the state. 

While fences are a common sight across the state, interactions of wildlife with fences can be complex and can have a substantial effect on wildlife movement, including seasonal migrations and access to food and water.

Game and Fish has partnered with a growing number of government and nonprofit organizations statewide to improve fencing for wildlife while assisting private landowners and livestock producers. These landowners also have provided feedback and requested more resources on wildlife-friendly fencing improvements.

“We have had unprecedented interest from our landowners to implement wildlife-friendly fence modification projects throughout the state,” said Jill Randall, Game and Fish migration coordinator. “This updated fencing guide is the result of that interest, and we are excited to partner with a growing number of people interested in this program to help find win-win solutions for landowners and wildlife managers.” 

First published in 2012, the 2025 update marks the third edition of the Fencing Guide, reflecting the department's ongoing commitment to coexistence between agriculture and wildlife. The revised guide features the latest information on fence designs that minimize wildlife entanglement and obstruction, including advancements in materials and construction. The goal is a forward-looking resource supporting both productive working lands and thriving wildlife populations.

Physical copies of the book are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Downloadable electronic copies are available on the Game and Fish website.

Many individuals and organizations provided information and support for the creation of this third edition. These include: Bureau of Land Management, East Yellowstone Collaborative, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Knoblock Family Foundation, Muley Fanatics Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sublette County Conservation District, Teton County Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, University of Wyoming, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Landowners Alliance, WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Governor's Big Game License Coalition, Wyoming Wildlife Federation and Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation.