Wyoming Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides

The meeting commenced with New Applicant Training Class followed by the main Board Meeting. Key discussions included the review and conditional approval of new outfitter applications, such as Riley Lloyd taking over the Box Y permit, pending satisfactory equipment inspection. Another application, Billy Meeks', was tabled to allow for submission of additional documented guide days and narrowing the scope of the operation plan. The Consent Agenda items, excluding previous meeting minutes approvals, were passed unanimously, covering professional guide licenses issued and supplemental requests for various license holders across different land types. Financial reports for July through November 2025 were reviewed, showing positive revenue over expenses. Several dockets were addressed, resulting in advisory letters or consent agreements being recommended for closure. The Investigator provided an update on case work, travel, and relationship building with stakeholders. Other business involved a proposal for a fee increase, as fees have not been raised since 2008, and a significant discussion regarding packing/transport services, specifically concerning the use of helicopters to access landlocked public lands and whether this activity constitutes illegal outfitting. Work sessions were scheduled to delve deeper into the packing/transport issue.

The meeting agenda includes initial introductions followed by new applicant training, adoption of the board meeting agenda, consideration of new outfitter applicants, and a consent agenda covering professional guide licenses and supplemental requests, along with the Treasurer's Report. The session will also address complaint/disciplinary/application matters, provide an investigator update, cover other business, and detail the next meeting information. An executive session may be called at any time.

The board meeting included a new applicant training class and discussions on new outfitter applications, including the approval of Jake Gardner's licensure pending equipment inspection. The consent agenda covered professional guide licenses, supplemental requests, the treasurer's report with fiscal year-end data, and advisory dockets related to wildlife violations. The board addressed complaint, disciplinary, and application matters, including recommendations from the Disciplinary Committee. An investigator provided an update, and nominations for the new Chairman and Vice-chair were conducted.

The meeting included discussions on new outfitter applications, including those of Stuart Griffin, Stith Keiser, and Taylor Lisco, focusing on their qualifications, experience, and operational plans. The board addressed a consent agenda that covered the approval of meeting minutes from April 2025, professional guide licenses issued, supplemental requests for various hunting activities, the treasurer's report, advisory letters for G&F violations, and the renewal of a WYOGA magazine advertisement. An investigator update was provided, noting no new formal complaints or violations and highlighting interagency coordination efforts. Additional discussions covered fishing advisory board input, statute changes regarding military licenses, and upcoming meetings.

The strategic plan for the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides focuses on licensing, regulating, reviewing, and evaluating big and trophy game outfitters and guides to maintain quality and professionalism in the hunting outfitting industry. Key areas of focus include enforcing applicable laws and regulations, addressing illegal activities, preserving land and resources, and ensuring proper permitting and insurance. The plan also emphasizes streamlining licensing processes, improving communication between agencies, and enhancing training for new applicants to promote responsible and sustainable outfitting practices.