Wyoming Game and Fish Department

The public meeting agenda covers several key items scheduled over March 18th and 19th, 2026, following a public tour of the Downar Bird Farm on March 17th. Key discussions include the election of Commission Officers, the Director's Report on current issues, and approval of the 2026 Commission Meeting Dates, including a requested change to one upcoming meeting date. The Commission will address the Feedground Management Action Plan (FMAP) Process Update and the Infrastructure Management Plan. Financial matters involve providing preliminary approval for the FY 2027 Commission Budget and reviewing construction bid results and funding options for the Speas Warm and Cool Water Facility. Other items include a hearing regarding previously cancelled License Selling Agent appointments, voting on revisions to outdated Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Policies, and presentations on the State Wildlife Action Plan implementation for Hornyhead Chub Restoration, a Large Carnivore Section Update, and an update from The WYldlife Fund. The second day includes updates on Chapter 41 (Bison Designated as Wildlife) and Chapter 62 (Aquatic Invasive Species), discussions on Horse District Designations, the Springer Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA), Wyoming Game and Fish Big Game Harvest Surveys, and the Mule Deer Monitoring Program Update. An Executive Session is scheduled for litigation and real estate matters.

This conservation strategy addresses the significant decline of mule deer in Wyoming by outlining a proposal to improve the quality and availability of mule deer habitat over the next five years. The plan focuses on three core components: conserving intact habitat, improving degraded habitat, and supporting mule deer conservation through collaborative efforts. It serves as a roadmap for sustainable mule deer conservation, encouraging elected officials, decision-makers, and agency leaders to contribute to these efforts.

This 2025 Harvest Report by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department compiles data on harvested bighorn sheep, hunter success, and hunter effort. This information is critical for managing bighorn sheep populations and informing future hunting season planning. Based on registered harvests and survey responses from 271 hunters, the report indicates that 242 bighorn sheep were harvested during the 2025 hunting season in Wyoming.

The two-day public meeting, conducted both in-person and via Zoom, involved discussions and potential votes on several agenda items. Key topics included the Director's Report on current issues, review and approval of the revised Chapter 44 (Issuance of Licenses, Permits, Stamps, Tags, Preference Points and Competitive Raffle Chances), and final approval of the Commission's FY 2026 Budget. Other significant items for vote included approving projects selected for funding by the Animal Damage Management Board, approving a new license selling agent, reviewing and approving revised Chapter 46 (Fishing Regulations) and Chapter 22 (Watercraft Regulations), receiving an update on the Speas Cool and Warm Water Facility Project, and voting on revised Chapter 47 (Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons) and Chapter 42 (Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons). The agenda also included time for Awards, Recognition, and Donations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This document outlines the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's efforts to develop Elk Feedground Management Action Plans, which are components of the broader Wyoming Elk Feed Grounds Plan. These plans aim to guide the department's long-term approach to managing 21 feed grounds, employing adaptable strategies based on scientific research to address evolving conditions. The process involves collaboration with stakeholders and the public, focusing on biological, social, and economic factors to ensure sustainable and publicly beneficial management practices for wildlife, businesses, and residents.