The Home Place

Mule Deer Management

2012-01-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Mule deer management and the pros and cons of statewide limited quota. Click here.

An evaluation of management issues affecting the quality of hunting in Wyoming's mule deer herds: final report and strategy recommendations. Click here.

Green with Envy

2012-01-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

Green with Envy from Trout Unlimited on Vimeo.

A proposed pipeline to divert billions of gallons of water from Wyoming and Utah to Colorado's Front Range threatens more than the world-class trout fishing in the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. It poses a threat to a series of small communities and a way of life. This video from TU and the Sportsmen's Conservation Project shows why.

Celebrate 75 Years with Wyoming Wildlife Federation

2012-01-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

Wyoming Wildlife Federation Annual Banquet
Celebrating 75 Years

We cordially invite you to our Annual Wyoming Wildlife Federation banquet celebrating our 75th anniversary. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Cheyenne, WY. Banquet doors will open at 5:30 pm and will conclude at 11:00 pm.

Admission, dinner tickets and entry fee for numerous door prize drawings will be $45 per person or $80 per couple. Join us for this fabulous evening of food, fun and entertainment, including:

-Grand Prize Gold Tickets - $100.00/ticket
Only 400 tickets will be sold! The winner will have a choice of $15,000.00 cash or a 2011 Ford Ranger 4x2 XL Supercab.** Need not be present to win.

Thank you to Spradley-Barr Ford, Toyota, Mazda & Hyundai of Cheyenne!
**(Winner responsible for taxes, licensing and destination delivery charges, if applicable)**

-Commissioners License Raffle - $25.00/ticket
This license enables you to hunt elk, deer or pronghorn in the hunt area of your choice during the 2012 season. Need not be present to win.

-Super Raffle for Guns
Cost for tickets varies by gun and only 100 tickets will be sold for each gun. Winners need not be present, but must pass a background check.

Weatherby MK V .300 Weatherby Mag - $40.00/ticket

CZ Wingmaster 12 ga. Over/Under - $40.00/ticket

Winchester 1894 Lever Action .30-.30 (octagonal barrel) - $35.00/ticket

Browning BLR Model 81 .325 Winchester Short Mag - $30.00/ticket

Ruger Super Red Hawk 9.5" bbl .44 - $25.00/ticket

-Sponsor Table Reservations - $550.00
Includes reserved signs for your guests, 4 individual memberships or 1 corporate membership, 8 meal tickets, 8 monogrammed beverage glasses and 1 sponsor raffle ticket per table.

-Much more, including...
Wine Packages
Door Prize Drawings
Live & Silent Auctions
Wall of Guns Raffle
Wall of Bows Raffle
His & Hers
Wheelbarrow of Spirits
Kids Raffle
Sponsor Raffle

All proceeds from our Annual Banquet go toward the Wyoming Wildlife Federation's efforts to protect Wyoming's wildlife and hunting/fishing heritage. To order tickets, CLICK HERE or call 307-637-5433 or toll free 1-800-786-5434.

Best wishes from the Board of Directors and staff of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation,

Lonnie Allred, Board President
Joy Bannon, Interim Executive Director

Wyoming Sportsmen Thank Secretary Salazar

2012-01-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Wyoming Sportsmen Thank Secretary Salazar

Secretary Ken Salazar’s recent visit to Cheyenne offered a unique opportunity for Wyoming sportsmen and women to thank the Secretary for his effort to improve the oil and natural gas leasing process on our public lands.

Members of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation presented letters and photos of thanks to the Secretary from hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts ranging in ages from 16 to 65 for policy changes that they see are benefiting sportsmen across the west.

There have been many debates over energy development; and the inefficient system that has traditionally framed these debates - a system where “us” versus “them” - became a defining feature. I believe that most Wyomingites support energy development, but we also want to protect our outdoor economy, which has always been there for us through boom and bust. We value our ability to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate our sporting culture and heritage.

Secretary Salazar’s common sense approach to energy development on public lands has brought more clarity and consistency to complicated and controversial on-shore oil and gas leasing. These new policies require BLM to conduct more detailed environmental review prior to oil and gas leasing. This has led to more certainty for both sportsmen and energy companies because the public’s concerns can be addressed on the front end of leasing instead of waiting until the final stage. The BLM and energy companies know months in advance of an oil and gas lease sale, which encompasses acres of land and water are important to wildlife, recreation and the public. Since the implementation of the new reforms, the Interior Department has reported an overall, dramatic drop in the number of lease protests. I encourage Wyoming’s elected officials to support the Department of the Interior as it works to adopt proactive policies that reduce conflict.

The 2010 oil and gas lease reforms have also encouraged the public to become engaged in the development of Master Leasing Plans. These plans survey an area on a landscape scale before leasing in areas where oil and gas development is likely to occur. This tool supports increased coordination, public participation and cumulative effects analyses instead of processing projects one at a time without evaluating the entire area. The reforms are intended for the BLM to fully analyze the many values available on our public lands before making oil and gas leasing decisions that can vastly alter the landscape. I have witnessed 3 major energy development `booms’ in Wyoming, including one for coal and two for oil and gas, as well as lesser ones related to uranium and, recently, wind. Too often, the impulsive bursts of mineral and economic development have overshadowed the need for measured and well-planned growth.

Despite continued calls over the years by a broad range of interests for cumulative effects analyses, which are specified in the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal laws and policies that govern land management , seldom has this been done or done properly.

Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s work collecting sportsmen and women letters over the past 18 months resulted in the opportunity for it to present those letters to Secretary Salazar last week. I had the pleasure of joining them as one of the sportsman who wrote to Salazar, and we are all appreciative of Salazar’s responsible energy development practices. We thank Secretary Salazar because balance is crucial to protecting the wildlife, outdoor opportunities and sporting heritage that are such a rich part of Wyomingites lives.

Reg Rothwell is a retired Wyoming Game & Fish Department Biologist currently living in Cheyenne.

2011 Month of Guns - LAST CHANCE

2011-12-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

2011 Month of Guns

Dear Friend,

It is your LAST CHANCE to take part in our Eleventh Annual "Month of Guns" Giveaway. With the greatest line-up of guns we have ever featured, this is the chance of a lifetime. Starting Thursday, December 8, 2011, we will be giving away a gun each weekday through December 23, 2011.

Every ticket purchased gives you TWELVE CHANCES to win one of the following:

-Browning BLR Takedown .324 WSM
-Remington 11-87 Turkey 12 ga.
-Ruger M77 Laminated .204 Ruger
-Weatherby Vanguard MOA 7mm Mag.
-CZ USA 550 Bolt Action .308 Win.
-Weatherby Vanguard .338 Win. Mag.
-Winchester M70 Featherweight 7mm-08
-Marlin 1895G Guide Cun .45-70
-Ruger 10/22 Stainless .22 LR
-Bond Arms Snake Slayer .45/.410
-Smith and Wesson 629 4" bbl. .44 Mag.
-CZ USA 455 Bolt Action .22 Mag

For more information, including pictures of each gun, CLICK HERE! Ticket pricing is as follows:

1 ticket - $30.00
3 tickets - $80.00
7 tickets - $150.00

The proceeds from this event help fund our efforts to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, promote ethical hunting and fishing, and fight for access to public lands and waters for all citizens. We are a non-profit organization and exists solely on your generosity.

Winners will be notified by phone or mail as soon as possible after each day's drawing. You are eligible to win multiple guns as your ticket will be re-submitted if drawn. All winners must pass the required background checks. Guns will be shipped to dealers with valid Federal Firearms Licenses for pickup. To order tickets, CLICK HERE or call 307-637-5433 or toll free 1-800-786-5434. We appreciate your continued support.

Dr. Steve Smutko

2011-11-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

DRAFT

Center for Resolution

Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance

National Park Conservation Association

Teton Conservation District

University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service

Wyoming Wildlife Federation

invite you to a presentation by Dr. Steve Smutko

“Collaborative …..”

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

5:30 – 7:00 pm

University of Wyoming Extension Office

255 West Deloney Avenue, Jackson

Dr. Steve Smutko holds the Spicer Chair

in Collaborative Practice and is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Environment and Natural Resources Program at the University of Wyoming. Steve conducts a research, teaching and outreach program in policy development and public decision-making in natural resources and community development. The focus of

his work is on engaging with local governments, state and federal agencies, and the private and nonprofit sectors to

enhance participatory decision-making in environmental policy and natural resources management issues. Steve provides assistance and training in participatory decision-making, negotiation, collaborative process design, public dispute resolution, and technical analysis of resources, economics, and policy. Steve teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in negotiation analysis and environmental conflict resolution

BLM Seeks Nominations for the Pinedale Anticline Working Group

2011-10-24T19:48:00.001-07:00

BLM Seeks Nominations for the Pinedale Anticline Working Group
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is now accepting nominations for two positions on the Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) representing the public-at-large or an archaeological or historic organization. The PAWG is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and tasked with providing balanced recommendations to the BLM on the development and implementation of monitoring plans, mitigation and adaptive management decisions pertinent to oil and gas activities in the Pinedale Anticline Project Area (PAPA) as described in the Pinedale Anticline Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) Record of Decision (ROD). Nominations must be received by Nov. 21, 2011 from Wyoming residents living near the PAPA. Mail or deliver nominations to the BLM Pinedale Field Office, 1625 W. Pine St., P.O. Box 768, Pinedale, WY 82941, or send via email to ssgregory@blm.gov. Information about the PAWG, its membership and activities and the nomination process can be found at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Pinedale/pawg.html. For more information please contact Shelley Gregory at 307-315-0612 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 307-315-0612 end_of_the_skype_highlighting .
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
--BLM--

Lander RMP Public Meetings

2011-10-24T19:41:00.001-07:00

This is a reminder that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lander Field Office is holding public meetings next week to provide information about the Lander Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). BLM staff will be in attendance to answer your questions, and maps and other information will be available. Public comments on the Draft RMP and Draft EIS may be submitted at the public meetings, electronically or by mail. Comments will be accepted through December 7, 2011. The locations, dates, and times of the public meetings are displayed below.

Date and Time

Location

Monday, October 24, 2011

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Shoshoni Senior Citizen Center

214 E. 2nd Street, Shoshoni, WY 82649

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lander Best Western

260 Grandview Dr., Lander, WY 82520

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dubois Headwaters Arts and Conference Center

20 Stalnaker St., Dubois, WY 82513

Thursday, October 27, 2011

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Riverton Holiday Inn

900 E. Sunset Dr., Riverton, WY 82501

Friday, October 28, 2011

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Jeffrey City Fire Hall

140 Coyoto Drive, Jeffrey City, WY 82310

For more information, please call the Lander Field Office at 307-332-8400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 307-332-8400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Planning/rmps/lander.html

Hunt With Walt 2011

2011-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

I left Cheyenne about 1130 and headed across the state to meet our hunter in Lander. It was a perfect fall day – pale blue sky, golden leaves on the cottonwoods and that wonderful smell of sagebrush in the air. I met Tom Vowls and his friend Richard at the hotel in Lander. These are true gentlemen. They’ve been hunting together for about as long as I’ve been alive, I think. They are the greatest of friends and the greatest of sportsmen. We talked about Wyoming and the country we’d be hunting in and the elk we’d be hunting. We just immediately clicked. It promises to be a great hunt. I spent all evening getting the truck packed and my gear ready for morning. I was glad I’d organized it last week. This would have been a bad time to find something missing. I talked to Joy and Armond on the phone and made sure we were all coordinated. The wake-up call comes early – 5 AM.

October 24, 2011
I was up at 5 AM, and getting things ready to go. I could hear Armond in the next room doing the same thing. We had the truck all packed and ready to go by 6 AM. I checked in with Tom and Richard. They were in the motel office getting a cup of coffee. Both were excited and ready to go. We headed out as soon as Joy arrived at 6:30.

It was a warm and windy day. The high was almost 70 degrees. We started into Hunt Area 100 at first light on the Oregon Buttes Road. I like to hunt this area first because we almost always see elk immediately. Today was no exception. We saw two bulls on the north end of Joe Hay Rim – neither of them was one I would go after, especially on the first day. Immediately after that, we saw another bull and a spike in the head of Bear Creek. Again – not on the first day.

We worked our way around the Buttes and into Alkali Creek. We saw a bunch of about 22 there, but the bull that was with them was nothing special, so we moved on over to Continental Peak and had some lunch. Then we began working our way east along the rim where Lewis Sytsma killed his bull two years ago. It was very interesting – as soon as we got east of Continental Peak, we simply ran out of every form of vertebrate life. No antelope, no feral horses, and dang sure no elk. We worked it east all the way to the west end of Cyclone Rim and finally gave up and headed north. It took the bulk of the afternoon. We got to the Sweetwater in the late afternoon and took a break. What a beautiful stream it is, and the guys were very interested in the Oregon Trail that runs along it. I told them about the Seminoe Cutoff, the Lander Cutoff and the Parting of the Ways. It’s good to be able to share things about the state and the history I love.

We worked our way back up to Oregon Buttes by dark, and still didn’t see an elk. Tomorrow, we’ll move south a ways. We got back to Lander late and had dinner at Pizza Hut.

October 25, 2011
Same start time, but vastly different conditions. It was cold and spitting sleet in Lander when we left at 6:30 AM. Going over the hill was a little dicey, but we took our time and did just fine. There was a fresh dusting of snow on Oregon Buttes.

It was pretty darn cold and really windy, but we worked the country south from the buttes toward the head of Rock Cabin Creek and down toward Mowing Machine draw in the morning. We saw the same bunch we had seen yesterday, but we were sure we could do better.

We spent a lot of time just glassing and working the spotting scope, trying to find some elk for Tom to look over.

We had a great lunch on Rock Cabin Creek, then moved on down toward LaFonte Canyon. I hadn’t been down there in years. Immediately, we were in elk. Joy spotted two bulls bedded only about 400 yards from the road. One was small, the other one a potential shooter. The little one got up and stretched and walked around. The bigger one stayed bedded and didn’t give Tom much of a shot. Finally he stood up and almost immediately turned tail and vanished into a little slot canyon. We made a sneak on them, but were unsuccessful.

We kept working our way up toward the rim and spotted a bunch of elk with a dandy bull in it. They were in a very difficult spot. It took almost two hours to get up on them, hiking about two miles and crawling through the sagebrush. Armond stayed with the truck, Joy carried the sandbags and Richard coached. Got Tom up within about 250 yards of them, but we couldn’t see the bull. I finally stood up to flush him out of the draw below us and he bolted before Tom could get a shot. Poor guy – he had to have been a little frustrated. He was the ultimate gentleman about it. What a guy!

We stayed until almost dark and saw plenty of elk. We’ll definitely be back in here tomorrow. /there are a lot of elk here. We got back a little earlier and had burgers at the Gannett Grill. I think the guys liked that. There were lots of pretty girls there.

October 26, 2011
On the road at 6:30 again, but this time we headed south to the Tri-Territory Road. It was snowing in Lander when we left, and the roads were a bit dicey again, but once we got over the Continental Divide, it cleared right up.

Not sure exactly what was going down on Pacific Creek, but there were a bunch of county sheriff and federal law enforcement outfits parked there. They seemed to be clustered around a set of corrals with a bunch of cows. Rustling, maybe?

On over to Rock Cabin Creek and down toward Jack Morrow Creek. The plan was to be back in LaFonte Canyon early and get on another bull. As it turns out, we didn’t even make it to the turnoff. There, standing beside Jack Morrow Creek, were two bull elk – the same two bull elk we saw yesterday. We drove up to within about 250 yards, pulled off the road and Tom shot the bigger one of the two. It was a nice clean kill, and he did a great job. I think he was a little surprised that you can shoot a bull elk with a big rifle like his (.300 Weatherby Magnum) and he doesn’t just fall down. They’re big, strong critters.

It was a cold morning – about 20 degrees, with a stiff breeze out of the west. So I was glad we had lots of help to field dress and load the bull. I was able to get the pickup within just a few feet of him. Joy and Richard and Armond were all good hands.

But the absolute best part was watching Tom and Richard. What great friends these two gentlemen are. What a support each is to the other. And how lucky we are to be able to take them both elk hunting in Wyoming. It was an unforgettable experience.

It took us an hour or so to get the bull dressed, cut in half and loaded in the truck. We started back for Lander about 10 AM. En route, we stopped at the Parting of the Ways, and they guys got to hear some more about the Oregon/California/Mormon Trails. It was still darn cold, and the wind was howling, but they enjoyed it.

We got back to Lander and had an early lunch at Apple Valley Market, then spent the entire afternoon boning out the elk in the hotel parking lot. A number of people came by to congratulate Tom and admire the elk. I wonder if that would happen if we were cutting up an elk in the parking of a hotel in Denver. I suspect not…we’d probably all be in jail. It was a good afternoon.

We all went out for a nice dinner and had a wonderful time. Aaron and Sebastian Bannon joined us, and it was a great time. I found it harder than I expected to say goodbye to Tom and Richard. I’d hunt with these two guys any time.

Walt Gasson

ACTION ALERT - Chokecherry Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project Comment Period

2011-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

TAKE ACTION!

Chokecherry Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project Comment Period

The Issue: Comments for the Chokecherry Sierra Madre wind energy project are due October 19th. The 223,000 acre project south of Rawlins, will include 1,000 turbines in addition to associated ancillary facilities. Wyoming Wildlife Federation urges sportsmen to write to the Bureau of Land Management to request that the project be constructed to minimize impacts to wildlife, recreation, and the landscape.

Background:This area provides habitat for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, greater sage-grouse and Colorado River fish species. Additionally the area provides unique recreational opportunities for local sportsmen and women.

What Can You Do? Let the BLM know that development of wind energy, like traditional energy development on public lands should be done in a responsible manner. Wind energy development should be balanced with the many uses our public lands provide.

See link below to submit your comments:
http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/news_room/2011/july/22rfo-ccsm.html

Any questions, please contact Courtney Amerine at 307.274.7582 or courtneyamerine@wyomingwildlife.org.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Please forward this to your friends and family.
To sign up a friend, CLICK HERE!

2011 Fall Pronghorn

2011-10-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

http://wyomingwildlife.org/ht/d/sp/i/110421/pid/110421

Our 2011 Fall Pronghorn is up on our website. Check it out!!

Bears Seek Opportunities to Feed During Hunting Season

2011-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

JACKSON, WY. – Hunters on the Bridger-Teton National Forest are reminded to be particularly cautious when field-dressing their game in bear country.

Grizzly bears may respond to the sound of gunshots, and the smell of carcasses, in areas where hunters have harvested big game. Bears may approach such sites any time of day, and sometimes respond very quickly after hearing gunshots.

Grizzly bears converging on a site where hunters are field dressing their game is not a new phenomenon. In 2010, successful hunters were approached by grizzly bears on the Buffalo and Jackson Ranger Districts in Teton County on the Bridger-Teton numerous times, and this behavior is common in other parts of the ecosystem as well. Grizzly bears now occupy nearly all portions of the Buffalo and Jackson Ranger Districts.

Hunters should have a plan for getting their game meat out quickly, at least to camp or directly to the trailhead. It is also advised that hunters take extra precautions during field dressing by having their pepper spray un-holstered and readily accessible. To let bears know humans are in the area, hunters should make lots of noise when field-processing game. If successful hunters are approached by bears, they should withdraw from the site, leave the general area, and report the incident to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

If the carcass must be left, separate the meat from the gut-pile and hang it at least 10-feet off the ground and 4-feet from any vertical support. It is also recommended that parties leave an article of clothing, or bell in the tree, or something that leaves an unnatural feel and sound to the area. If hunters are unable to hang the game, the carcass should be positioned away from all trails and in such a way that it can be seen from a distance. If a carcass must be left overnight, hunters should be extremely cautious walking in on it. While approaching it, hunters should make lots of noise, and use binoculars to search the area and determine if the carcass has been disturbed by bears. Bears often bed down near food sources and extra precautions are necessary to potentially avoid injury.

Fence Removal_091711

2011-09-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

Join us for a fence removal project this weekend!

http://wyomingwildlife.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/110154

ACTION ALERT - Important Meetings

2011-09-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

TAKE ACTION!

Report Highlights deer, pronghorn declines in Colorado, Wyoming

The Issue: Data over 30 years show growing demands on landscape correspond with drop in herd numbers. A new report by the National Wildlife Federation shows mule deer and pronghorn populations are declining in an area straddling the Wyoming-Colorado border as demands on the landscape increase. NWF in concert with the Wyoming Wildlife Federation will host a series of public forums to present and discuss the findings of this report.

Background: Veteran wildlife biologists John Ellenberger and Gene Byrne have analyzed data from the Colorado and Wyoming state wildlife agencies and found the number of mule deer and pronghorns has dropped over the last 30 years.

These meetings are intended to stimulate discussions about the future of wildlife in the area reviewed in the report. "Population Status and Trends of Big Game along the Colorado/Wyoming State Line." The long-term viability of the herds that are key to the area's hunting, recreation and cultural heritage could be jeopardized without a comprehensive approach to planning on and management of public lands, the report says.

As animal numbers have declined, so has their ability to rebound from such cyclical pressures as drought and disease, the report says. The biologists are concerned that expected increases in energy development - wind, oil, natural gas - will further tax the herds' ability to recover. Federal and state officials need to address the landscape-wide impacts on the habitat crucial to the continued vitality of wildlife, the report urges.

The study area is roughly bounded by Interstate 80, the Green River, U.S. 40, Laramie, Wyoming, and Walden, Colorado. The report's executive summary can be found on Our Public Lands at www.ourpubliclands.org.

What Can You Do? Attend a meeting! All meetings are from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. Please join us in:

Laramie - Tuesday Sept 13 - Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center at UW Room 138
Saratoga - Wednesday Sept 14 - Saratoga Community Center
Rock Springs - Thursday Sept 15 - Western Wyoming Community College Room 1309

Make Your Voice Heard!

Please forward this to your friends and family.
To sign up a friend, CLICK HERE!

In the News...

2011-09-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Big Trouble on Little Mountain...

http://www.drakemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=702:big-trouble-on-little-mountain&catid=148&Itemid=135

Help solve Pronghorn Antelope poaching!

http://gf.state.wy.us/downloads/pdf/regionalnews/NRKERRANTELOPE2011FINAL.PDF

Comments Due on Wolf Management Plan!

2011-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

On August 3, Governor Mead announced the State of Wyoming and the US Fish and Wildlife Service had finalized the elements of a proposed plan that will ensure a stable population of wolves in Wyoming. Under the proposed plan, Wyoming will maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park. The Trophy Game Management Area for wolves would extend about 50 miles to the south from its current location near the Wyoming-Idaho border. The expansion area would be managed as a Trophy Game Management Area from October 15^th through the end of February. For all other months wolves would be managed as predators in the expansion area.

WWF supports the proposed plan, with one recommended change: That the area currently considered for trophy game management for part of the year be added to the permanent trophy game area. According to the Wyoming and U.S. Department of Interior Wolf Management Agreement, this area was established to protect wolves during peak dispersal periods. WWF Field Director Joy Bannon, says, “Biologically speaking it is more sensible to make the flex line permanent to protect the connectivity between Idaho and Wyoming throughout the year rather than only to protect the wolf dispersal for part of the year.”

Anyone who wishes to provide comments on the revised Gray Wolf Management Plan must do so in writing. Written comments can be submitted before 5:00 pm on September 9 at any WGFD regional office, or by mail or fax to:

Wolf Plan Comments

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

5400 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, WY 82006

Fax: 307-777-4650

2011 Month of Guns

2011-08-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

2011 Month of Guns

Dear Friend,

The Wyoming Wildlife Federation invites you to take part in our Eleventh Annual "Month of Guns" Giveaway. With the greatest line-up of guns we have ever featured, this is the chance of a lifetime. Starting December 8, 2011 we will be giving away a gun each weekday through December 23, 2011.

Every ticket purchased gives you TWELVE CHANCES to win one of the following:

-Browning BLR Takedown .324 WSM
-Remington 11-87 Turkey 12 ga.
-Ruger M77 Laminated .204 Ruger
-Weatherby Vanguard MOA 7mm Mag.
-CZ USA 550 Bolt Action .308 Win.
-Weatherby Vanguard .338 Win. Mag.
-Winchester M70 Featherweight 7mm-08
-Marlin 1895G Guide Cun .45-70
-Ruger 10/22 Stainless .22 LR
-Bond Arms Snake Slayer .45/.410
-Smith and Wesson 629 4" bbl. .44 Mag.
-CZ USA 455 Bolt Action .22 Mag

For more information, including pictures of each gun, CLICK HERE! Ticket pricing is as follows:

1 ticket - $30.00
3 tickets - $80.00
7 tickets - $150.00

The proceeds from this event help fund our efforts to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, promote ethical hunting and fishing, and fight for access to public lands and waters for all citizens. We are a non-profit organization and exists solely on your generosity.

Winners will be notified by phone or mail as soon as possible after each day's drawing. You are eligible to win multiple guns as your ticket will be re-submitted if drawn. All winners must pass the required background checks. Guns will be shipped to dealers with valid Federal Firearms Licenses for pickup. To order tickets, CLICK HERE or call 307-637-5433 or toll free 1-800-786-5434. We appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,

Walt Gasson
Executive Director

Wolf Plan Press Release

2011-08-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Joy Bannon 307.287.0129; Keith Gingery 307.690.8143; Dave Moody 307.332.4136

Cheyenne - The Wyoming Wildlife Federation Board of Directors voted this past weekend to support Governor Mead’s Wolf Plan that he has negotiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A caveat to accepting the plan is that the flex area be a permanent trophy game area. According to the Wyoming and U.S. Department of Interior Wolf Management Agreement, the flex area was established to protect wolf dispersers during peak dispersal periods. WWF Field Director, Joy Bannon, says, “biologically speaking it is more sensible to make the flex line permanent to protect the connectivity between Idaho and Wyoming throughout the year rather than only to protect the wolf dispersal part of the year.”

In the past the Wyoming Wildlife Federation has supported trophy game statewide as the most effective means of managing wolves while providing the Wyoming Game and Fish Department the flexibility to regulate its numbers and to address conflicts. However, WWF understands the political and social realities at this point in time and Wyoming politicians' commitment to dual status. Our support of Governor Mead’s plan is a major step to see Governor Mead obtain final approval from the Wyoming Legislature.

Governor Mead was successful in negotiating with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service that the wolf plan essentially be the same as the original 2003 wolf plan proposed by the Wyoming Legislature, with the exception that there be a flex area in southern Teton and northern Lincoln County. It is the flex area that has not received much support. Under the 2003 plan the southern boundary between trophy game and predator status would be State Highway 22 between Wilson and Jackson. The Governor has proposed a new southern boundary that runs slightly north of Afton, but that the southern boundary would “flex” between the Hwy. 22 line and the Afton line depending on the time of the year.

WWF board member and State Representative Keith Gingery of Jackson stated “It is great to see that many groups both from the agriculture industry and the sportsmen community are coming out in support of Governor Mead’s wolf management plan. But many of these same groups along with the Teton County Commissioners have expressed opposition to the flex area. I think if the Governor would agree to compromise on the flex area and make it a permanent trophy game area, then the proposed management plan could be finally the end to the wolf management debates. We are very close to finding a solution, and I am hopeful that the Governor will discuss the flex area issue in particular with the stakeholders in southern Teton and northern Lincoln counties.”

The Wyoming Wildlife Federation was established in 1937 and has current standing membership of over 5,000. WWF is Wyoming’s oldest and largest statewide hunter/angler conservation organization. Our mission is to work for hunters, anglers and other wildlife enthusiasts to protect and enhance habitat, to perpetuate quality hunting and fishing, to protect citizens’ rights to use public lands and waters, and to promote ethical hunting and fishing.

Executive Director Position

2011-08-15T15:16:00.001-07:00

Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Wyoming’s oldest and largest statewide hunter/angler-based conservation group, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director. Compensation commensurate with qualifications. Deadline for submission of resume and cover letter is Oct. 1, 2011. Contact Joy Bannon at 307.335.8633 or joybannon@wyomingwildlife.org.

Governor Mead and US Fish and Wildlife finalize a Wolf Management Proposal

2011-08-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR MATT MEAD
State Capitol
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Ph. (307) 777-7437

August 3, 2011

******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******

Contact:
Renny MacKay
Communications Director
renny.mackay@wyo.gov

Governor Mead and US Fish and Wildlife finalize a Wolf Management Proposal

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead and representatives from the US Fish and Wildlife Service have finalized the elements of a proposed plan that will ensure a stable and sustainable population of wolves in Wyoming. This plan is the culmination of many years of work between Wyoming stakeholders and federal officials.

“This is far from the end of this process, but I think we have come up with something that fits with Wyoming’s values and economy,” Governor Mead said. “For years ranchers and sheep producers have been asked to sacrifice and they have. We have lost significant numbers of elk and moose, and we have not had a say in the management of an animal inside Wyoming. It is time for that to change and I appreciate Secretary Salazar and the US Fish and Wildlife Service working with us. Wolves are recovered in Wyoming; let’s get them off the Endangered Species List.”

Under the proposed plan Wyoming will maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park. The Trophy Game Management Area would extend about 50 miles to the south from its current location near the Wyoming/Idaho border. The expansion area would be managed as a Trophy Game Management Area from October 15^th to the end of February. For all other months wolves would be managed as predators in the extension area.

The proposed plan requires approval of the State Legislature. Governor Mead has said he wants Congressional approval of this plan. “For too long wolf management has been run by the courts, we need Wyoming people to have a say in what happens in our state and a congressionally approved plan is the best way to ensure that we advance this effort.

“This is an important step towards removing wolves from the Endangered Species List, but there are many more steps to come. We appreciate the work of stakeholders in Wyoming, and we appreciate the work of Senator Barrasso, Congressman Lummis and Senator Enzi,” Governor Mead said.

WWF Speaks: Gas Development in Wyoming

2011-07-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

What do you think about gas development in Wyoming?

2011 Dream Hunt Sweepstakes

2011-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Have you purchased your tickets for Huntsweeps yet? ! Go to http://www.wyomingwildlife.org/ht/d/Store/pid/20351/name/BAN. We can't wait to hear from you!

Also, read our newest Pronghorn at http://www.wyomingwildlife.org/ht/d/sp/i/106280/pid/106280. Let us know what you think!

2011 Dream Hunt Sweepstakes

2011-06-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

WWF was again fortunate to receive 100% fully transferable Commissioners licenses from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. These tags are valid in any Wyoming hunt area for elk, deer or antelope. This year, WWF offers you the chance to participate in a raffle for one or both of our 2011 Dream Hunts. What's your favorite thing about HuntSweeps?

WWF Speaks: Feral Horses in Wyoming

2011-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our next video discusses feral horses in Wyoming.We need to manage horses in a more effective manner. What do you think?

A Skeptical Wyomingite

2011-06-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Let me offer a blinding flash of the obvious here: Wyoming folks are skeptical of the federal government. Like really skeptical. I think it’s genetic with us. We can no more help it than we can help our eye color or our willingness to support one of the Mountain West Conference’s truly awful football teams. I’m pretty sure that somewhere in our DNA, we’re hard-wired to roll our eyes whenever someone says, “I’m from the federal government and I’m here to help you.” And with good reason.

But I have to say that I heard a pretty good idea come out of Washington the other day. It seems the Administration has created a new federal interagency council to “coordinate and promote outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands in partnership with federal, state, and tribal agencies.”

It involves a lot of folks: The Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Army, Department of Commerce, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. It’s called the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR). It’s backed by the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, and other wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation organizations.

-Coordinate recreation management, access and policies across multiple agencies to improve public enjoyment and recreational use of federal lands;

-Provide the public with reliable and up-to-date web-based information,on outdoor recreation that is easily accessible with modern communication devices; and to evolve and promote the federal interagency www.recreation.gov website to become a one-stop portal for information and resources about federal and federally supported outdoor recreation opportunities, locations, permit and reservation requirements, access, routes, features, and transportation options;

-Streamline and align policies and procedures among federal, state, local, tribal and other outdoor recreation providers;

-Improve engagement of young people and their families in outdoor recreation through healthy, active lifestyles;

-Target underserved and disadvantaged communities for both access and engagement in the benefits of and opportunities for outdoor recreation;

-Identify ways to improve access to and benefits from our parks, refuges, and other public lands, waters, and shores for persons with disabilities; and

-Identify partners outside the federal government who can promote outdoor recreation and provide additional resources and access.

Now I’m as skeptical as any of my Wyoming brethren and sistern about Feds. In general, they could screw up a one man rock fight. But this makes some sense. Never before have American kids spent so much time on the couch or in front of a screen. Never before have they spent so little time outdoors. Participation in hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation continue to plummet. Maybe this will help - it sure can’t hurt. Double thumbs up from this skeptical Wyomingite. As former Wyoming governor Nels Smith once said, “You done good.”

Walt Gasson, Executive Director
Wyoming Wildlife Federation

WWF Speaks: North Platte River Valley

2011-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

The hidden jewel of southeastern Wyoming - the North Platte River Valley. Help the Valley residents maintain and guide the future they would like to see for their valley.

Public Lands Organizer, Laramie WY

2011-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Find a job you’re wild about at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the nation’s largest member-supported conservation organization, which is at the forefront of global warming issues, reconnecting our children with nature, and protecting America’s wildlife and habitat.

We seek a Public Lands Organizer to be responsible for organizing hunters, anglers, businesses and conservation organizations to support protection of public lands. This is a grant-funded position funded through November 17, 2011 with a strong likelihood that funding will continue for at least one year beyond this date – dependent on grant renewal. This position involves on-the-ground organizing of hunters and anglers to protect wildlife habitat on public lands from threats such as gas and oil development. Therefore, the Public Lands Organizer will work closely with the appropriate NWF Regional Representative and state affiliate, collaborating with other conservation organizations, hunting and fishing groups, meeting with elected officials and the media, to coordinate legislative efforts that target protection from gas and oil development and working to demonstrate the values public lands have for wildlife and public recreation like wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. The Wyoming Public Lands Organizer responsibilities require a strong working relationship and knowledge of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, its staff, membership, leadership, issues, and affinity groups. He or she must also be familiar with conservation issues related to Wyoming public lands, oil and gas development, and hunters and anglers.

Qualified candidates must possess a B.S. or B.A.in Natural Resource Management, Fish and Wildlife or related field and five years relevant work experience in organizing, natural resource management, communications, or related field. The Public Lands Organizer must have a strong belief that public lands should stay in public hands, possess the ability to engage and inspire action from hunters and anglers, and enjoy the team atmosphere fostered by working for an organization committed to inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. A Strong background in hunting and fishing in wilderness and wild places is also helpful. He or she must have strong organizational and people skills, be a self-starter, with the ability to work independently and closely with affiliate and NWF staff along with other conservation groups and interests. Candidates must have excellent written and public communications skills, experience working with the media, excellent organizing, computer, and people skills. Fundraising experience will be beneficial, frequent travel will be required, and pay and benefits will be competitive.

Do you hear the call of the wild? For more information, contact waltgasson@wyomingwildlife.org or apply at http://careers.nwf.org and join us in mobilizing Americans to protect our country’s wildlife.

National Wildlife Federation
Come Grow With Us.

WWF Speaks: Wind Development in Wyoming

2011-06-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

The second video in our series...

"We believe it makes good sense to develop renewables. We believe it makes better sense to do it right." -Walt Gasson-