GAME AND FISH PROPERTY RIGHTS TO BE DISCUSSED

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be holding public meetings statewide to discuss proposed regulations governing license issuance and real property rights of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. The meeting for the Sheridan Region is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Sheridan Game and Fish office (700 Valley View Drive).

Game and Fish proposes shortening big game and turkey license application periods for hunters submitting paper applications in order to have paper applications received by Game and Fish earlier. Big game and turkey application periods would remain the same for online applicants. Some other license proposals include:

· Trophy game hunters (wolf, mountain lion, or black bear) would be able to request a license refund if federal or state administrative action closes the season.

· Harvest Information Program (HIP) permits would only be available online (no longer available from license agents) beginning July 1, 2013.

· Lifetime licenses would be available at Game and Fish regional offices and the Cheyenne office.

Game and Fish proposes changing the title of Chapter 57 of the Hunting Regulations from “Regulation Governing Fee Title Property Rights” to “Regulation Governing Real Property Rights.” The changes are needed to include property rights other than just fee title such as conservation easements, access easements, leases, licenses, and permits.

The public is encouraged to offer comments on both the license issuance and property rights regulation proposals at the meeting. In addition, comments on proposed seasons will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 2, 2013 by mail to Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Attn: Regulations, 700 Valley View Drive, Sheridan, WY 82801 or at wgfd.wyo.gov. Copies of the proposed regulations are available by contacting the same mailing address and wgfd.wyo.gov.

All comments will be presented to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission prior to its Jan. 24-25, 2013 meeting in Cheyenne. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations, contact the nearest Game and Fish office.