WYOMING — On May 8, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission met by video conference to approve the proposed timeline for revising bear and mountain lion mortality limits.
The Commission directed the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) to initiate the review and reconsideration of mortality limits for Chapter 3, Black Bear Hunting Seasons and Chapter 42, Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons. The current black bear regulations and mortality limits were approved by the Commission in January, and July 2022 for mountain lions, says the WGFD press release.
According to Brian Nesvik, WGFD director who opened the May 8 meeting, the changing quotas in areas with high winter mortality of mule deer and pronghorn could help alleviate pressure on big game populations trying to recover.
The WGFD will proceed with the regular rule-making process to gather public comment on Chapter 42 and hold public meetings this summer. Chapter 42 draft regulations will be presented at the September Commission meeting in Gillette, Wyoming.
Additionally, the WGFD will gather public comment on Chapter 3 and hold public meetings later this fall. Draft regulations will be presented at the January 2024 Commission meeting.
