JACKSON HOLE, WYO – It might not seem like a canoe or a kayak should be considered the same as a boat when it comes to inspection points set up by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department but the agency says these nonmotorized watercraft can carry aquatic invasive species (AIS) just like any other vessel.
Following United States Coast Guard protocol, canoes and kayaks are classified as watercraft by the Game and Fish. Many paddlers and other non-motorized watercraft users do not realize this and they often drive right by Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check stations. You should be stopping for inspection.
Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft are considered lower risk in comparison to a complex watercraft like a wakeboard boat or cabin cruiser; however, they can still harbor and spread AIS. When traveling with a canoe or kayak:
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Wes Gordon Green River Regional AIS Specialist. (WGFD) Transport them upside down when possible to allow any unseen water to drain
- Allow inflatable canoes and kayaks to fully dry before rolling them up for transport
- Remove all vegetation
- Take out any plugs
From March 1 to November 30, all watercraft (which includes canoes and kayaks entering Wyoming by land) are required to have an inspection by an authorized inspector before launching on any waterway. All watercraft are required to stop when an open AIS check station is encountered in route to or from their destination, even if previously inspected.
Watercraft users entering Wyoming by land between March 1 and November 30 that don’t encounter an open AIS check station must get their watercraft inspected prior to launching.
Here is a list of Game and Fish check station locations and hours and certified private inspectors. Any watercraft that HAS BEEN in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days is required to undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching during ALL months of the year.
