CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 211 into law on March 3, allowing hunters to shoot certain nongame wildlife from vehicles, including prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
While the hunting statute relaxes restrictions for shooting from a vehicle, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) noted that the amendment does not include wildlife that would require a permit or license to harvest. Additionally, the bill only authorizes the take of unprotected wildlife.
According to the statute, shooting from a public road or highway, including the area within 30 feet on either side of a roadway, is still prohibited.
WGFD Law Enforcement Coordinator Aaron Kerr said in a statement that the legislation will not change Wyoming’s requirements surrounding hunting regulations.
“The law as amended still prohibits shooting most wildlife from a vehicle,” WGFD Law Enforcement Coordinator Aaron Kerr said via press release. “We encourage individuals to take the time to fully understand the requirements and restrictions in order to stay in compliance with Wyoming statutes.”
Restrictions and requirements for animals defined in statute as “predatory animal” remain unchanged, according to the WGFD.
“As with any questions about hunting or fishing laws or regulations, members of the public should call a local regional office or a game warden,” Kerr said.
A listing of Wyoming’s nongame species, including protected species, can be found on the WGFD’s nongame wildlife webpage.
