CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) invites Wyomingites to provide input on proposed changes to two Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations. One determines river otter classification and the other governs commercial fishing boats and trailers.
The proposed updates to Chapter 52 – Take of Nongame Wildlife from within Wyoming, prompted by recent legislative action, would officially reclassify otters as nongame wildlife, clarifying their management status within the state. According to the WGFD, the regulation further establishes requirements for individuals to report and turn over any unintentionally taken otters.
The WGFD wrote in the announcement that the update would also clarify requirements for reporting and tagging unintentionally taken gray and swift foxes to aid in species management. Additionally, this chapter includes updated scientific names for various reptile and amphibian species for improved taxonomic accuracy.
The Commission is proposing a new regulation, effective Jan.1, 2026, to govern commercially guided fishing boats and trailers, as directed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year. The Chapter 71 – Commercially Guided Fishing Boat regulation would establish registration requirements, annual fees and the issuance of registration stickers, according to the WGFD. It also details record-keeping requirements for boat owners and outlines reasons for registration revocation.
Two public meetings will be held in Jackson to discuss the proposed regulations.
- Wednesday, June 25: The classification of river otters will be discussed at 5 p.m. at the Game and Fish Regional Office on 420 N. Cache.
- Wednesday, July 9: Commercially guided fishing boat regulations will be discussed at 6 p.m. at the Teton County Library.
Written comments for both regulations must be received by 5 p.m. on July 31. The Commission will review public comments prior to its Sept. 9 and 10 meeting in Lander.
Draft regulations are available on the WGFD website. Public comment can be submitted online or mailed to: Wyoming Game and Fish Department Attn: Regulations 3030 Energy Lane Casper, WY 82604.
