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HUNTING GUIDE
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Page 2 •September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide
Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2016 Large/Trophy Game Hunt Forecast From Wyoming Game and Fish
PRONGHORN PINEDALE REGION In the Pinedale Region, the northern portion of the Sublette antelope herd includes Hunt Areas 87-91. Population estimates for this herd are below desired levels. The lower elevation sagebrush communities throughout the Region are generally in poor condition due to lack of snowpack and spring/summer moisture in 2012 and 2013. Good precipitation in 2014 and 2015 resulted in improved forage production, although shrub conditions continue to remain in poor shape. Additionally, herbaceous production was poor throughout much of the lower elevations in the southern portion of the region near Farson due to lower precipitation rates in that area during 2014. The 2015 fawn production totaled 66:100, same as the 5-year average (2010-2014) of 66:100. The total 2015 buck:100 doe ratio of 55:100 was similar to the 5-year average of 56:100. Based on mild conditions during the past three winters (2014-2016), mortality for adult pronghorn should be low on most of the winter range complexes in the region. For the 2016 hunting season, the Pinedale Region reduced permit levels slightly from 2015, which should enable pronghorn numbers to increase. MULE, WHITETAIL DEER PINEDALE REGION
Portions of two mule deer herds are managed in the Pinedale Region: Sublette and Wyoming Range. The Sublette and Wyoming Range Deer Herds are two large populations with special management strategies designed to provide high quality hunting opportunities, older age class deer, and high buck:100 doe ratios (30-45 : 100 ). For the Sublette Herd, this population decreased below the post-hunt population objective in 2004 following significant winter losses when fawn mortality was estimated at 75 percent and adult mortality at 20 percent coupled with continued declines on the Mesa winter range (-40 percent from 2000 to 2014). This herd unit has remained below desired population objective levels since 2004. Despite improved spring moisture and improved shrub productivity from 2009 to 2011, deer losses were extreme from the 2010-2011 winter with an estimated 70 percent fawn loss. Dry conditions during 2012 and 2013 resulted in poor production for winter habitats followed by improved moisture and forage production in 2014 and 2015. Good fawn survival during the past three winters has resulted in population growth. The goal of the 2016 hunting season for the Sublette mule deer herd (Hunt Areas 130, 131, 138-142, 146, 150-156, 162) is to increase overall deer numbers and maintain buck harvest opportunities. A stan-
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dardized season (September 15th to October 7th) for most general license hunting seasons in the Sublette herd unit is again proposed in attempts to spread out hunting pressure. Overall, population estimates for this herd unit remain below the population objective of 32,000 animals and the buck:100 doe ratio remain within management goals at 43:100. The Wyoming Range Deer Herd ( Hunt Areas 134, 135,143-145) is designated as a special management strategy herd which focuses on providing high quality hunting opportunities, mature age class deer, and high buck:doe ratios (30-45: 100). Postseason surveys in December 2015 indicated lower fawn survival than the previous four years, however 2+-year-old bucks are anticipated to survive the winter in good condition. Buck ratios continue to remain at some of the highest levels documented in Wyoming. This year observed buck:doe ratios were 39 bucks:100 does. Hunters should anticipate seeing bucks that are 3-8 years of age, and exceptional antler growth. The southern portion of the herd unit will offer 14 days of antlered deer hunting in Hunt Areas 134 and 135. In Hunt Area 134 an antler point regulation will allow hunters to take antlered mule deer with three points or more on either antler. In Hunt Area 135 hunters will be permitted to take antlered mule deer or any whitetailed deer. General license hunting opportunity for antlered mule deer will run from September 15 - October 7 for Hunt Areas 143-145. In Hunt Area 145, a total of 60 Limited quota Type 3 licenses valid for any white-tailed deer will be in place from November 1-30, and unused Type 3 licenses valid for antlerless white-tailed deer will continue from December 1 – January 31. No changes are proposed for the 2016 nonresident quotas for both Regions G and H. In 2012, quotas were reduced 200 for Region G and 400 for Region H. A total of 600 and 800 licenses will be issued for nonresidents in Regions G and H, respectively. Reduced nonresident quotas combined with fewer days to hunt on a general license will help meet the “special” management criteria of maintaining at least 30 bucks:100 does and maintain quality bucks in the population.
In addition to mule deer hunting opportunities, “any white-tailed deer” seasons will again be offered. White-tailed deer numbers along many of the major river corridors appear to be stable to increasing. Subsequently, for 2016 a Limited Quota Type 3 license will be offered in Hunt Areas 138-140, 142-143 from October 1 to November 30. This Type 3 license can be purchased in addition to a statewide general deer license. MOOSE PINEDALE REGION The Pinedale Region manages the majority of the Sublette Moose herd unit, which is designed to provide recreational opportunities and maintain high bull: 100 cow ratios. Mid-winter aerial counts for the Sublette herd show a stable to slightly increasing population trend since 2006, although trend counts dropped in 2014 and 2015. The decline in the observed number of moose was most likely due to low snow levels and the timing of the aerial survey and therefore not reflective of declining moose numbers. The 2016 seasons are designed to maintain quality bull ratios (+50:100) while stabilizing overall moose numbers. Since 2002, a total of 400 permits (-63 percent) were eliminated which has helped reverse the downward trend seen in this population. ELK PINEDALE REGION There are 4 elk herds managed in this region. While liberal seasons have been in place for several years, changes are proposed for several of the herds near Pinedale to address changes in the overall population trends. The Piney Elk herd has exceeded the population objective over the last several years and liberal seasons were in place. However lower elk numbers were observed this past winter and managers have proposed to reduce limited quota licenses and shorten the general elk season. Hunt Areas 92 and 94 will open October 1st for Type 6 cow/calf licenses and extend to January 31 in restricted portions of each hunt area. A Type 7 cow/calf only license will allow hunters to take advantage of the month of November to harvest an elk north of Middle Piney Creek in Hunt Area 94. There will be 600, Type 6 cow or calf licenses available in Hunt Areas 92 and 94
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September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide • Page 3 combined. The general license season will close on November 10 for antlerless elk. Elk numbers in the Pinedale herd remained similar in 2015 and hunting seasons were designed provide antlerless harvest similar to the Piney and Hoback elk seasons. Changes are proposed to maintain a closing date consistent with the Piney elk seasons. The 2016 seasons are still designed to target “anterless” elk and lower population levels but the general season will close on November 10 instead of November 20. The 2016 hunting season in the Hoback herd will offer general license “any” elk hunting through October 31 in Hunt Area 86 and south of Highway 191 in Hunt Area 87. In Hunt Area 87 north of highway 191, “any” elk hunting will run from October 15 to October 21 and “antlered” elk hunting will run from October 22 to October 31. This herd is being managed to provide recreational opportunities while maintaining quality bull:100 cow ratios. The 2016 season will remain conservative in attempts to build elk numbers and a shortened general antlerless elk season is proposed for the area south of Highway 191 due to lower elk numbers on the McNeel feedground. Instead of closing on November 15 the season will close on November 6 in this area. For the Upper Green River herd, 2016 hunting seasons will remain similar to 2015. This herd is slightly above the stated objective of 2500 elk. In an attempt to limit population growth, 730 Type 4, 5, 6, and 7 “antlerless” licenses will be available for all Hunt Areas (93, 95, and 96) combined. This herd is managed with a combination of general and limited quota licenses to meet management objectives. BIGHORN SHEEP PINEDALE REGION There is one sheep herd (Darby Mountain) plus a portion of the Whiskey Mountain herd managed by Pinedale regional personnel. The Darby Mountain herd (Hunt Area 24) will be opened for the first time since the season was closed in 2013. A total of one license for any ram will be issued in Hunt Area 24. In the Pinedale portion of the Whiskey Mountain hunt areas 8/23, permit levels will remain at 12, but the season length will be extended to Oct. 31 (Sept. 1 – Oct. 31) to provide additional hunter opportunity. MOUNTAIN GOATS JACKSON REGION Hunt Area 2 encompasses the Palisades goat herd, which is an extension of Idaho’s Palisades mountain goat population that has expanded into Wyoming. A hunting season was initiated in 1999 with 4 permits. In 2015, permits increased from 8 licenses to 12 licenses, valid for any mountain goat with the season running from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31.
The hunt area was expanded in 2014 to include lands north of Wyoming Highway 22 and west of the Grand Teton National Park. The same season structure will be maintained for the 2016 hunting seasons. The expanded area was created to address mountain goat expansion into the area. An August 2014 aerial survey located 165 goats on Wyoming summer ranges. During the last several years, record book goats have been taken in this herd unit. Reproductive rates over the last several years indicate the population is productive and continues to remain above the population objective. Hunters should expect to find goats in steep, rocky terrain with long trips of more than 10 miles from any roads. BISON JACKSON REGION In the Jackson Bison herd, Hunt Area 2, Type 1 and Type 4 hunters can expect the season to run from Aug. 15, 2016 to Jan. 10, 2017. This year however, National Elk Refuge (NER) permits will be available at the Jackson Regional Office through the end of January 2017 or until supplemental feeding on the NER is deemed necessary. The Jan. 31, 2017 extension is proposed to allow for additional hunting opportunities should forage and weather conditions delay the onset of supplemental feeding of elk and bison on the NER. A total of 50 Type 1 licenses and 245 Type 4 licenses will be issued by a random drawing. Winter counts indicate that harvest levels have reduced the overall numbers of bison in the herd. The population is estimated to be 666 animals. The post-season calf:cow ratio remained high this year, at 51:100, and the bull:cow ratio rebounded from a low of 55:100 last year to 93:100 this winter. However, most of the bulls in the population are in younger age classes; therefore bull licenses will remain conservative in 2016 to maintain bull quality in the herd. Additional harvest is warranted to continue moving the population toward the 500 objective. Cow/calf hunters should be aware that almost all of the harvest on this license occurs on the NER. Harvest success was exceptionally high in 2014, at 93 percent and days per animal was low at 3.0 days per animal harvested. However, harvest success was average in 2015 at 74 percent and days per animals were 10.2. The majority of the harvest occurred during the last two weeks of the season in 2015. This was caused by different snow conditions in 2014 and 2015 that dictate when bison migrate to the NER. Hunters wishing to hunt on the NER had an opportunity to apply for a Refuge permit on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s web page beginning in July. Additional information on National Elk Refuge permits will be available to successful applicants by contacting the Jackson Regional Office.
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Page 4 •September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide
Know the rules For the Examiner
A hunting trip can take you all kinds of places, and sometimes across state lines in search of new game or territory to explore. When planning a trip to a new hunting camp, even if it’s just in a neighboring state, the rules and licensing can vary greatly for hunting and fishing. Plan ahead and be sure you have everything ready to actually hit the trails. From how you need to transport a gun, to the different licenses needed in different states to do different things, there are several things to check out before loading up the truck and heading for a tree stand. Every state in the country has a hunting/wildlife department, and pretty much every one of them makes a point to post that information plus listening details. A full list can be found at (http://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/state_licenses.cfm). Check gun laws Though a bit different than hunting regulations, gun
laws are one of the hottest topics in the news these days — and state laws are changing almost annually. Different laws dictate whether guns can be loaded, where they have to ride in a vehicle, and what types of weapons can be transported. Be sure to check the state laws before carrying a gun across state lines. Advice from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: • Everyone who hunts on a national wildlife refuge must have the required state license(s). (State government links are provided under under the State Licenses tab.) Some refuges also require their own permits and/or user fees. These are noted in this guide. • Everyone over 16 years old who is hunting migratory waterfowl must have a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp). Proceeds from these stamps are used to purchase wetland habitat for waterfowl. More than $700 million have been collected from
the sale of Duck Stamps since 1934, leading to purchase of over five million acres of wetland. In some cases, state stamps are also required. • All state and/or refuge regulations for bag and possession limits must be followed, as well as those for tagging and checking in after the hunt. • Federal law (Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations) allows only non-toxic shot for upland and waterfowl hunting in Waterfowl Production Areas and Wetland Management Districts. Most refuges ban toxic shot. • Follow state and/or refuge rules for wearing hunter orange. • In some cases, a boat will be required to access hunting areas. While refuges have different rules on boats, all require adherence to U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations.
Gun safety rules For the Examiner
Statistically speaking, hunting is among the safest sports in the world. Basic safe gun handling and storage is easy to achieve, especially for responsible gun owners. Whether you have been taught gun safety by a family member or have enrolled in a training course, it’s important to always put your knowledge into practice when heading out for your next big hunt. Doing so will help ensure your safety and the protection of others. Safe Handling One of the first lessons every shooter and hunter should lern is to treat every gun like it is loaded and ready to fire at all times. Following this mindset will help you handle your gun with the respect it deserves. Experts teach that even the safety of a gun — the mechanical device designed to prevent unintentional firing — can become faulty and inoperable. Trusting that a safety will always perform as intended can lead to deadly consequences. Follow your common sense to realize that a gun can cause serious harm and death if improperly handled. There is no marginf or error. You owe it to yourself to know as much about your gun as possible to ensure safe handling 100 percent of the time. Helpful Tips The National Shooting Sports Foundation offers the following tips for safe gun handling: • Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot; • Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading; and • Never pull the trigger on any
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Following gun safety tips and handling guns properly makes hunting one of the safest sports.
firearm with the safety on the “safe” position. Following these tips will help keep your hunting trip enjoyable and safe. Don’t forget to pass along these tips to others, especially inexperienced shooters. One of the tenets of responsible gun ownership is sharing what you know
with others, so spread the word. Wear the Right Gear Understanding your weapon is the most important aspect of safe hunting. Another key factor is wearing the right protective gear while you’re hunkered down in your blind or taking in the view from your tree stand.
Wear shooting glasses and some form of hearing protection at all times when shooting. If you’re exposed to shooting noise without the appropriate buffer, your hearing may become damaged. The right glasses can protect your eyes from debris and falling shot during your hunt.
Asking permission to hunt For the Examiner
One of the biggest issues facing hunters these days is a simple one: the need for accessible land to hunt. All the guns, gear and cameras do no good without a place to actually hunt. The need for accessible land was found to be one of the biggest issues facing hunters at the 2014 North American, according to the QDMA Whitetail Report. Private property In many states, the vast majority of hunting occurs on private property. Those numbers can get extremely high in states like Alabama, Texas, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, where more than 95 percent of property is privately owned. The most obvious solution? Ask landowners for permission to use their land to hunt. Here are some tips for
those discussions to go smoothly and successfully. Best shot at access • Ask permission early and politely. Reach out to the landowner well in advance of hunting season, and be sure to make a good impression. Be extremely polite and professional in making the request. If you’ll be hunting with your child, bring him along so the landowner can get to know you and your family. • Offer to help manage the land. If you’re looking for access to hunt on a prime piece of property, your request might carry more weight if you offer to lend a hand in taking care of the property. Let them know you’d be willing to invest some time in the property yourself, by doing tasks such as cutting wood, planting trees, picking up
trash, mending fences or marking boundary lines. If nothing else, make a note that you’ll keep an eye out on the property to ensure no one else is using it without permission. Making yourself useful can go a long way toward gaining permission. • Offer to get insurance, and leave them your information. Have your contact information ready before you arrive (i.e. business card) so the landowner can reach you if any questions arise. Also, make a point to let the owner know you’d be willing to purchase hunting land liability insurance, so he can rest assured there will be no liability if an accident does happen on the property. For just a few cents an acre, it could make all the difference in opening up a prime hunting spot.
September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide • Page 5
Finding the right dog For the Examiner
How much money should you spend on your hunting dog? If you’re like most American hunters, the answer is likely, “A lot!” Hunters in the United States spend $605 million per year on hunting dogs, according to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. From buying top breeds and dishing out major dollars for top-flight training, hunters are willing to spend big bucks for the right gundog. If you’re looking to add a new partner to your hunting repertoire, there are many steps to take to ensure the right fit for your needs, as well as the needs of your new pup. Finding the Right Retriever Waterfowl hunting is the major segment of the sport requiring a quality retriever. Hunting dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to do your research before shelling out your cash for one.
A few of the main factors that should guide your decision-making process are temperament, size and trainability. Talk with your fellow hunters and work with your local breeding professionals to find out what kind of retriever will be best for you. The commitment of training a new gundog can be a costly one, so covering all your bases before the purchase is a smart move. Choosing the Right Breeder Finding the right hunting dog starts with finding the right breeder. Choose an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines and a long-standing reputation for producing healthy dogs. There are desirable traits for gundogs, depending on how you plan to use yours, so work with your local professionals to talk through some of your requirements and expectations for your new dog. They will be able to match you up with the right
personality traits and genes for your needs. Trust Your Instincts The best hunters have strong instincts. Follow yours when choosing your next gundog. Avoid picking litters based solely on pedigree designations. These are titles used by buyers to identify pups that may have award-winning blood in their pedigree. Some of these titles from the American Kennel Club include Amateur Field Champion (AFC) and National Field Champion (NFC). While these designatons are important characteristics to consider, these traits are not guaranteed to be passed down to your pup. Trust your instincts to uncover positive genetic traits, including calm temperament, tractability, nose, retrieving desire and natural delivery to hand.
Which weapon to use? For the Examiner
Depending on where you’re hunting, the weapon of choice can vary greatly. Hunters find different success levels with bows and rifles, and certain areas seem to be better suited for certain weapons. Findings from the latest QDMA Whitetail Report identified the states with the highest percentage of deer harvests with bows, rifle/shotguns and muzzle-loaders. To boil it down simply: Rifles and shotguns are more popular in the South, while bow hunting remains a very popular alternative in the Northeast. Looking at nationwide statistics, firearm (rifle/shotgun) hunters took 65 percent of
all deer, bows took 21 percent and muzzleloader hunters took 12 percent of the total deer harvest. “More hunters take advantage of bows and muzzleloaders today, and that’s great for the future of hunting. More seasons to go afield helps even ‘occasional’ hunters stay engaged, and it greatly enhances the opportunities to mentor youth and new hunters,” the report notes. “Finally, expanded opportunities help retain aging hunters, and every hunter is critically important to our wildlife management system.” Rifle/shotguns
According to the report, the top five states for rifle/shotgun hunting based on percentage of harvest is South Carolina (89 percent), Maine (87 percent), Alabama (86 percent), Minnesota (85 percent) and South Dakota (85 percent). Firearms obviously remain the prevalent weapon of choice for hunters, but other options are gaining ground. Bow hunters For bow hunters, the northeast proved the most popular hunting grounds. The top states for bow hunting success include New Jersey (56 percent), Ohio (45 percent), Massachusetts (43 percent), Illinois (39
percent) and Rhode Island (37 percent). It’s interesting to note bow hunters in New Jersey actually outnumbered the percentage of hunters with firearms, the only nation in the state that can make that claim. Muzzleloaders Data surrounding interest and success in using muzzleloaders varied across the nation, making for an interesting mix. The report found Rhode Island (39 percent) led the top five, followed by Tennessee (24 percent), Massachusetts (22 percent), Mississippi (22 percent) and Pennsylvania (22 percent).
Consider bowhunting For the Examiner
Looking to take your hunting skills to the next level? Bowhunting may be the next natural step for you. Many hunters across the country have taken to archery, and there are many reasons. Bowhunting has a way of connecting you with nature as you discover a more primitive approach of hunting. It also teaches you discipline and patience as you hunt your game and opens up a world of new equipment and gear to explore. According to a recent study by bowhunter-ed.com (provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states), 24 percent of those who claimed they hunt with a bow cited the longer season as their top reason, and 11 percent said it was because bow season had an earlier start. No matter your reason for entering this fast-growing hunting segment, it’s easy to find the right equipment and get started on advancing your newfound passion. Choosing the Right Bow Before heading to your local outdoors shop, you have to decide what type of bow you want to use. Do some research on the variations, including compound, re-curve or long bow. If you’re just starting out, the compound bow will most likely be your best bet. That’s because they are equipped with various accessories to increase your shooting accuracy and improve your sight. The other types of bows require more training and practice before you can expect to feasibly take down your game of choice, but you may be up to the challenge. Sign up at your local range for training sessions to start sharpening your skills. When it comes to what you’re looking for in a bow, draw weight is one of the biggest factors to consider. Defined as the amount of force it takes to pull the bowstring back to the full draw, this measurement can vary by weapon. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
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Many hunters find that using bows opens up a new world to their outdoor experience.
recommends 40 pounds or greater for a clean, ethical shot. Bowhunting Safety According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, there are two general bowhunting practices that lead to injuries: not being safe in tree stands and having arrows out of the quiver when they shouldn’t be. Equally important is making sure your equipment is in good shape. Shoddy equipment can lead to personal or animal injury, both of which should be avoided at all
costs. Here are some things to check on before heading out on your hunt, according to the UDWR: • Make sure the laminations on your bow are not flaking or separating; • Check the strings on your bow for fraying; • On a compound bow, make sure the pulleys and cables are in working order; and • Assess the the stiffness of the arrow’s shaft to make sure it matches your bow’s draw weight.
Page 6 •September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide
Be prepared and enjoy Sublette hunting By Joy Ufford
SUBLETTE COUNTY – Heading out into the backcountry to hunt – especially with the increased autumn activity of black and grizzly bears locally – requires more than a hunting license, rifle, binoculars and a backpack. Common sense and preparedness Wyoming Game and Fish (G&F) wardens and staff are more than willing to assist all hunters in making sure they have everything needed including the annual conservation stamps and for elk hunters, a special management stamp to assist with winter feedground costs, said Doug Brimeyer, Jackson/Pinedale wildlife coordinator. “A lot of out-of-state hunters get their licenses and some don’t realize they need the stamp,” he said, adding they are easy to get before setting forth. Get ready Once you’ve determined your license is in order, you probably have either made arrangements with a hunting outfitter or set up your own plans as to where you will park, camp and prepare food. Anyone with a Wyoming hunting, fishing or trapping license is required to stop at well-marked G&F check stations to and from hunting locations whether or not they are successful, according to Brimeyer. “If they pass one, they are required to stop,” he said. “Let us know how you’re doing.” Currently, G&F check stations are set up on Highway 191 near the Hoback Rim (that one will move to Daniel Junction) and south in Farson, with a periodic
appearance near LaBarge, Brimeyer ing is taking place or legitimate proof that explained. permission to hunt has been granted.” Get set If camping, be prepared for bear encounIf a hunting adventure means parking ters as both black and grizzlies are on the your vehicle or camper somewhere prowl for autumn forage – the Pinedale and overnight especially on Sublette County Jackson area has reported numerous conand Forest Service roads, be considerate of flicts – and are even entering homes. Store, local traffic and pull well off to the side prepare and clean up food basically anyand check to make sure whose property where according to Forest Service reyou are on. quirements, Brimeyer advised, One of the most comand don’t forget to bring a mon hunting violagood pepper spray to tions is trespassing repel close encounters. on private land Go hunting! A lot of out-of-state without the There are sevl a n d o w n e r ’s eral tips the G&F hunters get their licenses permission – provide every and some don’t realize they this responsifall to remind bility falls to local hunters and need the stamp. the hunter. introduce new With much and out-of-state of Sublette’s hunters to game Doug Brimeyer more remote laws about what Jackson/Pinedale wildlife coordinator they can and cannot hunt areas a patchwork of private and do in the field. public lands, asking These are the “top whose land is where and five” hunting violations that then courteously calling or visseem to occur across the state. iting with the property owner ahead of • Failure to tag properly. Every big and time goes a long way toward making your trophy game license has a carcass hunt that much more pleasant. “coupon” attached with three big instrucForest Service, Bureau of Land Man- tions to follow and avoid citations. agement and sporting supply stores, as “A lot of people just don’t understand well as G&F license-selling agents, offer the tags,” Brimeyer agreed. maps showing property boundaries. The carcass coupon must be detached G&F rules require the license to bear and dated by cutting the entire date – day “the signature of the landowner or agent of and month – of the kill. Then it must be the landowner on whose property the hunt- signed and attached to the carcass before
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leaving it in the field. A hunter can remove the coupon while transporting the carcass but it must be in that person’s possession. • Shooting from a vehicle or road. It is not only a violation of hunting regulations but possibly other laws to shoot at wildlife from a vehicle or from or across a road. To legally shoot a weapon, the hunter has to be outside the vehicle or not seated on a snowmachine or ATV. The only exceptions to this rule are those animals defined as “predators” – coyotes, skunks, etc. Shooting from or across a public road is also illegal. Two-tracks on public lands are not considered public roads for this regulation. • Failure to retain evidence of gender. Many Wyoming licenses require the taking of a specific sex – male or female – of an animal. There are also season dates in different hunt areas when only a specific sex of animal can be taken. To satisfy the G&F proof of gender requirement, in areas where harvesting any big game animal is restricted to a specific sex, either the visible external sex organs, head or antlers must remain with the animal as a whole or edible portion. • Don’t forget to stop at a check station after hunting or if possible, locate a G&F employee. The wildlife agency wants to collect biological samples statewide For more information and answers to other “frequently asked questions” by hunters, check out the Wyoming Game and Fish website at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/ FAQ/General-Hunting-and-TrappingFAQ.
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September 27 & 30, 2016 • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Hunting Guide • Page 7
Tips for staying safe in bear country By Steve Kadel
PINEDALE – It’s that time of year again. Bears – and humans – are on the move in the backcountry. To prevent as many problems as possible between the two, the U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming Game and Fish Department held a bear safety program at the Pinedale Library. “If you’re in northwest Wyoming, you’re pretty much in grizzly country,” Dusty Lasseter of the Cody Game and Fish office told 13 people who attended the program. Many of the tips were well known, such as storing food safely out of bears’ reach when camping. Stashing food in a hard-sided camper is a good method, Lasseter said, or even in a horse trailer if there’s no entryway for bears. Food bags should be hung 12 to 15 feet off the ground, he said. Lasseter noted that a grizzly’s sense of smell is seven times better than that of a hound dog. “I’ve seen bears eat a 50-pound grain sack in one night,” he said. “They’re really persistent.” Lasseter added that no odorous attractants should be kept in a tent. That includes such things as toothpaste and soap in addition to food. Whether hunting or hiking, Lasseter cautioned against going alone. If you must travel solo, he advised making lots of noise, especially in brushy areas. “There’s less chance for an encounter if there are three or four people,” he said.
STEVE KADEL
PHOTOS
Dusty Lasseter, right, of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Cody office, discusses how to properly fire a pepper spray canister during a presentation on bear safety at the Pinedale Library. An audience member asked whether taking dogs into bear country is a bad idea. Lasseter said a timid dog might initially chase, then get scared and run back to its owner with the bear right behind. But most dogs act as a deterrent, he said. “Generally speaking, dogs run bears away,” Lassater said. He discussed the difference between a bear’s “aggressive defensive” behavior and the more dangerous predatory behavior. The former may include a bluff
charge. In that case, Lassater said, the bear’s head will be high. In the rare chance it’s a true attack, the bear will be low with its head close to the ground. If carrying pepper spray, be sure to aim it low, he said. “You probably have a better chance of getting hit by lightning in Wyoming than being eaten by a bear,” Lassater said. He believes pepper spray is a better defense than a gun for most people. That’s because it’s unlikely the average person could shoot a firearm accurately in the
midst of a charge. Pepper spray shoots a fog about 4 feet wide, making it easier to hit the target. The general rule, Lassater added, is to fight back against a black bear, but turn onto your stomach with hands clasped behind your neck if attacked by a grizzly. Also, never run from a bear because it triggers the chase response, and don’t look a bear directly in the eye because that’s considered aggressive in the bear world. Rob Hoelscher, district ranger for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, told everyone that the food store order that has long been in place is being expanded this summer to the southern portion of the forest. The storage requirement has been in place north of Highway 191 and south to Boulder Creek. Now it will extend to South Pass because bears are increasing their territory there. “It’s not a new thing,” Hoelscher said. “It’s just expanding that range.” No citations will be issued in the new storage area for the next two summers, Hoelscher said, unless there’s a particularly bad transgression. Forest officials will emphasize education instead. “It just makes good sense for folks to keep their food sources safe,” Hoelscher said, adding it provides safety for people and bears. The Forest Service office in Pinedale, 29 E. Fremont Lake Road, has 90 sturdy food canisters that people may use for a nominal donation.
Your warming and campfire completely out. Hunters and campers to down, stir and mix their fires until they are cold to the touch. If its too hot to touch, then its too hot to leave.
www.tetonfires.com
Have a safe and memorable Wyoming hunt