Hunting & Fishing

A Hunter's Paradise

Publisher — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

A Hunter's Paradise

Publisher Sat, 09/19/2026 - 07:00

Apply Now for Wyoming Preference Points

Publisher — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Apply Now for Wyoming Preference Points

Publisher Sat, 08/01/2026 - 15:00

Press Release

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Resident and nonresident hunters still have time to apply for preference points. The application period is open until Nov. 2.

Resident and nonresident hunters can acquire points for moose and bighorn sheep, and nonresidents can acquire elk, deer and pronghorn points. All applications must be submitted online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.

“Preference points can help increase odds of drawing some species and hunt areas,” said Josh Moulton, Game and Fish license section manager. “Drawing odds for all species and hunt areas are available on the Game and Fish website.”

Residents unsuccessful in moose or bighorn sheep drawings automatically receive a point. Nonresidents unsuccessful in moose or bighorn sheep drawings can choose to purchase a point. Failure to purchase a point for two consecutive years results in forfeiture of all points for species in which points were not purchased. Details and more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the Game and Fish preference points page wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting-trapping/preference-points.

Hunters can view their preference point balance by checking the website. Totals for the 2026 hunt season will be updated in late November.

Preference points

Preference points are a way to improve your odds of eventually drawing a license in a hard-to-draw hunt area.

In the draw, 75 percent of available licenses in each hunt area and license type will be allocated to the preference-point drawing. In Wyoming, preference points rank applicant pools. The remaining 25 percent of available licenses will be allocated in a random drawing, regardless of preference points. The random drawing is intended to provide everyone who applies a chance to draw a license, regardless of their preference-point total. Youths can apply for preference points when they are 11 years old when submitting a preference point-only application and must be at least 12 by Dec. 31 of that year.

Game and Fish Urges Anglers to Adjust Practices for Fish Safety

Publisher — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Game and Fish Urges Anglers to Adjust Practices for Fish Safety

Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

Press Release

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Due to hot, summer temperatures across Wyoming, some of the state’s streams and rivers are flowing at warmer temperatures. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department asks anglers to adjust fishing practices during the state’s hottest stretch of summer. Warmer water temperatures can affect fish survival, especially trout.

“We are facing record drought conditions in addition to our hottest summer months,” said Dave Zafft, Game and Fish deputy chief of fisheries. “Water temperatures are at their highest point, and will continue to stress trout in many Wyoming rivers.”

Trout die after prolonged exposure to water temperatures greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and brief exposure to temperatures over 80 degrees are lethal. Fish stress quicker in low-oxygen, warm water, which greatly hampers a fish’s ability to recover from the rigors of being caught. However, as water temperatures approach 70 degrees, the chance for any fish species to survive being caught and released is reduced.

Anglers who adjust their practices can help more fish survive the heat. Zafft said in conditions where water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, anglers should not attempt catch-and-release methods, which will be fatal to all fish species at those temperatures.

Game and Fish asks all anglers practicing catch-and-release to consider the following:

Fish early in the morning while the water temperature is cooler.

Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatures.

If the water temperature is at or above 65 degrees, consider keeping what you catch within the regulations. If the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, do not attempt to catch-and-release fish.

As water temperature increases, using the proper techniques to catch-and-release a fish becomes increasingly important to help ensure the fish has a chance to survive:

Play and land fish as rapidly as possible to reduce exhaustion stress.

Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.

Do not squeeze the fish or place fingers in the gills.

Remove the hook gently. If hooked deeply, cut the leader.

Flies and lures are recommended whenever many fish are being caught and released.

Barbless hooks allow easier hook removal.

If a fish is exhausted and cannot hold itself upright, and if regulations allow, consider having it for supper because the fish has a poor chance of surviving.

“These are not new regulations, just recommendations to assist with the conservation of the fishery resource,” Zafft said. “If water temperatures are too high, consider escaping the heat with a trip to a top-notch, high-country fishery where it’s cooler.”

Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Staff, recognized by WAFWA

Publisher — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Staff, recognized by WAFWA

Publisher Sat, 06/20/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Game and Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission was recognized at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies awards with the annual Commission/Board of the Year Award.

WAFWA represents 23 states, including Wyoming, as well as several Canadian provinces. The Association helps provide resources to build partnerships within state, federal, and non-profit organizations to conserve wildlife for the use and benefit of the public.

The Commission/Board of the Year Award is presented in recognition of significant contribution to the management, protection or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources within the past five years.

“This award is well deserved, and reflects the excellent work our Commission has done for conservation efforts in Wyoming,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angi Bruce said. “Our Commissioners demonstrate their commitment to Game and Fish’s mission and Wyoming’s wildlife, and do a great job balancing the complex scientific and socio-economic needs that come with determining effective policies and regulations for our agency.”

Department personnel also were recipients of significant WAFWA awards.

Dave Zafft, deputy chief of fisheries, won the Professional of the Year Award. Zafft began working for Game and Fish in 1986 as a seasonal technician and earned his master’s degree in fisheries biology in 1991. Zafft began his fisheries career in earnest as a Lander Regional Fisheries Biologist. He also worked as an instream flow biologist, fish population biologist, supervisor of the aquatic assessment crew, assistant fisheries management supervisor and fisheries management supervisor.

Christina Maleesa, Game and Fish federal ad coordinator, received the Outstanding WAFWA Contributor of the Year for her work both within the state and with partners on grant writing.

Maleesa has worked for Game and Fish since 2014, and has served as the Federal Aid Coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department since 2023. In addition to her fiscal oversight, she represents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 on the national Federal Aid Working Group. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous honors, including the Game and Fish 2022 Fiscal Employee of the Year and a Director’s Coin for her administration of the Governor’s Big Game License Coalition.

“We are proud of both Dave and Christina, and we are grateful for all they do to ensure our ability to continue serving Wyoming and its wildlife,” Bruce said. “Our agency is full of dedicated professionals who help keep Wyoming at the forefront of conservation in the country, and these awards are well-deserved.”

Kids Reel In Fun at Annual Fishing Day

Publisher — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Kids Reel In Fun at Annual Fishing Day

Publisher Tue, 06/16/2026 - 15:30

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Families gathered at the Saratoga Resort and Spa pond on Texas Trail on June 6 for the annual Saratoga Lions Club Jim Hammer Memorial Kids Fishing Day.

Held from 8 a.m. to noon, the event welcomed children ages 12 and under for a morning of fishing, family time and outdoor fun. The Lions Club provided lunch and drinks while young anglers brought their own fishing gear and tried their luck in the pond.

The weather could not have been much better. Under sunny skies and warm temperatures, children lined the shoreline with parents, grandparents and siblings close by. Excited shouts regularly echoed across the water as fish were hooked and reeled in.

There was no shortage of success stories throughout the morning. Plenty of fish were caught, and many young anglers proudly posed for photos with their catches before returning to the water in hopes of landing another trout.

For many families, the event was about much more than fishing.

Parents spent quality time with their children away from televisions, tablets and other distractions. Youngsters learned patience as they waited for a bite and experienced the excitement that comes with seeing a bobber disappear beneath the surface.

The annual event has become a tradition for many Platte Valley families. Some children attended for the first time, while others returned after participating in previous years. Regardless of experience level, everyone shared in the excitement of being outdoors and enjoying a Wyoming summer morning.

The Lions Club’s Jim Hammer Memorial Kids Fishing Day continues to provide an opportunity for local youth to connect with nature and learn about fishing in a welcoming environment. The event also offers families a chance to slow down, enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories.

As the morning came to a close and fishing poles were packed away, many children left with smiles, stories about the fish they caught and plans to return next year.

Sometimes the best part of fishing is not the fish at all, it is the time spent together along the water’s edge.

Take Aim at Carbon County Fun

Publisher — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Take Aim at Carbon County Fun

Publisher Sat, 03/14/2026 - 19:00

Fishing Outfitter and Guides Advisory Board to meet virtually February 10

Publisher — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Fishing Outfitter and Guides Advisory Board to meet virtually February 10 Publisher Sat, 02/07/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Game and Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Fishing Outfitter and Guides Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb 10.

The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed on Zoom. There will be no in-person meeting. Following discussion, public comments will be taken at the end of the meeting.

The advisory board will be provided updates from the department relating to the implementation of the registration process and commercial operator reporting of trips. The board also will discuss the future direction of the board and reporting requirements to the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources interim committee in 2026.

The Commercial Fishing Advisory Board was formed in 2025 following the passage of House Bill 5, which authorizes Game and Fish to create rules to regulate commercially-guided fishing boats in the state. Following a series of public meetings last year, the board finalized the Chapter 71 regulation on commercially guided fishing boats, which took effect Jan. 1. More information on the Board can be found on the Game and Fish website

Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby Canceled Due to Unsafe Conditions

Publisher — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby Canceled Due to Unsafe Conditions

Publisher Sat, 01/10/2026 - 22:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The 42nd Annual Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby has been canceled due to unsafe ice conditions on Saratoga Lake.

The decision was made by the Board of Directors of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce after continued monitoring of lake conditions showed very poor ice formation. Organizers said the cancellation was made in the interest of public safety, which remains the top priority for the long-running winter event.

It was not an easy decision, as the derby is a highly anticipated event for anglers and winter recreation enthusiasts from across the region. However, fluctuating winter temperatures and inconsistent ice thickness created conditions that could not be safely managed for a large-scale public event.

Stacy Crimmins, interim CEO of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the cancellation and expressed appreciation for the community’s understanding and support.

The Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby has been held annually since 1983 and has grown into one of Carbon County’s most recognizable winter events, drawing visitors to Saratoga for a weekend of fishing, and friendly competition. Its cancellation highlights the challenges winter recreation events can face during unpredictable weather seasons.

Refunds will be issued to all participants who pre-registered for this year’s derby.

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages visitors to continue supporting local businesses throughout the winter season and looks forward to bringing the popular derby back next year when conditions allow.

Carbon 4-H Shotgun, .22 Rifle, and Archery State Champions

Publisher — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Carbon 4-H Shotgun, .22 Rifle, and Archery State Champions

Publisher Sat, 08/24/2024 - 23:00

Press Release

Tomi Sue Wille and Emily Haver

Carbon County 4-H has lots to be proud of with six state champion titles that came home in July from the Wyoming 4-H State Shooting Sports Contest in Douglas. The first trophy was won by the Junior Shotgun Team consisting of Ira Haskins (Baggs), Tuff Weber (Baggs), Stran Weeldreyer (Baggs), and Coy Munroe (Encampment). Shotgun team members shoot 50 clays in a singles round and then 50 more clays in a handicap round. Individual scores out of 100 are combined for the team score and Carbon County’s Jr team scored 324 to clinch first. Coy led the team with a score of 95, Tuff followed with 87, Ira with 82, and Stran rounded out the team with 60.

Two members of the team distinguished themselves even further later that weekend, as Coy Munroe, age 13, shot a nearly perfect score in archery and Ira Haskins, age 11, had his best day yet on the .22 rifle range making them each WY 4-H State Champions in their respective divisions.

Archery is divided into 3D animal targets and paper blue face targets. In 3D, Coy shot a 298 out of 300 points possible with 17 shots being bulls-eyes and in blue face he shot 148 out of 150 points possible with 13 bulls-eyes. Normal blue face targets are one big bulls-eye that the shooter uses 5 arrows on. Having ruined many a good arrow by splitting it with the next arrow he would send into the target, Coy opted for a 5-spot blue target. Shooters still use five arrows but each one is aimed at its own smaller target so there isn’t as much of a chance for an excellent shooter to place two arrows in the same spot. The trade-off with this target is that your arrows must be much more accurate; anything outside the blue scores a 0, versus the chance at 3, 2, or 1 point with the larger target. Taking the chance paid off for Coy and he has two state titles for 2024!

Ira Haskins kept himself busy at State Shoot entering shotgun, .22 rifle, and muzzleloader but he really shined on the rifle range. .22 Rifle is shot in four positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling all from a 50 foot distance. Ira shot a 58 prone, 40 standing, 76 sitting, and 75 kneeling for a total score of 249. Ira shot in the sporter rifle class, meaning the gun must weigh less than 7 lbs. with a muzzle diameter of 0.65 inches or less and a minimum trigger pull of 2.5 lbs. Ira’s score made him the Intermediate State Champion, 14 points ahead of second place.

The talent of our Carbon County youth also means they have fierce competitions with each other and this year was no exception. Coy Munroe and Tuff Weber, while joining forces for their shotgun team, ended up in a shoot-out for 2nd and 3rd place, Shotgun Handicap. Shoot-offs consist of 10 clay rounds that last until one shooter misses more than the other. This year Coy walked away 2nd and Tuff 3rd, a win-win for Carbon County. That same afternoon, McKennon Cook (Baggs) found himself in a seven-way tie for 3rd place in Shotgun Singles, finally finishing 8th after a long and hot afternoon!

Caron County 4-H sent 37 shooters in seven different disciplines to the Wyoming 4-H State Shoot this year and all represented our county wonderfully! We would like to thank our amazing volunteer leaders who give tirelessly of their time and talents to make experiences like this possible for our youth! Until next season!

Kids’ Free Fishing Day

Publisher — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Kids’ Free Fishing Day

Publisher Sat, 06/08/2024 - 07:00

By K.J. Schricker

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Lions Club, in collaboration with the Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Forest Service, hosted the annual Kids’ Free Fishing Day on Saturday at Saratoga Springs Spa and Resort. From 6 a.m. to noon, families from the Platte Valley gathered for a day of fishing and outdoor activities.

Participants agreed that Kids’ Free Fishing Day has been a long-standing tradition, with some joking it has been around “since Moby Dick was a guppy.” Young anglers of all ages eagerly reeled in trout of every kind, aided by the Lions Club, which generously provided free fishing poles and nets.

Adding to the excitement, the Forest Service showcased one of their all-terrain fire engines, allowing kids to explore and learn about firefighting equipment. Smokey Bear made a special appearance, delighting the children and teaching them about fire safety.

Smokey Bear’s fire safety campaign began in 1944, but it gained a personal touch in 1950 when the U.S. Forest Service discovered an orphaned black bear cub with singed fur and burned foot pads in a burnt-out area. The cub was brought to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where he lived until 1976. Smokey Bear has since become a symbol of forest fire prevention, with his iconic slogan, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires,” and signature Stetson hat reminding both kids and adults to be mindful of campfires.

The event was a great success, combining education and entertainment, and reinforcing the importance of outdoor safety and conservation to the next generation.