Wyoming Game and Fish Department

kick off National Boating and Fishing Week, on June 6, Wyoming will celebrate Free Fishing Day!

You can fish anywhere in Wyoming (with the exception of the Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone National Park) for free! All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect.

Additionally, families can enjoy fun fishing events throughout the state on June 6, as well as a few additional events planned for later dates! Bring your kiddos to an event near you, and enjoy the wonderful fishing opportunities Wyoming has to offer!

Learn more about our free fishing events, and fishing regulations on our website. We hope to see you there!
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/wyoming-free-fishing-day-june-6-events-planned-throughout-state
Wyoming State Parks
Wyoming Office of Tourism
Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation
The WYldlife Fund

In recent weeks, significant bear jams and poor wildlife viewing ethics have been observed on Togwotee Pass. When you fail to follow the rules of the road, you create a dangerous situation for yourself, those around you, and the wildlife you are admiring. If unethical viewing practices persist or if bears clash with people, wildlife managers may have to take management actions, including capture, relocation, or removal.

We need your help to keep bears and humans safe.. Please be responsible when viewing wildlife:

Never approach bears, stay in your vehicle, and always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Do not stop your vehicle in the Togwotee Pass area to support ongoing safety efforts.
Do not feed or make food accessible to wildlife.
Slow down and be vigilant while driving. Wildlife have been killed on Togwotee Pass due to collisions with vehicles.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest staff are patrolling the area daily, trying to minimize traffic jams and prioritize public safety. Efforts include intermittent hazing of wildlife when necessary and increased patrols from law enforcement.

WYOMING DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION Town of Jackson Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Teton County, Wyoming Wyoming Office of Tourism

You may come across newborn wildlife that looks abandoned, but it is important to remember that mom is usually nearby foraging for food, and her baby is just fine. Never pick them up or try to "rescue" them. If an animal truly looks distressed or injured, call Wyoming Game and Fish to report it, and our experts will take it from there.

We understand that there’s nothing like spotting a newborn fawn or calf to make your day. Just remember, interacting with young wildlife can harm that cute newborn, and can put you and those with you in a dangerous position..

When you spot a little one in the wild, keep these tips in mind:
-Give the animal space. It’s not up to the animal to move away from you. Take it upon yourself to back up and stay safe.
-Make sure you are taking those photos from a safe distance for you and the newborn. All wildlife deserves a safe and respectful distance.
-Keep your hands to yourself. Those big eyes might look like an invitation, but do not touch newborn wildlife..

State and federal laws forbid possession of game and many nongame animals, so adopting or possessing newborn wildlife is illegal. Citations can be issued for the possession of newborn wildlife, with a possible penalty of up to $1,000.

Soda Lake WHMA Highlight 🌲🦌

Located near Pinedale and on the west side of the Wind River Mountains, Soda Lake WHMA was established as an elk feedground. This WHMA provides an opportunity to see wildlife and plant species that are iconic to Wyoming. Sagebrush, aspen, mountain shrubs, meadows, and wetlands await to be explored!

While this WHMA was established as a winter range for elk, there are mule deer, pronghorn, black bears, waterfowl and other birds and small mammals that share the space. Because bird brooding and nesting season is upon us, the wetlands are closed May 1-July1, but there is a viewing hut located above the lake. Hunters! This area features good-to-excellent hunting, , and is adjacent to U.S. Forest Service lands, including the Bridger Wilderness Area, which is accessible from the WHMA.

Visit our website today to learn more about this and other Game and Fish WHMAs!

Calling all photographers📸

This year’s Wyoming Wildlife Calendar Photo Contest is now open! Winners will have their photo featured in the 2027 calendar, and homes all over the country. In this photo contest, we are looking for your best photos of (you guessed it) wildlife in Wyoming. Each entrant has the opportunity to submit 10 photos - photos must be taken in Wyoming.

The deadline to submit your photos is June 15. Check out contest details, photo requirements, and enter your photos on the wgfd website. Happy snapping!
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/wyoming-wildlife-magazine/photo-contest

Moms: They teach us how to hunt, fish, and (occasionally) behave ourselves.

All moms, human or wildlife, will do whatever it takes to keep their babies safe. Whether it's a moose warding off a predator, or your mom suggesting you maybe don’t need that third slice of cake, mothers are the ultimate protectors.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, we know we wouldn’t be alive without you!

Where are my antler enthusiasts at!

It’s spring, and shed and horn hunting opportunities are opening up around the state. Here is a quick guide for the things to keep in mind as the season is opening up:

Collection area 1 (as shown in the second slide map) is open to residents and nonresidents as of today, May 8. A conservation stamp is required for all nonresidents over the age of 15.

Many sections of public lands, state lands, and wildlife habitat management areas across Wyoming remain closed to shed antler and horn collection.

A head or skull with antlers attached to a big game animal cannot be removed from the field without prior approval from a Game and Fish law enforcement officer. If approval is granted, the purchase of a Wyoming Interstate Game Tag is required for any antlers or horns attached to a head or skull plate of a big game animal.

These are just a few of the rules to follow when shed and horn hunting season. Head to our website for more information regarding regulations, and closures before you head out!
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/shed-antler-season-has-arrived-some-parts-state-0

Wyoming Outdoor Weekend is BACK!

Join us for the 12th annual Wyoming Outdoor Weekend & Expo on May 15-16 at the Lander Community and Convention Center. This free family event was created to engage the public in conservation efforts and experience Wyoming’s wildlife resources.

Seminars, hikes, live music, raffles, and a cookoff await you at the Wyoming Outdoor Weekend! Visit our website for more information today. https://wyomingoutdoorweekend.com/