Legislation has been introduced in the Wyoming Senate that, if enacted, would impact tag allotments for nonresident hunters, as well as increase tag fees for nonresident hunters.
Senate File No. SF0094 would require at least 90% of big game, including bison and grizzly bear licenses would be reserved for in-state hunters. Currently, the state reserves 80% of the moose and 75% of big horn sheep and mountain goat for resident hunters.
“This has the potential to negatively impact Wyoming Fish and Game’s budget,” said Cyrus Baird, Manager of Government Relations for SCI. “A large portion of their budget comes from license fees and tags of out of state hunters. These potential budget shortfalls would have to be made up on the backs on Wyoming sportsmen and women, creating a “lose-lose” scenario for everyone involved.”
The bill states that any hunt area “with less than ten (10) licenses available…shall not issue any licenses to nonresident hunters.” SF0094 also states that “When the commission determines the number of licenses available for nonresident hunters…the commission shall reserve at least 30% of those licenses for nonresident hunters who are hunting with a licensed outfitter.”
SF0094 also increases nonresident licenses for the following:
Deer license (previously $372; proposed $550)
Elk license (previously $690; proposed $800)
Bighorn sheep license (previously $2,318; proposed $3,000)
Mountain goat license (previously $2,160; proposed $2,500)
Moose license (previously $1,980; proposed $2,500)
Antelope license (previously $324; proposed $425)
Wild bison license (previously $4,400; proposed $5,500)
If passed, the legislation would take effect on January 1, 2022.
To monitor the progress of this bill, and other legislation important to hunters across the nation, sign up for SCI’s Hunters Advocacy Action Center today!
