G&F plans meets in Thermop, Cody to discuss regulation changes

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has scheduled public meetings in several communities around the state, including Thermopolis and Cody in the Big Horn Basin, to discuss proposed changes to two Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations:

Proposed updates to Chapter 52, prompted by recent legislative action, officially reclassify otters as nongame wildlife, clarifying their management status within the state. The regulation further establishes requirements for individuals to report and turn over any unintentionally taken otters. Proposed updates to Chapter 52 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 Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is proposing a new regulation, effective January 1, 2026, to govern commercially guided fishing boats and trailers, as directed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year. Chapter 71 - Commercially Guided Fishing Boats will establish registration requirements, annual fees, and the issuance of registration stickers. It also details record-keeping requirements for boat owners and outlines reasons for registration revocation.

In the Cody region, the meetings are set for June 30, 6 p.m. at the Thermopolis Fire Hall and July 1, 6 p.m., at the Cody Game & Fish Regional Office.

Draft regulations are available and public comments can be submitted on the Game and Fish website.