WG&F schedules bear meetings

Proposed 2004 black bear seasons and regulations will be discussed at open house public meetings to be held in Jackson, Pinedale, and Thayne on Jan. 6 and 7, 2004. While there are no significant changes being proposed to the bear hunting seasons in the Jackson/Pinedale region, Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel will be on hand to discuss other proposed changes such as setting bear hunting seasons every three years instead of annually.

"The Game and Fish is proposing to establish black bear hunting seasons for three years in an effort to provide managers with sufficient data to better evaluate management strategies." said Terry Cleveland, Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Other proposed revisions include:

• making a false statement when reporting black bear harvest a violation.

• limiting the size of bait container holes to 10 inches in diameter.

• removing chemicals and scent mask from the bait definition.

• requiring private land baits to be removed if the bait is being used by grizzly bears.

In other regulations, WG&F is proposing to clarify the process of acquiring and disposal of fee title properties.

If you are unable to attend a meeting, comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 18 by writing: Game and Fish Department, Regulations, 3030 Energy Drive, Casper, Wyo., 82604. Copies of the regulation proposals are available by writing the same address.

All comments will be given to the WG&F Commission. The seven-member body will address the regulation proposals at their Feb. 12-13 meeting in Cheyenne.

WG&F supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone needing auxiliary aids to attend the meeting should contact the nearest WG&F office. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.

Open house meetings are scheduled for:

Jan. 6 • 5-8 p.m.

Jackson WG&F Office

Jan. 7 • 5-7 p.m.

Pinedale

Sublette County Library

Jan. 7 • 5-7 p.m.

Thayne• Town Hall