Stopping at the Wyoming Game and Fish check stations and allowing staff to record data isn’t just a good way to contribute to Game and Fish information gathering, it’s also the law.
Game and Fish is operating game check stations throughout the fall and hunters and anglers are reminded that they must stop at every station they encounter.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Game and Fish Sheridan Region Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Reed Moore reminded hunters to stop at the stations every time they see one open and operating.
R. Moore
State law requires that hunters, anglers and trappers stop at any established check station they pass on their way to or from their hunting or fishing site, regardless of whether or not they harvested an animal and even if they have previously stopped and been checked at a different station.
According to the department, hunter check stations are set up by WGFD personnel around the state during hunting season in order to visit with hunters and anglers about their experience, ensure compliance with hunting laws and regulations and collect biological data. Some of the biological data collected includes animal species, gender and age, antler and horn measurements, body size and condition and fat reserves.
In addition, biologists will sometimes collect blood, tissue and tooth samples to test for diseases such as brucellosis and chronic wasting disease.
R. Moore
Gathering these samples allows wildlife managers to track the spread and prevalence of diseases as well as get an indication of general herd health by analyzing the body condition of hundreds of animals.
Every year, hunters contribute to the study of CWD by contributing thousands of samples from harvested animals.
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Last modified: October 14, 2022