Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 040 - Game and Fish Commission
1. What the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Is
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is a state-level agency responsible for managing wildlife, fish, and hunting/fishing activities in Wyoming. Its goal is to conserve wildlife resources while also supporting recreational and commercial activities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Agency Number: 040 (each state agency in Wyoming has a code for administrative purposes)
Purpose: To implement and enforce laws related to wildlife, regulate licenses and permits, and manage habitat and species conservation.
2. Role of the Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC)
The Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC) is a collection of rules created by state agencies to explain how laws passed by the Wyoming Legislature are implemented.
Think of it like this: The legislature passes a law, and the agency writes rules that say how that law will actually work day-to-day.
For the Game and Fish Commission, this means rules about hunting seasons, fishing limits, protected species, and licensing procedures.
3. Main Responsibilities of Agency 040 – Game and Fish Commission
The agency’s code contains detailed rules about:
A. Licenses and Permits
Hunting licenses: The code specifies types (resident, nonresident, youth, senior), costs, and application procedures.
Fishing licenses: Rules for residents and nonresidents, including special permits for certain waters or species.
Special permits: Examples include permits for big game, endangered species, or regulated trapping.
B. Seasons and Limits
Hunting seasons: The code sets exact dates for hunting different species.
Bag limits: Limits on how many animals or fish a person can take in a season.
Protected species: Lists animals that cannot be hunted or fished.
C. Wildlife Management
Habitat protection: Rules about wildlife refuges, breeding areas, and restricted zones.
Population control: Guidelines for managing overpopulated or endangered species.
Research and monitoring: Commission rules on scientific studies, tagging, and tracking wildlife.
D. Enforcement
Game wardens: The code authorizes officers to enforce rules, issue citations, and investigate violations.
Penalties: Specifies fines, license suspensions, or legal actions for breaking regulations.
E. Procedures and Administration
Rulemaking process: How the commission adopts, changes, or repeals rules.
Public input: The code may require public hearings or comment periods before rules are finalized.
Recordkeeping: Guidelines for maintaining records of licenses, permits, and enforcement actions.
4. Structure of the Rules in the Code
Typically, Agency 040 rules are organized into chapters and sections, for example:
Chapter 1 – General Provisions: Definitions, authority, and purpose.
Chapter 2 – Hunting Regulations: Seasons, bag limits, special permits.
Chapter 3 – Fishing Regulations: License types, limits, protected waters.
Chapter 4 – Wildlife Conservation: Habitat management, species protection.
Chapter 5 – Enforcement and Penalties: Violations, fines, appeals.
Each section explains exactly what is allowed or prohibited, so hunters, anglers, and landowners know the rules clearly.
5. Why It Matters
Ensures sustainable wildlife populations.
Provides clarity for hunters and anglers to follow the law.
Protects ecosystems and endangered species.
Helps the state balance recreation and conservation.
In short, the Wyoming Administrative Code, Agency 040 is essentially the rulebook for how Wyoming manages its fish and wildlife, from issuing hunting licenses to protecting wildlife habitats, all under the authority of the state legislature.
RELATED Blog
comments