What You Learned
The tradition of wildlife management began while Wyoming was still a territory when the legislature passed the “Act for the Protection of Game and Fish in the Territory of Wyoming.” During this time, the first big game seasons were set.
In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state. Wyoming’s first hunting license was established around 1895.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission coordinates all efforts related to managing the state’s wildlife. The WGFD manages about 900 species of game and nongame animals for the benefit of all people in the state.
When you are hunting in Wyoming, you should remember that you are hunting in bear country and, in some instances, grizzly bear country. You must use characteristics other than color or size to identify bears and should learn to recognize their tracks and scat.
If an aggressive bear is charging you, do not run away. Instead, consider other options, including using bear pepper spray, climbing a tree, playing dead, or shooting a firearm.
To keep bears away from a campsite, keep the campsite clean, put all food and garbage in bear-resistant containers, do not sleep near your cooking area, and do not use perfume or deodorant.
After you kill game in bear country, get it out of the area as soon as possible. If you must leave a carcass, hang it up out of the bear’s reach and where you can see it.
Mountain lions are widespread throughout Wyoming. If you see a mountain lion, pay attention to its “body language.” Also, take precautions to avoid a confrontation—do not go out alone, keep children near adults, be careful if you have hunting dogs or small pets, do not approach the mountain lion, and do not run away.
If you cannot avoid a confrontation with a mountain lion, make and keep eye contact; do not crouch, bend over, squat, or lie down; make yourself appear as large as possible; find a weapon; and fight back if you are attacked.