Commissioners Meet in Cody

The Commissioners of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department gathered in Cody yesterday for a statewide meeting, getting a chance to meet with residents at an open house at the Holiday Inn.
The open house was filled with families, many of whom were enticed by the chance to win one of four lifetime licenses offered to area youth by Trout Unlimited. While there, they had the opportunity to mingle with local game wardens and other Game and Fish personnel, including state commissioners.

(Game and Fish Director Scott Talbott)
The commissioners and staff had attended meetings all day on topics ranging from elk distribution and hunting licenses, to bighorn sheep herds and large carnivore populations.
Commissioner Larry Anselmi of Rock Springs says he was very affected by the testimony yesterday from two local ranchers whose herds have been impacted by predation by wolves and grizzly bears. He says although the commissioners have invested over $50 million dollars over the years in the recovery of grizzlies, which he calls a great conservation success story, he points out that the commission is sensitive to the needs of the local ranchers.

Commissioner Peter Dube from Buffalo echoed the sentiments of Anselmi, saying that the commission can help the farmers and ranchers by exploring options that will help the landowners, who he says aren’t looking to get rich by submitting claims for livestock lost to predators – they’re just trying to make a living.

The commission is continuing its meeting today at the Holiday Inn, which is open to the public. Items on today’s agenda include updates on local fisheries, as well as regulations regarding private game bird farms.