The Wyoming Game and Fish Department used the second day of its November meeting to brief the Game and Fish Commission on two critical wildlife issues: the prevalence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) throughout the state and the status of wolverine monitoring in western Wyoming.
Chronic wasting disease remains widespread
Game and Fish wildlife‑management coordinator for the Cody Region, Corey Class, reported that CWD is now present in 71% of elk herds and 95% of mule‑deer herds across Wyoming. To curb the disease, the agency is adjusting hunting seasons in selected areas to increase harvest opportunities, especially in riparian zones and cultivated lands where prevalence is highest. These adjustments aim to reduce the number of infected animals and limit spread to neighboring herds.
“We don’t have a silver bullet to combat CWD, but based on things we know, there are several strategies worth trying and evaluating,” Class said. He highlighted the Paintrock mule‑deer herd as a pilot where focused harvest strategies have been implemented. “We are learning what may be working and what isn’t. Eradication is not going to happen, and it may be too early to say that this will last long term, but over the last couple of years it appears we may have at least stabilized it for now.”
Wolverine monitoring expands statewide
Small‑carnivore biologist Andy Gygli presented the department’s ongoing wolverine management program. Since 2015, Wyoming has partnered with neighboring western states and federal agencies to monitor wolverines across the region. This winter, field teams will continue efforts to determine wolverine occupancy throughout the state.
In 2023, the department and U.S. Forest Service began a collaring initiative to gather detailed data on wolverine movement, habitat use, diet, and reproductive success. “We will be continuing collaring efforts this year to collect genetic samples, identify critical travel corridors, and better understand wolverine home ranges,” Gygli explained.
Commission changes and community honors
During the meeting, Commissioner Kenneth Roberts of Kemmerer announced his resignation, effective Jan. 3. Roberts, who also serves in the Wyoming Legislature, cited personal reasons for stepping down.
Later that evening, four longtime conservationists—Scott Talbott, Allen “Dok” Binns, Bob Budd, and Arthur “Jack” Welch—were inducted into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame. Governor Mark Gordon attended the ceremony and praised the inductees, saying, “People are envious of Wyoming’s wildlife, and the people in this room, many who are giants in the field, have made significant impacts to the state’s conservation story.”
The updates underscore the Game and Fish Department’s commitment to protecting Wyoming’s iconic wildlife while balancing the interests of hunters, ranchers, and conservation partners. By adapting harvest regulations and investing in scientific monitoring, the agency aims to preserve healthy elk, mule‑deer, and wolverine populations for future generations.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
