Alsatian

I see that non-residents are forbidden to hunt Wyoming wilderness areas without a guide. As a non-resident this provision rankles me considerably. What are the consequences of disregarding this provision and hunting a wilderness area unguided? How would the authorities get wise to a non-resident violating this provision? Is this something which is largely unenforced or is Wyoming serious about asserting this requirement?

ShatoDavis

I agree with you that it is total BS. I'm not sure but I would guess that they will disallow your tag application unless you show proof that you have a "guide". I also think that a Wyoming resident can serve as your guide.

Alsatian

But some units are part wilderness/part non-wilderness. For example, if I put in for Unit 45 -- part of which is in wilderness and part of which is NOT in wilderness, why would I be required to show proof of being hooked up with a guide? I also understand there is no such requirement if you want to go backpacking in a wilderness area. Someone ought to bring a class action lawsuit on behalf of non-resident hunters against Wyoming for this provision. Seems a transparent shill for the outfitters.

ShatoDavis

Oh lets not get lawyers involved if we can keep from it. Lets all write letters to Wyoming Game & Fish. We could also contact the SCI and ask them to tackle it. It certainly is peculiar.

Wheatley

I think they do that becuase it costs alot to put out a S&R for someone that has been lost. Not that a resident would not get lost but a non res. unfamiliar with the area has a higher chance at getting lost.

May also be something to do with the Grizzly bears who knows. I lived in Wyoming for 18 years and now live in Nebraska. When I go back to hunt I do not worry about it, I go into the wilderness areas anyway. Whats the difference in not living there at the moment but hunting there all my life?

Alsatian

Shatodavis: I'm not going to get the lawyers involved. I'm not going to do anything. I'm just idly bellyaching is all. My immediate plans for future elk hunting are directed to Colorado -- closer to my home in Texas and more elk. There is a lot of wilderness in Colorado that I can hunt and not have to hook up with a guide.

ShatoDavis

Al,

I was implying that you where going to get lawyers invlovedd.. But, I don't like it either. I would like to see it changed.

Wheatley,

I don't see how a hiker is any less likely to get lost or come into contact with grizzlies. If a hiker is allowed in the wilderness areas why not a non res hunter.

I just wish I was in the mountains chasing something right now. Good news is that its just a couple of weeks before I'll be antelope hunting. I know the plains aren't the same as the mountains but at least I'll be out from behind this damn desk.

tangozulu

doesn,t alaska do the same thing?

AlaskaMagnum

No. Alaskan guide requirements are species-specific, not area-specific. You can hunt anywhere in Alaska without a guide. Nonresidents must have a guide to hunt grizzlies, Dall Sheep, and mountain goat. Moose, caribou, deer, elk, and birds do not require a guide.

Zim

Only for preditor species.