The Wyoming Legislature’s interim process is underway. WYOGA Legislative Staff has covered hearings of the Joint Travel, Recreation and Wildlife (TRW) Committee and the Joint Agriculture Committee. Thanks to the generosity of Budd Betts and the Absaroka Ranch, we were able to host TRW members and key stakeholders for some hospitality during the recent meeting in Dubois. Thank you Budd for hosting them.
Transferable landowners tags are being discussed by both the TRW and Agriculture Committees. Both committees have received considerable pushback to the concept. To date no draft bill is available and it is sounding increasingly likely that the discussion will end in July because of heavy opposition.
TRW is exploring a new type of license for former Wyoming residents who still have relatives in the state of Wyoming. Their hope is to help them increase their odds of drawing and have a lower cost license than nonresidents. I have concerns about the financial impact this may have to the Game and Fish, which allocation these tags would come from, and general administration. Again, this is just a concept that will be discussed at a later date and no bill is drafted.
Corner crossing was discussed and there may be a need to update Wyoming’s trespass statutes to conform with recent court rulings. I could see a jurisdictional fight between TRW and the Judiciary Committee should this plan move forward.
Regulation of fishing guides is going through a series of listening sessions as the Game and Fish Commission looks at rulemaking as directed by the Wyoming Legislature. More specifics will be available this fall.
WYOGA did join other wildlife groups in opposing the sale of public lands through budget reconciliation and the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Legislative staff drafted a letter for President Stetter to send to Governor Gordon.
Call or email if you have any questions or concerns with the interim. TRW will meet August 19th in Casper.
In a recent tweet, Senator Lee clarified that his public lands sale proposal does not target national parks, monuments, or wilderness only what he calls “unused, garden-variety federal parcels.” But here’s the reality: he’s not the one with boots on the ground in Wyoming. We are. To us, these so-called “garden-variety” parcels are more than lines on a map. They’re our open spaces, our access to the outdoors, our livelihoods, and our way of life. Public land disposal decisions should be made deliberately and with local input, not rushed through a budget reconciliation process. Some parcels near population centers might make sense to reconsider, but many others are vital to wildlife, recreation, and the heritage we pass on. Let’s make sure our communities, the ones who live, work, and depend on these lands have a voice.
The Wyoming Outfitters & Guides Association mailed a letter to Governor Gordon expressing our concerns for this important matter.
The 2025 Wyoming Outdoors is coming along. There is still space available for display ads. If you have not reserved your ad, please let the office know at gro.agoyw@agoyw.
Important Deadlines:
September 15, 2025: Bios are due and display ads reserved.
November 1, 2025: Display ads are due to Mark Schuler and payments in full to the office.
November 17-21, 2025: Wyoming Outdoors goes to print
December 15, 2025: Wyoming Outdoors will be mailed to the non-residents
Thank you for your continued support for this project.
WYOGA will be participating in the North American Workshop, July 7-10, 2025 at the Sacajawea Hotel in Bozeman, MT. This work shop is open to all the members of the Professional Outfitters & Guides Association (POGA) and Canadian Provinces. Montana Outfitters and Guides Association is the host state for this three day event. Sy Gilliland is the President of POGA and Laurie Alexander is the Treasurer. The agenda is below and is open to all who would like to attend.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
8:00am-9:00am | Breakfast
9:00pm-12:00pm | North American Meeting
• Welcome brief/schedule
• OGA Updates
• SCI Update & Convention (Regina Lennox/Jeremy Clare)
• CWD/Wildlife Habitat (new data from G&F)
• Predator Management
• America Outdoors Update
12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch
1:00pm-5:00pm | Continue with Meeting
• OGA Business Operations
• Fundraising strategies and events
- Lyndsey Medsker, Clear Skies Communications Strategies
• Technology and AI Integration
- Marketing (Tony Butler, Can Do Ideas)
• Membership Drive
5:00pm-6:30pm | Cocktail Hour/Social Engagement with local business partners
• Guidefitter, Wild Sheep Foundation, Schneez Boots, Stone Glacier
6:30pm-8:00pm | Dinner Buffet
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
8:00am-9:00am | Breakfast
9:00am-12:00pm | US Outfitters & Guides Association Meeting
• EXPLORE Act
• Federal land (USFS, BLM, NPS, USFWS)
• Congressional Sportsmen Foundation
- Chainsaws in the Wilderness
- IOGA Tourism Fishing Video
• Grizzly Delisting
• Elk Feedgrounds CFOA Meeting
• Inventory techniques
• Wildfires
• IPCA/30x30
12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch
1:00pm-4:00pm | Clay Shooting for all
4:00pm-6:00pm | Choose your activity
6:00pm-7:00pm | Dinner
Thursday, July 10, 2025
8:00am-9:00am | Breakfast
9:00am-10:00am | Checkout and travel home
Please mark your calendars to attend the 2025 WYOGA Annual Winter Retreat, December 4, 2025 at the Holiday Inn in Riverton. This will be a one-day meeting. Invitations will be mailed November 1st with the details for the meeting.
