The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently received $28,350 for Access Yes, the private lands public wildlife access program. The donations are a combination of support from the Wyoming Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Wyoming Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Bowhunters of Wyoming.
Access Yes is a program that facilitates the partnership between landowners and the department to create public hunting and fishing access on private land. These include Walk-in Areas, Hunter Management Areas and other Game and Fish public access areas.
“Each dollar donated to Access Yes equates to approximately 3.5 acres of public access. These groups are helping every hunter and angler in Wyoming have more opportunities for years to come,” said Scott Talbott, director of Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “The generous donations from Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Wyoming Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Bowhunters of Wyoming, and the Wyoming Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are responsible for providing approximately 99,225 acres of public access. That’s impressive.”
Access Yes funds directly pay for access easements, not funding operating expenses of Game and Fish access programs. Walk-In Areas and Hunter Management Areas funded by Access Yes provide hunting opportunities for big game, small game, upland game bird species and waterfowl. They also provide fishing opportunities throughout the state.
“We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with these organizations who are dedicated to providing funding for hunting and fishing access,” said Matt Withroder, Game and Fish regional access coordinator.
Funds donated to Access Yes can only be utilized to provide landowner payments in exchange for sportsmen access. The public can also support Access Yes through donations when purchasing a license, either online or from a license selling agent.
For more information please visit the Game and Fish public access page.
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