Administrative Rule Review Report  #AR08-025
Legislative Service Office
13-Mar-08

AGENCY:	Game and Fish Department.

DATE SUBMITTED:	March 13, 2008.

SUBJECT:	Chapter 21, Gray Wolves Designated as Trophy Game Animals.

NATURE OF RULES:	Legislative and procedural

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:	W.S. 23-1-304

DETERMINATION OF PROCEDURAL COMPLIANCE BASED UPON INFORMATION 
SUBMITTED BY THE AGENCY TO LSO:   Apparently complete to date.  Notice of the proposed adoption of new rules was provided by the LSO as required by W.S. 28-9-103(d).  No comments have been received to date.

SUMMARY OF RULES:		The rules establish an area, consistent with the area described in 2007 House Bill 213, where gray wolves are classified as trophy game animals.  The rules classify gray wolves in all other areas of the state as predatory animals, but require a person who takes a gray wolf in those areas to inform the department of the kill within ten days of the take.  The rules provide that the department will maintain a gray wolf population monitoring program that will include the use of global positioning systems or radio tracking collars.  The rules provide that the department will use an aggressive management policy in the trophy game area which will include aerial hunting and hazing to protect private property, livestock and domesticated animals.  The rules provide for the issuance of lethal take permits in the trophy game area when it is demonstrated that gray wolves are harassing, injuring, maiming or killing livestock or domesticated animals.  The rules provide a process for obtaining a lethal take permit and specify that lethal take permits may not allow for take through the use of aerial hunting and are limited to a specific number of gray wolves.  The department may also lethally remove wolves when a wild ungulate herd is experiencing unacceptable impacts or when conflicts occur.  

FINDINGS:  The rules appear to be within the scope of statutory authority and legislative intent.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  That the rules be placed on the Consent List and be approved by the Council as submitted by the Agency.  Management Council has agreed to an expedited review of the rules.

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	Lynda Cook
	Staff Attorney

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	Dan Pauli
	Director
LGC/