Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed a bill allowing the shooting of certain non-game animals from a vehicle.
The non-game animals in question include prairie dogs and ground squirrels but game animals may NOT be shot from a vehicle… “According to the statute, shooting from a public road or highway, including the area within 30 feet on either side of a roadway, is still prohibited.”
The new law allows people to shoot prairie dogs and ground squirrels from vehicles, which is largely done either on private land or on public land from unpaved, unmaintained “roadways”.
To be clear, shooting these non-game animals from the shoulder of a State highway or County road while in a vehicle appears to still be illegal. The intent of this new law is for folks shooting prairie dogs and ground squirrels while bouncing around in a pasture. A common practice across the West.
“Restrictions and requirements for animals defined in statute as “predatory animal” remain unchanged, according to the WGFD.”
So how can you be 100% certain you’re in compliance with the law? Contact a local game warden or Wyoming Game and Fish office and ask! That said, it’s nice to know that a popular pastime in Wyoming is now free and clear of legal restrictions.
The Secrets Of How To Hunt Out West! | Eastmans’ Journal Podcast Ep #68
In episode #68 of the Eastmans’ Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman interviews Scott Reekers, the lead of Hunting Research here at Eastmans’. They discuss the current state of Western hunting, addressing issues such as drought conditions, draw odds, and the legislative agendas in states like Colorado.
