BOATING SAFETY URGED FOR 4^TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

           The Fourth of July holiday is typically the busiest weekend of the year for Wyoming boaters and is also the busiest weekend of the year for Game and Fish officers charged with enforcing boating regulations.

The Game and Fish advises boaters to become familiar with the regulations involving operation of watercraft and the safety equipment required for different classes of watercraft.  A new regulation this year requires all youth 12 years and under to wear an approved life jacket while boating.  Wyoming law also requires the wearing of  a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) of suitable size for anyone being towed or operating personal watercraft such as jet skis, wave runners etc.   In addition, persons operating motorboats or personal watercraft must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult. 

Boating under the influence (BUI), the boating counterpart to DUI, is also common over the 4^th of July holiday.   Wyoming judges are taking the BUI violation very seriously and boaters found in violation could be subject to heavy fines and loss of boating privileges.

Boaters are also reminded to make sure the proper boating safety equipment is on board and in working order.  Watercraft over 16 feet are required to have an approved Coast Guard throwable device on board and an approved PFD of suitable size is required for each person on board of all watercraft regardless of size of the craft. 

Having boats that are not registered is another common violation.  The law requires registering of all boats powered by propulsion machinery of any type, including electric trolling motors.

A complete listing of Wyoming boating laws can be obtained from any Game and Fish office or the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us.                     

Governor names Steve Ferrell Director of Game and Fish

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The deputy director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department has been named the new director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department by Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Steve Ferrell, an avid hunter, sport shooter and angler with more than 30 years of experience in wildlife management, said he is deeply honored to be named to the position. Ferrell succeeds Terry Cleveland, who will retired on June 30 after 39 years of service with the department.

Ferrell was one of three finalists chosen by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

Ferrell has spent his entire career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.  Beginning in 1975, he has served the department as a Wildlife Assistant, Wildlife Manager, Habitat Evaluation Specialist, Research Program Supervisor, Wildlife Regional Supervisor, Assistant Director, and Deputy Director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Arizona.

Ferrell said he has long been fascinated by Wyoming and the leadership role that the state’s Game and Fish Department plays among other state wildlife agencies across the nation.

WEEKLY WOLF UPDATES

CHEYENNE— To help keep the public informed about wolf issues in Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will begin posting weekly wolf updates on the department’s Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/wolves/index.asp.

“Since wolves were removed from the Endangered Species List last week and transitioned to state management, we’ve had numerous inquiries from the media and the public who want to know what’s going on with wolves in Wyoming,” said Eric Keszler, public information officer for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “Our weekly updates will include information about current research findings, monitoring activity, reported wolf kills, livestock depredations, and other information.”

Weekly wolf updates will be posted every Friday. For additional information about wolves, visit the department’s website or call the Wolf Information Line at (307) 777-4655.

Thanks to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the info!

Visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Website!

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