Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
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Climbing routes on the west face and southwest shoulder of Devils Tower National Monument are temporarily closed to protect nesting Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The closure is implemented to provide the falcons with an undisturbed nesting location during this critical courtship and nest-selection period. The temporary climbing closure is an annual occurrence at Devils Tower. There are 47 climbing routes affected by the closure between "Good Holds for Godzilla" and "Accident Victim." Over one h...
Freezing temperatures, little to eat and snow-filled storms have been a challenge for Crook County’s wildlife over the winter, but Game Warden Chris Teter says things could have been much worse. Heading into spring, he sees relatively few upcoming challenges aside from the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and a possible slow start to turkey season. “We’ve actually fared pretty well, I think. Certainly we have lost some antelope, particularly on the west side of the county, and I think t...
A Wyoming Game and Fish Department authorized and approved Hunter Education Class is scheduled in Sundance just in time for prospective new hunters to get certified for spring wild turkey season. Even if you never hunt, the class provides students of all ages valuable information about firearm and archery safety, wildlife management, habitat conservation, outdoor survival, law and regulations, respect and responsibility to wildlife, property owners and hunting companions and much more. Wyoming law requires virtually all hunters born on or...
POWELL — On Friday, President Donald Trump’s administration published its intent to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states. That triggered a 60-day review by a team of scientists and opening the proposal to public comment in the Federal Register. “We propose this action because the best available scientific and commercial information indicates that the currently listed entities do not meet the definitions of a threatened species or endangered species under the [Endangered Species] Act due to recov...
Q: “When I apply for a hunting license, how does Game and Fish use my application fee?” A: Your hunting license non-refundable fee application fee ($15 for nonresidents, $5 for residents) goes toward supporting wildlife by providing funding to pay for wildlife damage claims. Damage claim payments are paid to individuals, in accordance with state statutes and commission regulation, who experience confirmed damage caused by game birds, big game and trophy game to private property. An individual can claim actual damages to land, growing cultivated...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering trainings for members of the public to become a certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspector. These trainings will provide the skills necessary to inspect personally-owned and other watercraft as well. The trainings include information on basic biology of invasive species, the impacts of AIS, transport vectors and distribution of AIS. It includes classroom instruction, a question-and-answer session and a hands-on watercraft inspection exercise. The trainings are free and open to...
With the continued frigid weather, customer traffic at the office has remained slow, but activities are still occurring. Despite the cold, building repairs are finally underway from the hail storm last spring. Plowing snow has become a common occurrence, and room is running out for places to pile it. Much like people in the area are choosing (or wishing) to stay inside during this cold weather, the prairie dogs are staying warm down in their burrows. Due to this, poisoning has remained difficult because identifying active holes (or seeing holes...
CODY — Following on the heels of state legislation authorizing state grizzly bear management, members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation are reintroducing a bill to authorize just that. Sen. Mike Enzi and Rep. Liz Cheney introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, which directs the Department of the Interior to reissue its delisting decision and prohibits further judicial review of the decision. “It’s clear that under the Endangered Species Act, grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region are fully recovered, that they should be deliste...
As the time of year arrives when people buy baby poultry and start planning flocks, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is reminding people to watch out for the harmful germs baby birds can sometimes carry even if they appear healthy and clean. “Because poultry chicks are soft and cute, many people want to touch, hold or even snuggle them but this behavior can be risky because the birds can have germs on their body and in their droppings,” said Tiffany Greenlee, surveillance epidemiologist with WDH. Baby poultry are a common source of Salmon...
GILLETTE - Charlene and Doug Camblin, like many ranchers in Campbell County, aren't calving yet. But there are always a few surprises in a cattle and calf operation. A week ago, on Doug's birthday and with temperatures close to minus 15, they found a newborn heifer. They were lucky, though. The Camblins carried the calf to their home, where they were able to warm it up and it managed to survive despite the wind chill. Monday morning dawned with similar cold temperatures in northeast Wyoming and...
State Readings Currently the state’s SNOTELs are reading 104 percent of median with a basin high of 118 percent and a basin low of 88 percent. Last year the state was at 115 percent, and at 148 percent in 2017. The map may differ slightly from the table depending upon how many stations were reporting at the time. This report and a map displaying basin SWE percentages of median for the state may be found at: wrds.uwyo.edu/wrds/nrcs/nrcs.html. For information on the use of median vs. average go to wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/normals/median_average.htm S...
The recent severe winter conditions in northeast Wyoming are impacting area antelope herds and Moorcroft Game Warden John Davis is asking for the public's assistance in reducing disturbance to the animals. "Due to weather stress and crusted snow, antelope are coming into town seeking forage," said Davis. "It has just been tough on them. We've had snow cover since before Christmas and at times, it has warmed up a bit creating crust on the snow and ice on bare ground." Davis notes that in addition...
Folks gathered February 9 in Sundance for the Northeast Wyoming Chapter of the Muley Fanatic Foundation's third annual fundraising event at the Crook County Fairgrounds. With a variety of games, raffles, a silent and live auction, those in attendance pledged support to an effort that has seen more than $30,000 spent locally from proceeds from the previous two events. "The community has been very supportive of this effort and I feel blessed and humbled to see the impact that our Chapter is...
SHERIDAN — A U.S. Supreme Court case involving elk killed in the Bighorn National Forest by a member of the Crow Tribe has implications far beyond the boundaries of the forest located in the north central part of Wyoming. Bill Yellowtail, a rancher from the Wyola area and former Montana state senator, gave a presentation Tuesday to employees of the Bighorn National Forest, outlining the background of the case and the variety of effects it may have. Yellowtail grew up on his family’s cattle ranch on the Crow Indian Reservation and his dau...
Q: What is a wildlife-friendly fence? A: To many people, a fence running through the rolling hills of Wyoming is nothing much to consider. But for wildlife, fencing matters for their survival. The term wildlife-friendly fence is a fence that is designed to contain livestock while still allowing wildlife to pass through without harm. There are many fence designs labeled as wildlife-friendly, but it is important that any fence design take into consideration how to keep some animals in while letting others cross. The friendliest fence for...
It may have been frosty and slick on Sunday morning, but that didn't stop more than 60 runners and 30 walkers from joining in the fun of the year's chilliest race. Freeze Your Fanny is an annual benefit for the Sundance High School cross country team held on Superbowl Sunday. The first place runner this year was Josh Speidel with a time of 27:19, followed by Chris Riley with 27:20. In the zero to 19 age category, the top two runners were Tayleigh Adrian and Lane Jay. Aged 20 to 29, the top two...
The Super Tag Raffle has raised more than $3.7 million for big game management and wildlife conservation in Wyoming. Since it was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2014, it’s been a boost to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department fund that supports wildlife conservation projects. “Maintaining Wyoming’s world-class hunting is not getting any easier or less expensive. Current challenges facing wildlife managers, such as new wildlife diseases, invasive species, migration corridors and others were not major concerns a generation ago,” said Sc...
Black Hills National Forest offices will be open temporarily on January 25 from 12 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. for the expressed purpose of issuing free use personal fuelwood permits to the public. No other services will be available. Offices that will be open include: Bearlodge Ranger District Office in Sundance, WY Northern Hills Ranger District Office in Spearfish, SD Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City, SD Hell Canyon Ranger District office in Custer, SD Hell Canyon Ranger District office in Newcastle, WY Consistent with 36 CFR 223.5,...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed a cow elk has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 37. The elk was harvested by a hunter in late December. CWD has been previously documented in deer in overlaying Deer Hunt Area 24 but this is the first time an elk has tested positive. To ensure that hunters are informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that hunters not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD. A map of...
Q: How do I keep my dog safe while ice fishing? A: Our canine companions tag along for a lot of outdoor adventures. With Wyoming ice fishing season taking shape, bringing your dog along for company could be tempting — but also dangerous. A fun activity for you can turn hazardous for a pet; leaving it at home is the best way to make sure your dog is safe. But, if you decide sit on the ice with your best furry friend, follow this advice: • Make sure your dog stays warm. They should wear a neoprene vest — ideally one with extra floatation for e...
The past year at the Crook County Weed and Pest was productive and eventful. We had many obstacles and new challenges to overcome, but overall a very successful year of weed and pest control. Prairie Dogs: A very snowy winter season from January to March made prairie dog control challenging for local landowners. We had plenty of snow and cold weather late into spring, keeping the prairie dogs down in their holes. This made poisoning during the labeled season (October 1 to March 15) difficult....
January 1, 2019 Site Name Elevation (ft.) Current Snow Depth (in.) Current Snow Water Equivalent (in.) 30-year Median SWE (1981-2010) Last Year’s SWE Current Percent of 30-year Median SWE (%) Blind Park Snotel 6870 21 3.2 3.2 2.6 100 Cole Canyon Snotel 5870 17 3.1 2.2 1.7 141 Ditch Creek 6880 15.8 2.3 2.0 1.3 115 Little Bear Run 6240 11.7 1.8 1.7 0.9 106 Mallo 6420 21.3 3.4 2.9 2.1 117 Mount Tom 5560 16.4 2.4 1.8 1.4 133 North Rapid Creek Snotel 6250 16 2.7 3.2 2.9 84 Submitted by Sherry Burr, NRCS...
With the federal government frozen in place until a funding deal can be reached, national parks and Forest Service sites across Wyoming have been impacted. A partial federal government shutdown was still in place as this week began, causing closure or limited services at parks, landmarks and other sites. Among those places affected by the shutdown is Devils Tower National Monument. Since December 22, access to the park has remained open, but all services are closed, including buildings and...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding public meetings and has opened a comment period to gather public input on Chapter 31, the regulation governing authorized license selling agents. The proposed changes would streamline guidelines and processes for businesses that are authorized to sell Game and Fish licenses. "License selling agents are important partners to Game and Fish," said Greg Phipps, Game and Fish fiscal chief. "About one third of licenses are sold through authorized...
