Bill > HB0186

This bill addresses grizzly bear management in Wyoming by introducing a new provision for bear coupons with elk licenses. Specifically, for elk licenses issued in 2026 and 2027 in hunt areas outside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Recovery Zone, each resident license will include a bear coupon at no additional cost. The bear coupon allows the license holder to take one brown, black, or grizzly bear in the same area where they are authorized to hunt elk. If a bear is taken, the hunter must attach the coupon to the bear's carcass, notify the game and fish commission about the taking, and for grizzly bears, provide additional information to ensure the sustainability of the bear population. The bill also includes legislative findings that grizzly bears have recovered in Wyoming and should be removed from endangered species lists. Before issuing bear coupons, the game and fish commission must present evidence to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supporting grizzly bear population recovery. The bill prohibits bear hunting within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Recovery Zone and requires the game and fish commission to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026. The provisions will become effective either ten days after grizzly bears are removed from the endangered species list or on January 1, 2026, whichever comes first.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0186