In the interest of developing hunting opportunity, the department has simply compiled extensive lists of ranchers who are willing to open their land to hunters for a modest fee. These fees range from as low as $50 per hunter to $350 or more. The ranches receive no compensation from Game and Fish in return for agreeing to appear on the lists, though they can receive game management assistance if desired. The number of ranches on these lists is huge, especially when you consider the voluntary nature of the program. According to Wyoming Game and Fish Public Information Officer, Don Miller, there is no specific criteria for a ranch to appear on the list. Both are put together by game wardens in each of the two regions that publish lists, who of course know the areas well and can judge which ranches are likely to offer decent hunting. Miller says the game wardens themselves came up with the list idea several years ago - he's not sure exactly when - in response to the high volume of inquiries from hunters looking for ranch contacts.
So far, he says, the program is still popular among ranchers. It is also very popular among hunters, who are inundating the ranchers with calls, Miller says. He admits that what the ranchers really need is some kind of co-op program........(continued)
