Game and Fish Weekly News - Wyoming still free of invasive mussels, CWD found in new area, and high school students invited to join Art Contest

Wyoming still free of invasive mussels as Aquatic Invasive Species prevention program catches three boats carrying the invaders

CHEYENNE – Invasive aquatic creatures like quagga mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Asian carp are creeping closer to Wyoming. If they ever take hold in Wyoming’s waters they will harm native species, municipal water supplies and agricultural activities. The Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program established in 2010 by the State Legislature is aimed at preventing new species from invading Wyoming’s waters.
The main tactic is to intercept and inspect watercraft entering the state. In 2015, Wyoming’s crews of inspectors checked on 45,967 boats, nearly 4,000 were considered high risk boats, having been in areas known to contain invasive species. Three boats were found with zebra or quagga mussels attached. Those boats were thoroughly decontaminated and released.
“The most concerning aquatic invasive species right now are these zebra and quagga mussels,” said AIS program coordinator Beth Bear. “Those mussels seem to be getting very close to Wyoming. They are in Utah, South Dakota and Colorado. In 2015 we checked over a thousand boats that had last been used in waters with aquatic invasive species. So, we want to thank everyone who drained, cleaned and dried their boat after using it and everyone who helped keep Wyoming’s waters safe.”
Annual monitoring of waters was conducted from June through October and included sampling of 65 waters for a variety of invasive species. No evidence of zebra/quagga mussels have been confirmed in any Wyoming waters. New populations of curly pondweed were found in the Shoshone River during sampling. That is not overly concerning, but is a good reminder to drain, clean and dry boats and fishing gear after each use to prevent the further spread of invasive plant species too.
Watercraft last used in a mussel suspect or positive water, the majority were used at Lake Powell, UT (488 inspections); Deer Creek Reservoir, UT (488); Pueblo Reservoir, CO (197); Lake Mead, NV (56); Lake Havasu, NV/CA (54); Angostura Reservoir, SD (53); and Lake Michigan (37). A total of 1,254 decontaminations were conducted for suspect AIS or standing water.
For more information go to our website: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention

-WGFD-

Game and Fish finds CWD in new elk hunt area in Johnson County

SHERIDAN - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department found chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a cow elk that was found dead in the southern Bighorn Mountains. CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk and moose. The elk was found in elk hunt area 34 - an area that overlaps with deer hunt areas where CWD was previously documented and is bordered on the north by elk hunt area 35 where CWD had already been documented.
The elk was found by a landowner and reported to Game and Fish personnel on November 12, 2015 in Beaver Creek Canyon, which is about 15 miles west of the town of Kaycee.
“This has been another active year for Game and Fish’s CWD surveillance program. This is an important part of our public awareness program and of our ability to monitor this disease within the state,” Scott Edberg, Deputy Chief of the Wildlife Division, said. Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control Game and Fish does not recommend people eat deer, elk or moose that test positive for CWD.
Game and Fish personnel continue to watch for deer, elk and moose that appear sick. Game and Fish also continues to collect samples through hunter field checks and at CWD sampling stations. Game and Fish personnel collect and analyze more than 1,600 CWD samples annually throughout the state.
Hunters who wish to have their deer, elk or moose tested for CWD outside of the department’s CWD surveillance program can to do so by contacting the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab at (307) 766-9925. Hunters submitting samples through the Game and Fish should be aware that it may take a few weeks after their animal is sampled to get their test results. Each person submitting a sample receives a sticker with information on how to check their results on our website.
For more information on chronic wasting disease transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses please visit the Game and Fish website at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/Chronic-Wasting-Disease/CWD-Disease-Info.

-WGFD-

Game and Fish invites high school students to participate in Conservation Stamp Art Contest

CHEYENNE – Wyoming high school artists interested in Wyoming’s wildlife are alerted that beginning Jan. 1, 2015 the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will begin accepting artwork for the 2017 Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Contest. Each year the Game and Fish selects one species to be the subject of the competition. The winning entry will appear on the following year’s printed conservation stamps – thus the competition for the 2017 stamp.
The contest has traditionally been for professional artists. This year, to encourage interest in wildlife and the arts, Game and Fish is inviting Wyoming high school students to join the competition. If there are enough entries, Game and Fish will name the top Wyoming high school entry. All artists are also eligible for overall prizes.
The mallard duck (anas platyrhynchos) is the subject for the 2017 contest. The mallard is the primary species on which the annual waterfowl regulation framework is based and is the bread and butter of waterfowl hunting in Wyoming.
The winning artist will receive a cash award of $3,500. Second place receives $1,500, third $750. A non‑refundable $25.00 entry fee must accompany the artwork, entry form and artist's data sheet. Entries will be accepted beginning January 1, 2016, but must be received at Game Fish’s headquarters in Cheyenne by 5:00 pm on March 1, 2016.
The contest will culminate with judging in Cheyenne at the Game and Fish Headquarters on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Artwork will be available for sale and will be on exhibit through June 1, 2016.
Judging will be done by a panel of judges from the arts, printing, and biology professions. Each painting will be carefully evaluated by a Game and Fish biologist for anatomical accuracy of the animal and ecological correctness of any habitat portrayed. Entries will also be judged on artistic composition, and suitability of images that will reproduce well as a stamp. For the mallard, artists are encouraged to pay close attention to the color, patterns, and shape of the feathers and tail, including the number of primary and secondary feathers, if applicable.
Information, including rules, entry forms, and deadlines on the Conservation Stamp Art Show can be found on the Game and Fish website wgfd.wyo.gov/conservationstampartshow. Printed rules and entry forms are also available and will be mailed to requesting artists.

-WGFD-

 

Game and Fish Calendar

Dec. 7 -- Public meeting on proposed updates to CWD Management Plan, Jackson
Dec. 14 -- Public meeting on proposed updates to CWD Management Plan, Casper
Dec. 16 -- Public meeting on proposed changes to Chapter 32 regulations, Casper
Jan. 4 -- Last day for comments on proposed changes to Chapter 32 regulations