http://slf-web.state.wy.us/estate/adobe/publicUseMemo.pdfOffice of State Lands and Investments
Funding Wyoming Public Education
122 West 25th Street DaveFreudenthal
Cheyenne, WY 82002 Governor
Phone: (307) 777-7331
Fax: (307) 777-6526 Lynne Boomgaarden
slfmail
state.wy.us Director
MEMORANDUM
FROM: Lynne Boomgaarden, Director
RE: Public Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Use of Wyoming State Lands
In 1988, the State Board of Land Commissioners adopted rules extending to the public the privilege of hunting, fishing and general recreational use of Wyoming�s school and institutional lands. Since then, there has been a significant decline in state land lessee and sportsmen use conflicts and complaints. We believe that increased cooperation and respect between landowners/lessees, public users, and agricultural and sportsmen interest groups has been the key to this success. I want to publicly acknowledge this cooperation and encourage continued responsible behavior and mutual respect in sharing Wyoming state lands.
The rules controlling public use of state lands are simple. First, the lands must be legally accessed. Anyone crossing private land to reach state land must have the permission of the private landowner. The landowner is under no obligation to grant such permission. Second, off-road vehicle use, overnight camping, and open fires are prohibited on these state lands. All motor vehicles must remain on established roads. New roads cannot be created, nor can established roads be extended by public users. Activities that would damage state lands, roads, improvements, or lessee property interests are also prohibited. Finally, cultivated croplands are not open to public use.
While state lessee permission is not required to use legally-accessed state land, public users are encouraged to notify lessees as a courtesy whenever reasonably possible to do so. Such notification can often help avoid trespass and other problems. Many of Wyoming�s state land parcels are intermingled with, surrounded by, or fenced in with private land and are indistinguishable from such private land. The responsibility of knowing whether you are on private or state land is YOURS. If you are on private land without permission, you could be charged with trespass. Moreover, lessees have a legitimate and legal interest in protecting the forage they lease, their livestock and improvements, and the overall condition of state lands. Hunting outfitters and guides operating on state land must possess a temporary use permit. An outfitting/guiding permit in no case excludes the public from hunting on legally-accessible state land. Perhaps the best advice is to take the time to get acquainted and learn the land ownership pattern.
Public hunting, fishing, and recreation on Wyoming state land is a privilege currently enjoyed by many users. However, where the privilege is abused or lessee interests damaged, public users of state lands will be restricted by the Board. The Board may close specific state land roads and areas on a temporary or permanent basis. Public users must obey all Board authorized closures, restrictions, and postings. I urge you to be a responsible sportsman and a responsible state land user. Adhere to the rules and exercise basic common sense, courtesy, and consideration for others, and you will do your part to help protect Wyoming�s state lands and keep them open for public hunting and fishing. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
