Bear coupons-game and fish.
If enacted, the bill would amend existing wildlife management laws in Wyoming, which currently dictate the protections around grizzly bears. Specifically, it would set the stage for regulated hunting of grizzly bears in line with what the state authorities deem necessary for wildlife management. This legislation is expected to align Wyoming's regulations with observed changes in bear populations and conservation status, thus allowing a potential hunting season once the state receives the green light from federal authorities.
House Bill 0186 introduces significant changes to how grizzly bears are managed in Wyoming, particularly by allowing the issuance of hunting licenses through the use of bear coupons. The bill posits that grizzly bears have recovered sufficiently so that they should be removed from the endangered species list, transferring the responsibility of their management to the state of Wyoming. A key feature of this legislation is that it mandates the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to furnish evidence of this recovery to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by July 1, 2025, before any bear coupons can be issued.
The bill's passage is likely to encounter controversy, particularly among conservationists and environmental groups who may argue that grizzly bears, especially those within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, still require federal protections. Section 1(c) explicitly states that this act does not authorize any hunting within the recovery zone of the Yellowstone area, which aims to placate some concerns. However, opponents might contend that management decisions could still lead to practices that are harmful to bear populations or their habitat, thereby raising ethical considerations over wildlife management practices in the state.