The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission received updates on chronic wasting disease affecting 71% of elk herds and 95% of mule deer herds statewide. Corey Class discussed harvest strategies to reduce CWD prevalence, while Andy Gygli presented wolverine management efforts including collaring initiatives with the U.S. Forest Service to monitor movement and habitat use.
State Agencies
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved the 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for conserving Species of Greatest Conservation Need and has delivered 185 conservation projects since 2002. Interim Director Eric Wiltanger announced a Coffee and Conversations initiative and highlighted partnerships with the Wyoming Department of Transportation on wildlife crossings and federal review of the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permits for 2027 become available for purchase on Nov. 15, including hunt, fishing, fur harvest, and vehicle park entry permits. A new transferrable vehicle hangtag option costing $76.50 will be available at select locations for 2027.
The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run organizers donated $12,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation for trail improvements at Smith Falls State Park. The annual run, hosted by the Vanderheiden family and Platte River Valley Fitness Series, has raised over $52,000 in six years to support mental health awareness and park trail enhancements across Nebraska.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has relaunched the Wyoming Wildlife, Worth Watching program, originally established in 1987. The initiative aims to connect residents and visitors with Wyoming's wildlife and wild landscapes through educational videos, online resources, and community engagement events focused on wildlife viewing and habitat stewardship.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced confirmations of three commissioners for new terms through 2030: Dr. Michael Mitrick from York County, Haley Sankey from Blair County, and Allen DiMarco from Lycoming County. All were appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet Thursday, Nov. 12, at Lansing Community College. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will livestream the meeting at 9:30 a.m. via the DNR's YouTube meetings channel.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup, which consists of 11 volunteers serving four-year terms. The workgroup collaborates with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council and meets quarterly. Applications close November 15.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife is offering its seventh season of Scat and Tracks, a virtual 4-week program for kindergarten through eighth grade students. The program provides educators with nature hike plans to teach students about Vermont wildlife including moose, long-tailed weasels, red foxes, and eastern cottontails through pre-recorded videos and optional Q&A sessions with biologists. Registration closes December 15, 2026.
Registration is open for spring 2027 Nature Awaits fourth grade field trips at Michigan state parks, led by Michigan Department of Natural Resources educators. The free program is available to public, private, and charter schools, with transportation costs up to $1,000 reimbursable through the Wheels to Water Grant Program.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on agenda items for the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on December 10 at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena. Topics include the Sacajawea Lagoon Bass Removal Project, 2027-2028 hunting and fishing regulations, and conservation easements. Public comment deadline is November 11.
Michigan's DNR is hosting November meetings for various advisory boards and commissions, including the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee, Board of Foresters, Michigan Natural Resources Commission, and Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on natural resource management and outdoor recreation policies.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposes new Subject 391-2-1 rules establishing standards for private docks over state-owned tidal water bottoms. Public comments are due by November 16, 2026, with the Board of Natural Resources considering the proposed rules on December 1, 2026, at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, Georgia.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks public comment on a proposal to expand the Glasgow Shooting Range through a lease agreement with the City of Glasgow. FWP would improve existing rifle and archery ranges and manage the facility for day-use recreational shooting. The comment deadline is November 4.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will meet November 5-6 at the Cody Regional Office with in-person and virtual Zoom options. The meeting includes presentations, discussions, and approval of multi-year season-setting for hunting. On November 5, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will induct four new members to the Outdoor Hall of Fame at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
The Utah Geological Survey has opened a new paleontological excavation site estimated at 138-141 million years old, potentially the oldest Cretaceous dinosaur bonebed in North America. State Paleontologist Jim Kirkland and Assistant State Paleontologist Don DeBlieux are investigating the end-Jurassic mass extinction that eliminated Morrison Formation dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. The site contains remains of a newly discovered armored dinosaur species being named in DeBlieux's honor as he retires after 25 years of collaboration.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will host a public meeting on November 10 in Cheyenne to gather input on proposed changes to Chapter 31, Regulation Governing Authorized License Selling Agents, and Chapter 71, Commercially Guided Fishing Boats. The public comment period is open until December 8.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will close all offices on Veterans Day, November 11, including headquarters in Lincoln and district offices in Norfolk, North Platte, Kearney, and Alliance. Offices reopen November 12, and deer permits for the November firearm season can be purchased online at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
The Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement held graduation ceremonies at the Indiana Government Center, with 23 new conservation officers officially joining the division. Conservation Officer Tyler Brock, the 2025 James D. Pitzer Officer of the Year, administered the oath of office to recruits assigned to various counties statewide.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks collected over 3,000 cans of expired bear spray during September's Bear Aware Month at 10 locations statewide. Wildlife stewardship outreach specialist Danielle Oyler highlighted the importance of safe disposal and replacing expired bear spray, which loses effectiveness after three to five years.
