HB0110 amends Wyoming game and fish law governing nonresident trapping licenses. Under current law, the Department of Game and Fish may issue a trapping license to a nonresident only if the applicant’s state of residence offers reciprocal trapping privileges to Wyoming residents and the applicant provides a copy of the most current statutes from that state. The bill keeps the reciprocity requirement and appears to clarify or tighten the documentation needed to prove that reciprocity exists.
The bill is narrowly focused on trapping licenses for nonresidents and does not change resident trapping rules. It would affect the Department of Game and Fish’s licensing process, nonresident trappers seeking Wyoming licenses, and the state’s ability to condition access to trapping on reciprocal treatment by other states. The effective date is July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB0110 would amend W.S. 23-2-303(a) and add a new subsection governing nonresident trapping licenses. The practical effect is to preserve Wyoming’s reciprocal-licensing framework for trapping while requiring nonresident applicants to document that their home state grants Wyoming residents comparable trapping privileges and to provide current statutory proof. This would give the department a clearer statutory basis for denying licenses when reciprocity is absent or not adequately documented.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests the bill was generally supported in committee, with the House Travel Committee recommending amendment and do pass by a 6-3 vote. No transcript excerpts are available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate broader public sentiment. Based on the bill’s narrow scope and the committee vote, the measure appears to have had moderate support, though not unanimous.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the reciprocity شرط for nonresident trappers: supporters may view it as a fairness measure protecting Wyoming residents, while opponents may see it as a barrier to nonresident access or an administrative burden. The 6-3 committee split indicates some disagreement, likely over whether the bill appropriately balances wildlife management, licensing fairness, and access for out-of-state trappers. No specific speakers or arguments are available in the record provided.