SF0139

Authorizes the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to establish trap setback specifications and other trapping equipment requirements, repeals an obsolete provision, and requires rulemaking to implement the act.

• Authorizes the Game and Fish Commission to promulgate rules establishing specifications for setbacks, snares, breakaway weights, location of breakaway devices, loop size, and anchors for trapping furbearing and predatory animals after consulting with affected entities. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Requires all traps and snares used for furbearing or predatory animals to be permanently marked or tagged with the owner's name and address or an assigned identification number. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Prohibits setting traps or snares within 30 feet of exposed bait or carcass over 5 pounds in weight, defining exposed bait or carcass to exclude dried bones. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Requires all snares used for furbearing or predatory animals to be equipped with a breakaway device. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Establishes trap checking requirements: steel-jawed leghold traps must be checked at least once per 72 hours, and snares and quick kill body grip traps must be checked at least once per week, with possible extensions granted by the department. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Requires all wildlife caught in traps or snares to be removed immediately by the owner upon discovery, with violations constituting a low misdemeanor. (W.S. 23-2-303(d), Sec. 1)
• Repeals W.S. 23-2-303(b), an obsolete provision. (Sec. 2)
• Requires the Game and Fish Commission to promulgate all rules necessary to implement the provisions of the act. (Sec. 3)

Effective: January 1, 2026

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