CASPER - With illegal fish stockings persisting in the Cowboy State despite a public information campaign, the Wyoming Wildlife Protector’s Association is trying another approach: a bounty.

The association, which administers the "Stop Poaching" program in Wyoming, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone illegally stocking fish in Wyoming. The offer stems from a rash of fish species showing up outside their native range or in locations unauthorized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Those illegal introductions include ling or burbot - a species native to the Big Horn Basin - and white suckers being discovered throughout the Green River drainage; walleye, smallmouth bass and perch in the Bear River drainage; walleye in Lake DeSmet, Yesness Pond in Casper and Granite Reservoir between Cheyenne and Laramie; and brook stickleback in the North Platte and Big Horn rivers. Piranhas and some other aquarium species were also discovered in a pond near Cheyenne this spring.

"Illegal stocking is a serious violation that has the potential to severely damage fisheries the Game and Fish and anglers have worked hard to establish," said Mike Stone, Game and Fish fisheries chief.

Because the violation rarely leaves any physical evidence that can be linked to a violator, Stone said the department has made illegal stocking an enforcement priority and hopes the reward will help serve as both a deterrent and to produce convictions.

"Dealing with the illegal introductions also diverts manpower and budget away from other projects," Stone said.

Specifically in Wyoming, it is unlawful to:
-- plant fish or fish eggs without the consent of the Game and Fish
-- transport live fish or live fish eggs from the water of capture - including in the boat’s live well
-- release aquarium fish or unused baitfish

Anyone with information about an illegal fish introduction, even if it’s second-hand, is urged to contact your local game warden or call the "Stop Poaching" hotline at (800) 442-4331.

Concerned public can also contribute to the association’s violation reward fund by sending checks to: Wyoming Wildlife Protector’s Association, P.O. Box 1714, Dubois, WY 82513.
(contact: Jeff Obrecht)
(photo available on request)