In the Press Release 03/08/10 issue:

TWO SHERIDAN AREA MEN FINED $7,010 AND LOSE HUNTING PRIVILEGES FOR NINE YEARS
APPLYING ONLINE HELPS HUNTERS MEET APPLICATION DEADLINES
WILDLIFE STAMP ART CONTEST JUDGING AND RECEPTION MARCH 12 AT WYOMING STATE MUSEUM IN CHEYENNE
IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO ENCOUNTER A GRIZZLY
JOHN KENNEDY NAMED WGFD DEPUTY DIRECTOR
G&F Calendar
ASK THE GAME & FISH

TWO SHERIDAN AREA MEN FINED $7,010 AND LOSE HUNTING PRIVILEGES FOR NINE YEARS

SHERIDAN - Kristopher S. Schortmann of Sheridan and Cory Tasler of Dayton were ordered to pay $7,010 in fines and restitution and had their hunting and fishing privileges suspended for a combined nine years as a result of illegally shooting a buck mule deer after the season closed and for illegally purchasing resident licenses in Wyoming over a three-year period.

Sheridan County Circuit Court Judge John J. Sampson ordered Schortmann, 32, to pay $530 in fines and $2,500 in restitution to the state of Wyoming for taking a mule deer buck after the season closed. In addition, Schortmann's hunting and fishing privileges were suspended for three years, making him ineligible to purchase hunting or fishing licenses in Wyoming and the 31 other states that belong to the wildlife violator compact. The judge also ordered Tasler, 33, to pay $1,980 in fines and $2,000 in restitution for five counts of illegally purchasing resident licenses and for accessory to taking the above-mentioned mule deer after the season closed. Tasler's hunting and fishing privileges were suspended for six years.

The investigation began in mid-November 2009 when Sheridan Game Warden James Hobbs received an anonymous stop poaching report stating that Schortmann and Tasler had illegally killed a mule deer buck in the Sheridan area. Further investigation showed that Schortmann had killed a 4-by-8 mule deer buck with his crossbow about a week after the season closed just west of the Sheridan city limits on Soldier Creek Road. Tasler then knowingly stored the illegally taken mule deer at his home in Dayton. When asked by Judge Sampson why he had poached this deer Schortmann replied that he had poached it to show his friends what a nice deer he could kill. Hobbs commented, "Because of the selfishness of one person a very good, quality mule deer was taken out of the Sheridan area. This could have been a great trophy for some hunter out there to take legally during the season."

Hobbs worked a combined investigation with Dayton Game Warden Alan Osterland. During the investigation it was discovered that Tasler had illegally purchased 13 Wyoming resident licenses over the last three years without establishing residency. Tasler had not lived in Wyoming for one full year and had purchased resident licenses in Minnesota during the same time period.

On each Wyoming resident license there is a statement that states:

"Under penalty of prosecution, I swear that the information given by me above and below my signature is true and correct. I swear, under penalty of prosecution, that I am a Wyoming residen. . . and have domiciled in Wyoming for not less than one (1) year and have not claimed residency elsewhere for any purpose during the one year immediately preceding the purchase of this license."

                "Mr. Tasler had not lived in Wyoming for a full year to establish his residency. As partial payment for his crime he will not be hunting or fishing legally for six years in all 32 states of the compact," says Osterland. "He took away the opportunity for a Wyoming resident to harvest several of the animals that he took. I believe the almost $4000 in fines and restitution and the loss of privileges fit the crime."

Hobbs and Osterland acknowledge that the case would not have been possible without the cooperation of members of the public. Sheridan Game Warden Bruce Scigliano, Buffalo Game Warden Jim Seeman, Investigator Scott Adell and the Sheridan Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Hobbs adds, "Because of a report by a concerned citizen and help from other members of the community we were able to solve this crime."

Anyone witnessing a wildlife violation may call the Stop Poaching hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP. Tips are most helpful when they are reported promptly and include information such as the date, time, location and specific details about the suspected violation. Also important is a physical description of the suspected violator as well as a license plate number and description of any vehicles involved in the incident. Stop Poaching tips can also be reported on the Game and Fish Web site at: http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/enforcement/stoppoaching/submitTip.aspx. Tips may result in a reward and informants can chose to remain anonymous.
(contact: Warren Mischke (307) 672-7418)

-WGFD-

APPLYING ONLINE HELPS HUNTERS MEET APPLICATION DEADLINES

CHEYENNE - Nonresidents who have yet to apply for deer and antelope licenses this year might want to consider the online application process to help ensure the application is received by the March 15 deadline date.

The popularity of online applications continues to grow according to Aaron Pelto, License Draw manager for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

In increasing numbers, hunters are turning to their computers when it comes time to apply for a big game license. So far, this year several license deadlines have come and gone, but once again the online process is proving to be very efficient.

Deadlines that have already passed include nonresident elk and resident and nonresident deadlines for spring wild turkey, bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat. Pelto said that so far, the majority of the applications received have been online. 

To get into the 2010 drawing for nonresident deer and antelope, applications, whether paper or online, must be received by 5 p.m. on the March 15 deadline date. For online applications, hunters can go to the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us.  Following the nonresident deer and antelope deadline, the next application period is May 1-31 for resident limited quota elk, deer and antelope licenses.

-WGFD-

WILDLIFE STAMP ART CONTEST JUDGING AND RECEPTION MARCH 12 AT WYOMING STATE MUSEUM IN CHEYENNE

CHEYENNE - Judging for the 27^th annual Wyoming State Conservation Stamp Art Competition will be held Friday, March 12, at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne. Subject for this year's competition is the wolverine.

The winning artwork will be reproduced on the 2011 conservation stamp.  A conservation stamp is required for most licensed hunters and anglers. Approximately 200,000 conservation stamps are printed each year.

Judging will take place on the afternoon of March 12. Following the judging, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming and Wyoming Game and Fish Department will host a reception open to the public beginning at 5 p.m. with winners announced at 6 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

 All paintings will remain on display at the state museum through April 17.                                       (contact: Al Langston (307) 777-4540)

-WGFD-

IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO ENCOUNTER A GRIZZLY

CODY - Recent reports of bear tracks observed in the snow in the upper North Fork of the Shoshone River Valley near Cody and in Yellowstone National Park are clear indications that bears are emerging from their dens.

                According to Grizzly Bear Conflict Officer Mark Bruscino, it is not unusual for some bears to emerge at this time of the year. "Typically, boars (males) emerge from their dens in mid-March and early April, while sows (females) and young of the year cubs emerge in late April and early May," he said.

                Bears wander over big game winter ranges in early spring searching for winter-killed deer and elk. With yet another mild winter, early emerging bears may find it difficult to find food and this could bring bears into conflict with people.

Bruscino cautions that now is the time to take the necessary precautions to avoid conflicts with bears. "The majority of the people in and around the Greater Yellowstone Area do a good job of keeping foods away from bears and although it seems early, it's never to early to become bear aware," he said.

Bruscino stated that there were approximately 131 human-bear conflicts reported last year in the Jackson, Pinedale, Lander and Cody areas and many of those were related to improperly stored food and garbage. If you live in bear country -- grizzly or black bear -- Bruscino recommends keeping livestock feed and barbeque grills stored properly and bird feeders and dog bowls kept empty after dark.

                The competitive nature of antler hunting has some antler hunters beginning their search in early March.  However, because bears concentrate on big game winter ranges in early spring the Wyoming Game and Fish Department does not recommend antler hunting in grizzly country until after spring green-up in early May. 

                Bear encounters often occur when bears are surprised. In response to this surprise a bear may bluff charge. This behavior allows the bear to determine the seriousness of a threat. If it feels the need to eliminate the threat, it may continue with a real charge that can result in injury.

                When hiking, avoid bear encounters by being cautious and alert. Make noise as you travel so bears can hear you. Learn to recognize areas of heavy bear use based upon tracks, scats and diggings. If you smell a carcass, avoid it. Flocks of magpies, ravens or jays often indicate a carcass is nearby. Remember, when bears scavenge large animals they often cover what they can't eat with brush or dirt and may stay close by to defend it from other bears for several days.

                Commercially available bear spray is effective in stopping aggressive bears. Use bear spray only as a deterrent and as a last resort to avoiding a physical encounter. Spraying an area or personal property with bear spray to repel bears is not recommended.

-WGFD-

JOHN KENNEDY NAMED WGFD DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Cheyenne - Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Steve Ferrell announced today that John Kennedy has been named Deputy Director for Internal Operations for the department. Kennedy, currently the department's Services Division Chief, will replace Deputy Director Gregg Arthur, who will be retiring in May. Kennedy will begin his new duties April 19.

 "The department is excited to have someone with John's experience, expertise, and passion in a key leadership position," said Ferrell. "John's nearly two decades of experience with wildlife and wildlife issues locally, regionally, and internationally will be a benefit to the wildlife of Wyoming and to the people who enjoy our outdoor resources."

Kennedy has served as Services Division Chief for the WGFD since 2004. In that capacity he was responsible for 90 personnel and a variety of department programs, including Lands Administration, Conservation Engineering, Information Technology, Game and Fish Laboratory, Habitat and Access Maintenance, Conservation Education, Hunter Education, Regional and Statewide Information and Education, Customer Service, and Telephone Information Center. He also serves on numerous committees and has been involved in initiatives of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

An Idaho native and avid hunter and angler, Kennedy came to Wyoming from Arizona, where he spent 12 years in various positions with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Those positions included Habitat Branch Chief, Project Evaluation Program Supervisor, Regional Habitat Program Manager, and Regional Habitat Specialist.

"I am honored to be given this new opportunity to work for the wildlife and the people of a great state like Wyoming," said Kennedy. "Wyoming has some of the most diverse and impressive wildlife resources anywhere. Likewise, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated wildlife professionals anywhere. But today our state's fish and wildlife resources are facing some daunting challenges. I look forward to helping lead the department's efforts to address those challenges and maintain Wyoming's rich wildlife and hunting and fishing heritage well into the future."

"I want to especially recognize and thank Gregg Arthur, who has been my direct supervisor since I began my tenure in Wyoming six years ago," said Kennedy. "Gregg has been a true mentor to me. His knowledge of Wyoming's wildlife resources and its people, as well as the history and culture of the department, have been a tremendous help to me and to many other wildlife professionals in Wyoming."

Kennedy holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Idaho and an M.S. degree in Wildlife Management from South Dakota State University.

(contact: Eric Keszler (307) 777-4594)

-WGFD-

G&F Calendar

March 11 - Wyoming Game and Fish Commission meeting, Thermopolis
March 15 - Nonresident application deadline for deer and antelope licenses    

March 15-31 - Wyoming Hunting Season Meetings, call (307) 777-4600 for times and locations
March 16 - Aquatic Invasive Species Summit, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Casper, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 16 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, Pinedale Public Library, 6:30 p.m.
March 18 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, Jackson, Snow King Resort, 6:30 p.m.
March 18 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, WGFD Green River Office, 6 p.m.
March 23 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, Clark, Community Hall, 6:30 p.m.
March 24 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, Powell, NCW Fagerberg Hall, 7 p.m.

March 24 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, WGFD Casper Office, 7 p.m.
March 25 - Staying Safe in Bear, Lion and Wolf Country, Riverton Public Library, 6 p.m. 

-WGFD-

ASK THE GAME & FISH

Q.  When does trapping seeason end?

A.  Trapping seasons for animals classified as furbearers vary with the species. Mink and weasel seasons run through March 31 while beaver and muskrat go through April 30. Marten and bobcat seasons closed March 1 and badgers can be taken year-round. The trapping regulations list the complete seasons for all the species and other pertinent regulations governing trapping. Predators, such as coyotes, skunks, red fox and raccoons can also be taken year-round.

-WGFD-