Bill
SF 139
Wyoming bill lets Game and Fish Commission set trap setbacks, device standards, tagging, and weekly/72-hour check rules for furbearer/predator traps, with 2026 effective date.
Status: Introduced Jan 27, 2025. Passed the Wyoming Senate (3rd Reading 16–11–4). Received in the House but “Did not Consider for Introduction.” Companion bill: HF 401.
Purpose
- To update Wyoming trapping law (W.S. 23-2-303) by authorizing the Game and Fish Commission to adopt rules establishing trap setback specifications and technical standards for traps and snares, to require marking/tagging of traps, and to modernize inspection/check intervals and related provisions.
Key provisions and changes
- Statutory amendment: Amends W.S. 23-2-303(d) to authorize the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to promulgate rules that:
- Establish setback specifications for traps and snares on public or state lands (amendment removed language about consultation with “affected entities”).
- Specify technical requirements including snares, breakaway weights, anchors, and other device standards used for furbearing and predatory animals.
- Trap identification: Requires that all traps and snares used for furbearing or predatory animals be permanently marked or tagged with an identification number (assigned by the Game and Fish Department). The statute clarifies that any identification number is for use by the department and appropriate law enforcement only.
- Device operation and checks:
- Steel-jawed leghold traps must be checked by the owner at least once every 72 hours.
- Snares and quick-kill/body-grip traps must be checked by the owner at least once each week, unless the department grants an extension.
- Provisions reference use of breakaway devices/weights for snares (to limit capture severity), and requirements around traps placed near exposed bait or carcasses.
- Repeal: W.S. 23-2-303(b) is repealed (described in the bill as an obsolete provision).
- Rulemaking: The Game and Fish Commission is required to promulgate all rules necessary to implement the act.
- Effective dates: Most of the act is effective January 1, 2026. Certain sections (unspecified in the bill text) are effective immediately upon completion of acts necessary for a bill to become law, to allow prompt implementation/rulemaking.
Who is affected
- Trappers and hunting community (individuals using traps and snares) — new device standards, marking/tagging, and required check intervals.
- Game and Fish Department and Commission — new rulemaking responsibilities and enforcement of identification and setback rules.
- Users of public and state lands — trap setback rules specifically apply to public/state lands.
- Law enforcement — may use trap identification numbers for investigations/enforcement.
Fiscal impact
- Legislative Service Office fiscal note: “No significant fiscal or personnel impact.” Information provided in consultation with the Game and Fish Department.
Legislative history highlights
- Assigned SF0139 (Jan 17–20, 2025); referred to Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources (S06) — committee recommended amend & do pass (5–0).
- Committee amendment adopted to focus setbacks on public/state lands and remove certain consultation language.
- Passed Senate (3rd Reading) 16–11–4 on Feb 6, 2025.
- Transmitted to House (received Feb 6, 2025) but later listed as “H Did not Consider for Introduction” (Feb 28, 2025).
Notes
- The bill delegates detailed technical standards (setback distances, breakaway weights, anchor specs, etc.) to Commission rulemaking; those specifics are not contained in the bill and would appear in subsequent administrative rules if the bill becomes law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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