1/16/2006  -  CHEYENNE - Ranchers and farmers are alerted the Feb. 1 deadline to redeem landowner coupons from the past hunting season is fast approaching. The coupons and corresponding affidavit must be submitted to the local game warden or Wyoming Game and Fish Department office by that date.

Wyoming landowners receive $13 for each antelope, deer and elk harvested on their land. The coupons are included on each license. The program was established in 1934 by the Game and Fish Commission to at least partially compensate private landowners for forage consumed by big game on their property. In 1939 the program was passed into law.

The Game and Fish will begin processing payments shortly after Feb. 1.

Last year the G&F paid $511,953 to approximately 2,300 Wyoming farmers and ranchers for landowner coupons, an increase of nearly $94,000 over 2003.

(contact: Brad Meyer (307) 332-2688 or Ron Arnold)