CASPER - Hunters are reminded that walk-in and hunter management areas only open during hunting seasons.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is issuing this reminder because it has received complaints about hunters scouting some of the areas in preparation for hunting season.

"Hunting access areas are only open during specific times of the year," says Matt Buhler, state access coordinator. "We are receiving reports from some landowners that individuals are already accessing their property apparently scouting for this fall’s hunting seasons."

Although pre-season scouting is generally a recommended public land practice, it is expressly prohibited on walk-in and hunter management areas. Per the terms of the leases with cooperating landowners, access is permitted only open during the dates listed in the 2006 Walk-In Hunting Atlas or posted on the Game and Fish Web site for hunter management areas at http://gf.state.wy.us under Public Access - Private Lands/Public Wildlife.

Generally the access is scheduled for dates during the hunting season that have the least conflict with agricultural activities.

Buhler is concerned the complaints could lead to some landowners withdrawing from the program that will provide an estimated 2.6 million acres of hunting access for the 2006 season. Interested hunters are invited to contact the regional access coordinator in Laramie, Cody or Casper with questions about a walk-in or hunter management area.

(contact: Matt Buhler (307) 474-3400)