SHERIDAN - As many big game seasons wind down in northeast Wyoming, it is time to take advantage of the many bird-hunting opportunities available in this part of the state. Many upland bird, duck and goose seasons are open or will be open soon.

Pheasant season will open Saturday, Nov. 3 in Hunt Area 3 (Sheridan and Johnson Counties) and will close Dec. 31. Pheasant season opened Oct. 1 in Hunt Area 10 (Campbell County) and will close Dec. 31.

Pheasant hunters, including pioneer and youth under 14, are reminded that a pheasant special management stamp is required to hunt on all state lands in Johnson and Sheridan counties as well as walk-in areas and wildlife habitat management areas (WHMAs), such as Bud Love. The $10.50 stamp is available at license agents.

Don’t forget to leave a feathered head, feathered wing or foot attached to harvested pheasants while in the field and during transportation. These regulations are enforced to identify rooster pheasants. Pheasant hunters must have a bird license if 14 years of age or older, conservation stamp and, if born on or after Jan. 1, 1966 a hunter education certificate.

The wearing of fluorescent orange clothing while hunting game birds is recommended as a safety measure and is required when hunting pheasants on a department WHMA.

Sheridan bird farm workers will release pheasants on walk-in areas, the Bud Love WHMA and state land where hunters have access in order to supplement wild populations.

Other 2007 upland bird hunting opportunities in northeast Wyoming include wild turkey in Sheridan, Johnson and Campbell Counties (Oct. 1-Dec. 31), sharp-tailed grouse, chukars and gray partridge (Sept. 22-Dec. 31) as well ruffed and blue grouse (Sept. 1-Nov. 30).

Area hunters should check out the walk-in areas available in northeast Wyoming. A walk-in area is a tract of private land on which the Game and Fish has leased rights for public hunting. A participating landowner receives a monetary incentive based on the number of deeded acres enrolled in the program. As the name states, public access to walk-in areas is restricted to foot traffic only. All walk-in areas have signs posted to mark their boundaries. The walk-in areas can be located by using maps found in the walk-in atlas, which is available at the Game and Fish Offices and most license agents.

Each walk-in area has specific species and dates that can be hunted. So it is important for hunters to check the atlas and follow regulations for each species concerning season dates and bag limits. For example, if a walk-in opens Sept. 1 but the pheasant season opens Nov. 3, hunters must wait until Nov. 3 to hunt pheasants. Be sure to check the walk-in atlas.

Walk-in areas are made possible, in part, by contributions to the Access/Yes program. Hunters and anglers have the opportunity to donate to this program when they purchase a license. Currently donations are not received from many hunters. A small donation of a dollar or two by every hunter would make a huge difference in the amount of land the department could lease. There is no other program out there that provides access to private lands for a buck or two so help yourself out, make a donation this year.

The walk-in program has been well received in the Sheridan region. Future success of the program depends on hunters following regulations and respecting private property.

The season for ducks, coots and dark geese provides additional opportunity. Northeast Wyoming is in the Central Flyway -Zone C2 for waterfowl regulations. Remember to use only non-toxic shot while hunting waterfowl. The 2007 duck season is a split season: Sept. 29 - Oct. 21 and Nov. 3 - Jan. 15. The season for dark geese is Sept. 29 - Dec. 2 and Dec. 15 - Jan 24.

If you are going to hunt waterfowl, remember to buy a federal duck stamp. Duck stamps are available from the post office and some retail stores.

All migratory game bird hunters are required to obtain a HIP permit. These permits are free of charge and ca n be obtained at license-selling agents or on the Game and Fish Web site (http://gf.state.wy.us). Check regulations for bag limits, season dates and shooting hours.
(Contact: Warren Mischke (307) 672-7418)
Photos Available Upon Request