• Wyoming Game & Fish Director Angi Bruce discusses the new legislation

In a recent interview on the Weekday Wake-Up, Director Angi Bruce provided insights into the newly signed House Bill 5, also known as the Fishing Outfitters and Guides bill. The legislation, identified as Bill Number 31, aims to enhance the quality of fishing experiences by addressing the growing concerns regarding the number of boats on the water.

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“Really, what it does is this deals with what folks have been seeing and hearing about the quality of experience out on the water with how many boats are out there,” Director Bruce explained. The bill introduces a registration process for all outfitters and guides, both residents and non-residents, which is expected to help gather essential data on fishing activities.

“The idea behind that registration will really be to get the numbers,” Bruce continued. “How many people are outfitting? Where are they going? Is it a problem? Do they need regulating?” These questions are crucial for understanding the current state of fishing in the region and whether additional regulations may be necessary.

To facilitate this process, the statute outlines the establishment of an advisory committee. This seven-member group will provide guidance to the commission on future actions. Bruce emphasized the importance of diverse representation in this committee, stating, “We need outfitters and guides, we need anglers, we need all people to step up and help us enact this legislation to help us get it right.”

The advisory committee’s focus will be on determining which sectors of the fishing community should be regulated and evaluating whether specific areas of the state require oversight. Bruce’s commitment to ensuring a balanced approach reflects the importance of stakeholder involvement in crafting effective fishing regulations.

As the fishing community awaits the implementation of House Bill 5, Bruce’s vision for a collaborative effort aims to uphold the quality of fishing experiences for both residents and visitors alike.

For further updates on the advisory committee and the registration process, the public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels.