NEWS BRIEFS for Thursday, November 14, 2024

Upland game bird seasons experience changes

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Upland game bird hunters in the Sheridan Region will see several changes for the 2024 season.

The chukar and gray partridge seasons were shortened by approximately one month and will run Sept. 15 through Jan. 31.

Turkey hunters are alerted that beginning with the fall 2024 turkey season, there are no longer multiple turkey hunt areas, but one hunt area encompassing the entire state.

The entire state has a general season of Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

In addition to a general license, hunters may purchase up to two limited quota Type 3 licenses on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be purchased at Wyoming Game and Fish regional offices, at local license selling agents or online through the Game and Fish website.

This story was published on November 13, 2024.

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Barrasso ascends to No. 2 spot in GOP-led Senate

JACKSON (WNE) — Republicans chose Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso for the No. 2 leadership post in the Senate alongside South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who replaces Mitch McConnell as the next Senate majority leader, completing a momentous shift in leadership as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Thune, 63, is in his fourth Senate term and has promised to work closely with Trump, despite differences the two have had over the years, the Associated Press reported today.

Barrasso will become majority whip for the 119th Congress.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us," Barrasso said in a statement Wednesday. "Voters spoke loudly. It is our job to listen and to lead on their behalf. Our agenda will be bold. We will work on the issues that are so clearly the priority of voters — lowering costs, protecting the border, restoring America’s strength in the world, and unleashing American energy.

“With this new Republican majority and President Trump, we will deliver a new direction for the American people.”

Barrasso was uncontested for the role, according to reporting by The Hill, and can serve up to six years.

This story was published on November 14, 2024

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Wyoming State Parks accepting bids on 15 bison from state herd

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Bids for the acquisition of 15 animals from the state bison herd are invited at the Hot Springs State Park office in Thermopolis until 4 p.m. Dec. 17.

The available bison include five 2024 heifer calves, nine 2024 bull calves and one 2023 yearling bull.

All the animals have received proper vaccinations. The minimum bids are $900 for 2024 heifer calves, $1,050 for 2024 bull calves and $1,250 for the yearling bull. Bidders can submit offers for any or all of these bison. The highest bidder for each animal meeting the specified minimum bid will be the successful buyer, according to the state’s provided sales list.

Buyers are eligible to collect their purchased animals starting Dec. 18, and it’s the buyer’s responsibility to arrange for transportation, as the seller does not provide delivery services.

For bison-related inquiries, contact Jody Lange at 307-921-2610 or Christopher Delay at 307331-3094. The Hot Springs State Park headquarters can be reached at 307-864-2176.

Settlements must be made with the superintendent of Hot Springs State Park within seven days of receiving a successful bid notification.

This story was published on November 14, 2024.

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