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Dollar Lake Fire update – Sept. 4, 2025 (posted 9/5/2025)
15,748 acres and 31% containment
Bridger-Teton National Forest
SMOKE ALERT:
Smoke will impact the area as stronger northwesterly winds persist, bringing additional smoke from wildfires burning in the Pacific Northwest. Locally, smoke from the Dollar Lake Fire will continue to sink overnight and drift down through the Green River valley, lifting throughout the day as temperatures increase. Air quality may change quickly due to shifting wind patterns. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions using the following suggested resources.
Air Quality Index and Map: https://www.airnow.gov/
Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/
EPA Wildland Smoke Info: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality/wildland-fires-and-smoke
Additional informational resources will be shared via the incident Facebook and Inciweb pages.
FIRE ACTIVITY:
The Dollar Lake Fire is currently at 15,748 acres and 31% containment.
Yesterday, the fire progressed further into the Bridger Wilderness Area west along the Green River Lakes. Fire managers are actively evaluating tactics with the highest probability of success for managing the fire in the wilderness, with firefighters on the ground today around the lakes scouting for opportunities to construct control features.
Crews continue to improve indirect line between Little Sheep Mountain southeast to Big Sheep Mountain. Within coming days and dependent on conditions, fire crews plan to conduct strategic firing operations between the indirect line and the southeastern perimeter of the fire. Increased fire activity and smoke can be expected during this operation.
Crews on the west and north sides of the fire continue to mop up and patrol, as well as work with resource advisors on plans for suppression repair. Crews continue to construct and improve direct line between Little Sheep Mountain and the Bible Camp area. The structure protection group continues to bolster defense systems around the Bible Camp area and improve defensible space. In the event of a new incident, the structure group will support local resources with initial attack.
WEATHER:
Today will be warm with highs in the low to mid-70s and relative humidity again dropping below 20 percent. A stronger northwest wind gusting over 20 mph through the afternoon as a front passes to our east, which will lead to increasing clouds this afternoon. However, chances of precipitation remain low. Friday will be a little cooler with slightly elevated humidity, with the potential for a shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon.
EVACUATIONS:
Per the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, everything south of the forest boundary (end of State Highway 352) to Black Butte Road has now been returned to the "Ready" state.
Red Cliff Bible Camp and north of Union Pass Road (FS RD
660) remains in "Go."
For more information see:
https://www.sublettecountywy.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=2
CLOSURES:
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a closure order for the Dollar Lake Fire area and is evaluating changes to the closure order considering recent fire spread into the Bridger Wilderness.
The current closure area encompasses the Forest east and south of Green River above its junction with Union Pass Road (FS600). Where the Green River exits Green River Lake, the lake shore becomes the boundary along to the south where it meets the Bridger Wilderness boundary. From there it follows the Wilderness boundary south to the South Fork of Gypsum Creek. Then it follows the South Fork of Gypsum Creek southwest to Hwy 352 where the pavement turns to dirt road (Forest Boundary). The area east of the road (FS600 is closed) north up to the Green River Lakes Road at its junction with Union Pass Road.
Gypsum Creek Road from the Forest boundary north and the network of roads branching off it are in the closure area and not open to the public.
For closure information please go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Bridger-TetonNF
And https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff
FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Fires are not permitted unless they are within a metal or concrete fire pit installed and maintained at a developed recreation site; liquid or gas fuel that can be turned off and no flammable materials within three feet; or a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney and mesh screen spark arrestor.
For fire restriction information please go to:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions
Fire Information:
Phone: 307-395-2365 (Please leave a voicemail if unanswered; your call will be returned ASAP)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-dollar-lake-fire
Email: 2025.dollarlake@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF
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Flag Half Staff notice – for former Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Lynn Simons (posted 9/4/2025)
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – Governor Mark Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags to fly at half-staff statewide today, September 4, until sundown on Saturday, September 6 in honor and memory of former Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Lynn Simons. Ms. Simons served as Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1979 until 1991. She passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A memorial service for Ms. Simons will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 18 at First Christian Church, 219 W 27th St. in Cheyenne.
WYDOT office temporary closure notice (posted 9/4/2025)
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is announcing a scheduled temporary closure of the Driver Services locations in southwest Wyoming to train employees on the agency’s new MAX and oneWYO software systems.
The Kemmerer office will close early at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 and will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
The Big Piney and Pinedale offices will be closed the week of Sept. 15 through Friday, Sept. 19.
All offices will resume regular business hours following the closures.
"We were really conscientious of the potential impact these closures could have on the public," said Misty Zimmerman, Driver Services program manager. "We tried to space the closures so folks can still conduct essential business, although some extra travel time may be necessary."
Closure information is also posted on the locations map on the Driver Services webpage:
https://www.dot.state.wy.us/driverservices
MAX is replacing WYDOT’s Revenue Information Sharing software, an outdated software many WYDOT programs, law enforcement agencies, and other government agencies use to look up driver information. The new software and its public facing component, oneWYO, will streamline Driver Services operations and allow the public to conduct more Driver Services business online. WYDOT employees have been working on the software upgrade with Kyndryl, an IT service management company, and AstreaX, who recently partnered to implement a similar system in Arizona. More details can be found in our initial news release, https://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/wydot-announces-driver-services-software-upgrade-with-public-self-serv. MAX is expected to go live in fall 2025.
Dollar Lake Fire update – Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 (posted 9/3/2025)
15,243 acres and 31% containment
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announces improvement in evacuation status on the Dollar Lake Fire.
There has been an improvement in the Evacuation status for the Dollar Lake Fire. Everything south of the forest boundary (end of State Highway 352) to Black Butte Road has now been returned to the Ready state. Red Cliff Bible camp and north of Union Pass Road (FS RD 660) remains in "Go".
More information available:
https://www.sublettecountywy.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=2
Announcements:
Per the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, there have been improvements to the evacuation status for the Dollar Lake Fire. See the Evacuations section below for more information.
There will be a community meeting this evening, September 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at The Place Bar and Grill located at 2000 N. Highway 352, Cora, Wyo.
FIRE ACTIVITY:
The Dollar Lake Fire is currently at 15,243 acres and 31% containment.
Today, crews will improve indirect line constructed between Little Sheep Mountain southeast to Big Sheep Mountain. Within coming days and dependent on conditions, fire crews plan to conduct strategic firing operations between the indirect line and the southeastern perimeter of the fire. Increased fire activity and smoke can be expected during this operation.
Crews on the west side of the fire continue to mop up and patrol to ensure the fire remains within established control features, as well as work with resource advisors on plans for suppression repair. On the northern end, crews are mopping up and reinforcing existing control features, if needed. Crews continue to construct and improve direct line between Little Sheep Mountain and the Bible Camp area. The structure protection group continues to bolster defense systems around the Bible Camp area and improve defensible space. In the event of a new incident, the structure group will support local resources with initial attack.
WEATHER:
Another warm and dry day is expected today. Some cloud buildup and mostly dry (virga) showers are possible this afternoon which could bring outflow winds again. A breezy northwest wind is expected today with humidity dropping near 15 percent and highs in the mid-70s. Similar conditions are expected on Thursday, although with slightly elevated winds and increasing clouds in the afternoon.
EVACUATIONS:
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office: There has been an improvement in the evacuation status for the Dollar Lake Fire. Everything south of the forest boundary (end of State Highway 352) to Black Butte Road has now been returned to the Ready state.
Red Cliff Bible Camp and north of Union Pass Road (FS RD 660) remains in "Go."
For more information see:
https://www.sublettecountywy.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=2
CLOSURES:
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a closure order for the Dollar Lake Fire area. Effective immediately, the closure area encompasses the Forest east and south of Green River above its junction with Union Pass Road (FS600). Where the Green River exits Green River Lake, the lake shore becomes the boundary along to the south where it meets the Bridger Wilderness boundary. From there it follows the Wilderness boundary south to the South Fork of Gypsum Creek. Then it follows the South Fork of Gypsum Creek southwest to Hwy 352 where the pavement turns to dirt road (Forest Boundary). The area east of the road (FS600 is closed) north up to the Green River Lakes Road at its junction with Union Pass Road.
Gypsum Creek Road from the Forest boundary north and the network of roads branching off it are in the closure area and not open to the public.
For closure information please go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Bridger-TetonNF
And https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff
FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Fires are not permitted unless they are within a metal or concrete fire pit installed and maintained at a developed recreation site; liquid or gas fuel that can be turned off and no flammable materials within three feet; or a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney and mesh screen spark arrestor.
For fire restriction information please go to:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions
Fire Information:
Phone: 307-395-2365 Inciweb:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-dollar-lake-fire
Email: 2025.dollarlake@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF
Pinedale Natural Gas seeks increase in rates (posted 8/27/2025)
14.3% increase for residential customers, 3.4% commercial, 1.4% school class as well as establishing monthly facility charges
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act and the Wyoming Public Service Commission’s (Commission) Rules and Regulations, notice is hereby given of the Application of Pinedale Natural Gas, Inc. (PNG or the Company) for authority to revise its tariffs and increase its retail natural gas service rates by 10.8%, as more fully described below:
1. PNG is a Wyoming corporation engaged in the business of supplying natural gas utility service to 2,000 residential and commercial customers in the Town of Pinedale and surrounding communities under certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Commission. PNG is a public utility subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.
Wyo. Stat. §§ 37-1-101(a)(vi)(D) and 37-2-112.
2. On July 15, 2025, PNG submitted an Application for authority to revise its tariffs and increase its residential class rates by 14.3%, increase its commercial class rates by 3.4%, and increase its school class rates by 1.4%. The Company also proposes establishing monthly facilities charges at $22.00 for residential and small commercial customers, $40.00 for large commercial customers, and $80.00 for school class customers, with a proposed effective date of November 1, 2025.
3. PNG states the request is primarily driven by investment in infrastructure and distribution system upgrades, changes in wholesale gas procurement costs, and increased costs of doing business.
4. This is not a complete description of PNG’s Application. You may review the Application and its supporting testimony and exhibits at the Commission’s office or online at:
https://dms.wyo.gov/external/publicusers.aspx (enter Record No. 17918).
5. Anyone desiring to file a statement, intervention petition, protest or request for a public hearing in this matter must do so, in writing, on or before September 8, 2025. Petitions shall set forth the grounds of the proposed intervention or request for hearing as well as the position and the interest of the petitioner in this proceeding. Public participation is encouraged and comments will be received throughout the entirety of this proceeding. Please mention Docket No. 30016-115-GR-25 in all correspondence with the Commission.
6. If you wish to participate in this matter and you require reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the Commission at (307) 777-7427, or write to the Commission at 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 300, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002, to make necessary arrangements. Communications impaired persons may also contact the Commission by accessing Wyoming Relay at 711.
Dated August 8, 2025.
2025 Wyoming hunt forecast (posted 8/27/2025)
Wyoming Game & Fish
With the 2025 hunt season rapidly approaching, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has released the hunting forecast for its eight regions throughout Wyoming. This report includes general outlooks for big and small game in the Pinedale and Jackson areas, and is based on data and observations from the field by Game and Fish biologists and game wardens.
A few reminders
Before heading out be sure to review the 2025 hunting regulations for any season changes.
• Hunters who harvest a deer or elk in any of the state’s chronic wasting disease focus areas are encouraged to get it tested. The information is incredibly valuable and will help Game and Fish’s long-term monitoring and management efforts.
• Hunters and recreationists are reminded to be mindful of the spread of invasive species and to report locations of cheatgrass to county Weed and Pest Districts.
• Big game hunters are reminded that hunt areas denoted with an asterisk (*) have limited public hunting access and are largely private lands. In these areas, hunters should get permission to hunt private land before applying for a license, or at least recognize that hunting small, isolated parcels of public land can be difficult and frustrating at times.
• All licensed daily, annual, Pioneer and lifetime sage-grouse hunters will be required to carry an annual, free sage-grouse hunting permit to help us further expand efforts to survey sage-grouse hunters on their hunt experience.
PINEDALE REGION
Pronghorn
The 2022-23 winter was exceptionally harsh, which combined with an outbreak of the novel, pneumonia-causing bacteria Mycoplasma bovis, resulted in substantially elevated winter mortality for pronghorn. Nearly 2,000 licenses were cut in 2023, including all doe/fawn tags and about 80% of buck tags, to maximize the opportunity for the herd to rebound in future years. License allocation continued to be restrictive in 2024, and will again be conservative this year. The good news is August trend counts in 2024 resulted in a relatively high 67 fawns per 100 does, and the total counts increased markedly from 2023, so the herd is bouncing back.
Mule deer
Portions of the Sublette and Wyoming Range herds are managed in the region, including hunt areas 130, 138-143, 146, 153 and 154. Both herds include relatively large mule deer populations with special management strategies designed to provide high-quality hunting opportunities with at least 30 bucks per 100 does, and large-antlered, older-aged deer are harvested annually from these herds. Above-average snow depths and colder than normal temperatures during the 2022-23 winter resulted in above-average winter mortality in the Wyoming Range, and near average mortality in the Sublette herd. While the winters of 2023-24 and 2024-25 were relatively mild with good survival, hunters in the Wyoming Range herd should again expect to see fewer deer than normal this fall, and those hunting the Sublette herd will likely see fewer bucks than in recent years. Still, all data indicate that the Sublette and Wyoming Range herds appear to be on the path to recovery.
White-tailed deer
Small populations may be found near riparian habitats, and all deer hunt areas in the region offer the opportunity for harvest during the general seasons. Additionally, 50 limited quota type 3 licenses provide the opportunity to harvest any white-tailed deer from Oct. 1-Nov. 30 in hunt areas 138-140 and 142-143.
Elk
Nearly 10,000 elk in three large herd units are managed in the region. Liberal seasons provide hunters with ample opportunities, especially for antlerless elk, with all general seasons providing opportunity to harvest a cow or calf elk until Nov. 20. Bull numbers remain strong, with ratios ranging from 27 bulls per 100 cows in the Piney herd, 30/100 in the Upper Green River herd and 31 bulls per 100 cows in the Pinedale herd. The herds also remain productive, with an average of 25 calves per 100 cows region-wide, indicating stable to growing populations. Bull harvest in 2024 was near average with many nice bulls taken, but cow elk harvest was less than average as temperatures remained mild into November and snow did not push herds into more accessible lower elevation areas. Managers expect that 2025 should offer excellent elk hunting opportunities.
Moose
The Sublette herd is one of the largest Shiras moose populations in North America, and is managed under a special management strategy to provide recreational opportunities while maintaining an average harvest age of 4 years or older for bulls to maintain trophy quality. This herd has a winter trend count objective of 1,500 animals, and the population has been stable to slightly increasing over the last decade. A total of 140 bull and five antlerless licenses were offered in the Sublette herd for the 2025 hunting season. Hunters are advised to not be discouraged when scouting or hunting for moose during the early season when warm temperatures can drive moose into forested habitats where they are generally less visible. Moose hunters who hunt during the later portion of the season typically encounter more moose. Hunter success for the moose hunt areas in the region averaged 92% over the past five years and should again be high during the 2025 season.
Bighorn sheep
The Darby Mountain herd and a portion of the Whiskey Mountain herd are managed by the region. The bighorn sheep population in the Darby Mountain herd continues to be stable, with 79 animals observed during a March 2025 helicopter survey. A total of 16 adult rams were observed during this flight, and one license for any ram was issued to a resident for Hunt Area 24 in 2025. The overall population is struggling in the Whiskey Mountain herd due at least partially to chronic pneumonia and poor lamb recruitment. However, non-migratory bighorn sheep numbers observed during winter flights at high elevations in Hunt Area 8 appear to be mostly stable, with 102 animals counted during a March, 2025 helicopter survey. A total of two licenses for any ram were issued to residents for Hunt Area 8 in 2025.
Small game
Observations of male sage-grouse on leks during the spring indicate populations continue to be in the upswing of their trend after having been at a low point several years ago. Hunters should expect to see more sage-grouse this fall while afield. Decent populations of dusky and ruffed grouse can be found in forested habitats and provide hunting opportunities from September-December. Rabbit hunters can chase cottontails and snowshoe hares until the end of March, and populations appear to be increasing. Late-season hunters need to be mindful of winter range closures in some areas that begin in November and December.
JACKSON REGION
Pronghorn
The Jackson Region has a small migratory segment of the Sublette pronghorn herd in Hunt Area 85. During the 2022-23 winter, pronghorn wintering in the Pinedale Region experienced extreme winter mortality as a result of unprecedented winter severity as well as an outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis. This prompted an emergency rule to close Hunt Area 85 for the 2023 hunting season. The closure was continued for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Regional managers will continue to assess recovery of the Jackson segment of the Sublette herd and may recommend to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to re-authorize hunting seasons in future years as appropriate.
Mule deer
Portions of the Sublette and Wyoming Range herds are managed in the region, including hunt areas 150-152, 155-156 and 144-146. Both herds include relatively large mule deer populations with special management strategies designed to provide high-quality hunting opportunities with at least 30 bucks per 100 does. Large-antlered, older-aged deer are harvested annually from both herds. Winter severity during the 2022-23 winter resulted in above average winter mortality in the Wyoming Range and near average mortality in the Sublette Herd. While the winters of 2023-24 and 2024-25 were relatively mild with very good survival, hunters in the Wyoming Range herd should again expect to see fewer deer than normal this fall. Those hunting the Sublette herd will likely see fewer bucks than in recent years. Mule deer enthusiasts should remember that periodic elevated winter mortality is common in western Wyoming mule deer herds, resulting in wide oscillations in population abundance trends over time. Hunting seasons are designed to promote population growth and these herds have demonstrated the ability to rebound relatively rapidly given several consecutive winters of below-to-average severity. All data indicate that the Sublette and Wyoming Range herds appear to be on the path to recovery.
The Jackson Region also includes the Targhee mule deer herd — Hunt Area 149 — which generally has low deer densities with limited hunter numbers and harvest.
White-tailed deer
Small populations may be found near riparian habitats throughout the region, and all hunt areas in the region offer the opportunity for hunters to harvest white-tailed deer during the general season. There are limited quota Type 3 (any white-tailed deer) and Type 8 (doe/fawn white-tailed) deer licenses available to provide additional opportunity. Any hunter holding a Type 3 or Type 8 white-tailed deer license for the combined hunt areas of 148, 150, 151, 152, 155 and 156 may obtain permission slips to hunt on the National Elk Refuge. Permission slips must be obtained through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Access web page, under National Elk Refuge Hunting. Hunters are encouraged to have their deer tested for CWD by bringing the head to a Game and Fish regional office or hunter check station. Mandatory sampling is required for white-tailed deer harvested on the National Elk Refuge.
Elk
The region manages four herds —(Jackson, Fall Creek, Afton and Targhee — with more than 16,000 elk. Season structures continue to provide ample opportunities to harvest bull and cow elk while continuing to manage each herd at objective. Bull ratios are 30 per 100 cows in the Jackson herd, 18/100 for Fall Creek and 22/100 in the Afton herd. Harvest rates can be weather dependent, as the timing of snow depths and cold temperatures push elk down in elevation can vary from year to year. Hunters should expect to see typical elk numbers in most hunt areas. Permission slips for access to hunt on the National Elk Refuge must be obtained through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Access web page, under National Elk Refuge Hunting.
Hunters are encouraged to have their elk tested for CWD by bringing the head to a Game and Fish regional office or hunter check station. Mandatory sampling is required for all elk harvested in Hunt Areas 75 (Grand Teton National Park) and 77 (National Elk Refuge).
Moose
All or parts of the Jackson, Sublette and Targhee herds are found in the region, and all are managed under a special management strategy to provide recreational opportunities while maintaining a harvest of older age-class bulls. While moose numbers continue to remain below desired levels, hunters lucky enough to draw a license should experience high success and have a good chance of harvesting a bull. The Fish Creek fire displaced moose hunters in 2024. However, it does not appear that the fire displaced moose. While the fire was substantial in size, some areas are already showing positive signs of regeneration. With limited license availability, data from harvested moose is particularly useful to managers for herd and harvest assessment and management. Moose hunters are therefore encouraged to submit the two front incisors (lower teeth) from their harvested moose for aging. Successful hunters are also encouraged to bring their moose head to the Jackson Game and Fish regional office for sampling to help with ongoing disease surveillance such as CWD, carotid artery worms, etc.
Bighorn sheep
The Jackson (Hunt Area 7) and Targhee (Hunt Area 6) bighorn sheep herds are found in the region. All sheep hunters — including ewe hunters — are reminded that they are required to register their sheep at a Game and Fish office within 15 days of harvest.
Survey data in Area 7 indicates good availability of rams with ¾-curl or longer horns, with an average success rate in recent years of almost 65%. Sheep numbers in Hunt Area 7 are within management objectives, and need to be maintained at those levels. In previous years, when sheep numbers have increased above the population objective, the population has experienced significant all-age die-offs due to pneumonia outbreaks. The Type 6 ewe season structure is an important management tool, designed to maintain population numbers in an effort to prevent a pneumonia outbreak. Ewe sheep hunters willing to spend the time and effort should have a high opportunity for success. Type 6 ewe hunters should expect most ewes will be found at high elevations of typically 9,000 feet or more during the early rifle seasons. Type 6 ewe hunters will not have a special archery opportunity, and may hunt within the Gros Ventre River and Flat Creek drainages east of U.S. Highway 89/191/26.
In Area 6, success rates vary substantially between years because of the low license quota. The average age of harvested sheep since 2019 has been 8-9 years old. The regular season opens earlier in the northern portion of the herd in an effort to encourage a more even distribution of harvest throughout the herd. For the one lucky hunter in 2025, this will be a challenging hunt due to the terrain and the fact that most sheep can be inaccessible to hunting when inside the Grand Teton National Park boundary. However, it also provides a unique and exceptional opportunity to hunt sheep in a spectacular setting.
Mountain goat
In response to a decline in the number of goats counted during the 2022 and 2024 mid-summer trend counts, the quota for Hunt Area 2 mountain goat licenses were reduced for the third consecutive season. The Palisades herd still offers hunters the opportunity to harvest trophy-class billies that typically are at least 5 years old.
Bison
The Jackson bison herd is within the population objective, with an increasing population trend. Weather is a substantial factor in harvest success for this herd. For example, harvest success in 2023 was 39% and it increased to 95% in 2024. In general, recent trends by which mild weather and aversion to hunting pressure on the National Elk Refuge have resulted in delay or lack of movement from Grand Teton National Park into the open hunt area on the refuge. These conditions make it difficult to achieve harvest, often with an extremely limited number of days where bison are available for harvest on the refuge, if at all. Some bull hunting occurs on national forest lands, but bison availability there is intermittent and low, and access can be challenging. For this reason, license holders are encouraged to capitalize on any harvest opportunity that is available as opposed to selecting for bulls only. License holders who wish to hunt on the National Elk Refuge must obtain a permission slip through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Access web page, under National Elk Refuge Hunting.
Bison hunters are reminded that they must obtain a harvest reporting card, tooth envelope and blood collection tube at the Jackson Game and Fish office prior to their hunt.
Upland/small game
Due to the small and isolated population of sage-grouse in the region, no hunting seasons are offered. Hunters interested in upland game birds can find some of the best dusky and ruffed grouse habitats in the state. Seasons run from September-December. Late-season hunters need to be mindful of winter range closures in some areas that begin in December.
Weather/drought influences
The Jackson region represents a small portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is a weather-driven system. Snow pack attributes, timing and duration of run-off, and spring/summer precipitation are all major drivers in the habitat conditions that support wildlife populations throughout the year. For an oversimplified example, when winter conditions are severe, overwinter mortality increases. However, while overwinter mortality decreases when winter conditions are mild, lower soil moisture can reduce forage productivity during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. These conditions also impact fire behavior. The Fish Creek fire burned more than 26,000 acres in the fall of 2024. Because of the large acreage, expect habitat benefits to wildlife over the coming years, particularly through the regeneration of aspen and riparian habitats which has already been observed in some areas. Last fall, winter arrived late, with January 2025 having 70-89% long-term median snow water equivalent in the Yellowstone and Snake river watersheds in Wyoming. Those watersheds had 90-109% for the remainder of winter. This spring however, has been drier, at 50-69% of the long-term median SWE for June.
MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS - Statewide
Lower-elevation precipitation was below normal this spring in most portions of the state and has been variable this summer, resulting in less robust wetland conditions and likely lower waterfowl production. Conditions in the Prairie Potholes of the U.S. and Canada are variable but below average in Alberta, Saskatchewan, northern Montana and the Dakotas where many of Wyoming’s harvested ducks are produced. Migration chronology and weather, as well as hunter efforts of scouting for birds and obtaining permission to hunt private land when necessary, will influence the success of migratory bird hunters throughout the state.
Before heading out be sure to review the 2025 hunting regulations for any season changes.
Ducks
Most of Wyoming’s migrating ducks come from the U.S. and Canadian prairies. Initial reports indicate dry early spring conditions in most portions of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, northern Montana and the majority of the Dakotas. Many of these areas experienced late spring precipitation, which benefits late nesters and locations where soil moisture was not already abnormally dry. Overall habitat conditions appear mixed for duck production, and local conditions in much of Wyoming appear fair to below average.
Dark geese
Two distinct Canada geese populations are harvested in Wyoming. The Rocky Mountain population is found west of the Continental Divide, in the Wind River and Bighorn river basins and western Carbon and Natrona counties. Large geese found in eastern Wyoming belong to the Hi-Line population. Goose numbers in recent years are above objectives for both populations. Canada goose numbers during hunting season are usually driven by winter conditions and there should be plenty of geese present should the weather cooperate.
Mourning doves
Production within most of Wyoming this year is likely below average due to below normal precipitation during spring months, followed by an abnormally dry early summer. The majority of doves migrate south with the first cold snap, which usually occurs late August to mid-September. Doves from areas north of Wyoming migrate through during mid-September and good hunting can still be found during early fall.
Sandhill crane
Cranes that migrate through eastern Wyoming — Hunt Area 7 — are primarily from the Mid-Continent population, which has been relatively stable since the early 1980s and exceeds the established objective range of 350,000–475,000. Cranes that breed and stage in central and western Wyoming —hunt areas 1-6, and 8 — are from the smaller Rocky Mountain population. The 2024 fall pre-migration survey population count was again above the objective range of 17,000-21,000, and resulted in an increase in available limited quota tags. Cranes in hunt areas 4 and 6 tend to roost and feed in the same locations every year. Roost locations in Hunt Area 4 are Hidden Valley, Riverview Valley and the south side of Ocean Lake. Roost locations in Hunt Area 6 are north of Worland, the Otto area, from Powell to Ralston and Ralston Reservoir. For best success, scout for cranes prior to the season and obtain permission to access the fields they use.
SAGE-GROUSE
A reminder that all licensed (daily, annual, Pioneer, and lifetime) sage-grouse hunters are required to carry a free, annual sage grouse hunting permit to help us further expand efforts to survey sage grouse hunters on their hunt experience. We appreciate hunters for the successful implementation of this permit in 2024. The permit will be available at Wyoming Game and Fish offices and online through the Department website.
In Hunt Area 1, which covers the western half of Wyoming, the 2025 sage grouse hunting season is similar to last year with the exception of a date shift to keep opening day anchored to the third Saturday in September. Hunt Area 1 opens September 20 and closes September 30. Hunt Area 4, which covers northeast Wyoming, is closed. Sage grouse populations appear to be trending upward in most areas as their population cycle continues. As a result, hunters should expect moderate rates of success. The number of birds harvested each year is strongly related to hatching success and over-summer chick survival. However, past trends indicate that populations are expected to enter the downward phase of their cycle starting next year.
Governor Gordon provides wildfire updates and resources (posted 8/25/2025)
Issues Emergency Declaration for Dollar Fire
Govenor Gordon media releae
CHEYENNE, WY – Governor Mark Gordon has issued an Executive Order declaring an emergency to support wildfire response to the Dollar Lake Fire in the Green River Lakes area in Sublette County. The declaration allows the state to access Wyoming National Guard resources, including a medevac helicopter, and directs the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to take action to coordinate state and federal resources in response to the fires.
The Dollar Lake fire was reported at more than 11,000 acres as of August 25 with 0% containment. There will be a community meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Sublette County Public Library, 155 S. Tyler Ave., Pinedale. Detailed information on the Dollar Lake fire can be found on the fire’s InciWeb page.
In addition to the Dollar Lake Fire, the Willow Creek Fire has burned more than 3,800 acres as of August 25, with 0% containment. The fire has resulted in evacuations and the temporary closure of Highway 89. The Wyoming Department of Transportation continues to work closely with fire managers, and updated information on road status can be found on the Wyoming 511 website. Fire danger status, alerts as well as road and trail closure information for both the Dollar Lake and Willow Creek fires is available on the Bridger-Teton National Forest website.
The Red Canyon Fire has now burned more than 124,000 acres and is at 75% containment. Suppression repair continues on that fire, which was ignited by lightning on August 13. A web page has been created for those either seeking or offering emergency hay assistance.
A list of wildfire resources for those impacted by wildfire can be found here: https://www.uwyo.edu/uwe/programs/wyo-disaster/wildfire.html. In addition, the Wyoming Grants Management Office has information on Wildfire Recovery, Response and Preparedness Funding Opportunities. For more information on Wildfire Funding and Recovery opportunities, email sbd-grants@wyo.gov.
UW Extension launches Emergency Hay Assistance site for producers facing wildfires (posted 8/25/2025)
University of Wyoming Extension
LARAMIE, WY - To assist producers facing wildfires, the University of Wyoming Extension has launched a new online platform to help coordinate hay donations and provide fire recovery resources.
The Wyoming Emergency Hay Assistance site, found at https://bit.ly/wy-emergency-hay, directly connects producers in urgent need of livestock feed with donors who have hay to spare. Those interested in donating hay are asked to list their county, contact information, and the quantity and type of hay they have to offer. Donors can also note whether they have the capacity to deliver hay donations or if pickup is required.
Similarly, producers and landowners in need of hay are asked to provide their county, contact information, quantity of hay required, the urgency of their request and whether they are able to arrange for pickup.
"We are trying to organize hay donations so that they can get to those in need who lost grass to the fire in a streamlined manner," says Barton Stam, a UW Extension educator based in Hot Springs County. He encourages Wyoming producers who have suffered losses to the Red Canyon Fire or other wildfires to seek assistance through the new site.
"Our county offices want to be a resource for the county and community," comments Steve Paisley, interim associate director of UW Extension. "Hopefully we can provide information and resources as well as help coordinate hay donations and dispersal."
To that end, Extension has compiled a collection of online resources for Wyoming residents who are preparing for, experiencing and recovering from wildfires. These resources, which range from preparation tips to an overview of post-fire financial assistance options, are available at https://bit.ly/uwe-wildfire.
For more information, or for assistance with a hay donation delivery or pickup, contact a local UW Extension office. Contact information for county offices can be found at https://bit.ly/uwe-counties.
In lieu of donating hay, those interested in contributing to wildfire relief efforts can provide financial support via the Wyoming Stock Growers Wildfire Relief Fund, created by the Wyoming Stock Growers Endowment Trust. To donate, visit https://bit.ly/wsga-fire-relief or call (307) 638-3942.
For livestock producers seeking financial relief, applications will be available on the Wyoming Stock Growers Association website at www.wysga.org. Applications will open Sept. 1.
"There are a lot of players helping [with fire relief]," Paisley notes. "It’s not just Extension, though we are hoping to help coordinate."
Stage 1 fire restrictions enacted across Sublette County (posted 8/19/2025)
Sublette County Unified Fire
PINEDALE, WY - Beginning Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 12:01 AM, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be in effect across all of Sublette County. The Sublette County Board of Commissioners approved the fire restrictions following the recommendations of County Fire Warden Shad Cooper. Fire restrictions are necessary due to the current high fire danger, persistent drought conditions, and continued hot, dry, and windy weather.
Fire restrictions have also been implemented for the USFS Bridger-Teton National Forest and the BLM High Desert District.
The Sublette County Stage One Fire Restrictions prohibit all outdoor fires, incendiary devices, and the discharge of fireworks within the county.
The following exceptions are allowed only if the fire activity is controlled with a minimum 15’ radius of cleared area with no burnable materials nearby:
- Campfires at residences or campsites, contained within an established fire ring, with a minimum 15’ radius cleared of all burnable materials.
- Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M, inside containers provided with spark arresters, and located within a cleared radius of a minimum of 15’ of burnable materials.
- Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.
- Use of acetylene cutting, electric arc welders, or metal grinding in a cleared radius of 15’ of burnable materials.
- The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stoves, and open fire branding activities in a cleared radius of 15’ of burnable materials is permitted.
Fire restrictions vary slightly depending on jurisdiction. For specific information about fire restrictions on public land, please see the following:
- USFS - https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions
- BLM - https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-high-desert-district-announces-stage-1-fire-restrictions
- State of Wyoming - https://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions
Help Prevent Wildfires
- Avoid building campfires whenever possible during high fire danger.
- Never park on tall grass—hot exhaust can ignite dry vegetation.
- Keep trailer safety chains from dragging on the road.
- Extinguish and report any abandoned campfires immediately.
Sublette County Unified Fire
PO Box 2410
Pinedale, WY 82941
Tel: 307-367-4550
Email: unifiedfire@sublettecountywy.gov
Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport to open new commercial airline terminal (posted 8/19/2025)
Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport
ROCK SPRINGS, WY - The Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its brand-new commercial airline terminal, marking a historic milestone in the region's air service and infrastructure development.
The new terminal will begin welcoming travelers with a soft opening on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, offering passengers an upgraded travel experience with modern amenities, enhanced security features, and improved operational efficiency. Customers can experience ongoing work inside and around the terminal for several weeks as the final touches are put into place.
For those that would like to be one of the first passengers to experience the new terminal, tickets are available at www.flyrks.com for United Airlines Flight 5116 arriving at RKS at 1:23 pm or for United Airlines Flight 5114 departing RKS at 1:58 pm. A small event for passengers and airport employees is planned to celebrate these first flights.
"This new terminal represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's an investment in the future of Southwest Wyoming," stated Airport Director Devon Brubaker. "From boosting economic growth and connectivity to providing a welcoming first impression for visitors, this facility will serve our region for decades to come. We're excited to provide a first-class travel experience that reflects the pride and spirit of our community."
The terminal project, made possible through the support of federal, state, and local partners, reflects years of planning and collaboration. Travelers will enjoy expanded seating areas, improved concessions, and streamlined passenger processing designed to elevate the overall flying experience.
To commemorate this transformational project for Southwest Wyoming, the Airport will host a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The event will feature remarks from local, state, and federal leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and guided tours of the new facility. The community is invited to join the Grand Opening Celebration on September 12 and see firsthand how the new terminal positions the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport as a modern gateway for the region.
About Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport
The Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport is a commercial and general aviation airport serving Southwest Wyoming and is located 7 miles east of Rock Springs in Sweetwater County. It is owned by the City of Rock Springs and operated by the Rock Springs Sweetwater County Airport Joint Powers Board representing both the City of Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. Serving over 52,000 commercial passengers and over 11,000 general aviation flights annually, the airport supports over 320 jobs and $36.9 million in annual economic activity.
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