I overheard a group of high school-aged kids complaining that there’s nothing to do around here the other day. It was a complaint I just couldn’t wrap my mind around. I mean, it’s fall in Wyoming. There’s plenty to do. In fact, there may be too much to do.
I couldn’t believe what I’d heard. These kids should have been out in the hills somewhere, packing rifles or shotguns, having a great time.
Just look at the regulations, and you’ll see there’s more to do than you can possibly get done in a season, let alone in a few hours of spare time. Right now, you could be out chasing antelope, elk, or deer. There are general areas open for all three of the main big game animals.
If you’re more at home hunting birds, you could be hunting ducks, geese, snipe, rails, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, chuckars, huns, or even pheasants in Campbell County. If you want a bigger bird, you could be out looking for a wild turkey.
If you only have a few hours to hunt, why not go looking for cottontails or snowshoe hares? We’ve got a bumper-crop of rabbits this year, and it would be a shame to waste this opportunity. I’ve never seen as many rabbits in one season as I’ve seen this year. It wouldn’t take long to get your limit, and it would be fun trying.
Mountain lion and black bear numbers seem to be up this year, too. If you decide to try your luck at either of these species, be sure to check to make sure the area’s still open. Lion and bear quotas are set based on female mortalities. There’s a toll-free number printed in the regulations. Call that number before you head out.
There’s no reason to sit around town being bored. It’s fall, and nearly all the hunting seasons are open. Get outside and take advantage of it.
After I heard the kids complaining, I stopped and turned around. I told them basically what I’ve told you, and they perked up. As I walked away, they were trying to decide what they wanted to spend the rest of the day hunting. I tell you, it warmed my heart.
