The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming
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Park superintendent Wade Henderson reports a full house at the various campsites around the lake every weekend this season, even with the need to make reservations to stay. “The Tree house and cabins are reserved for weekends only, giving time to thoroughly clean them between guests, and have been almost completely booked every weekend, too,” he says. To reserve a space or cabin, guests may call 877-wyo-park or get online and go to wyo-park.com or download the RA Camping app from Google Pla...
With summer nearly upon us and more people heading to Wyoming’s lakes and reservoirs to recreate, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLB) want to remind the public to avoid and keep animals away from cyanobacterial blooms and to report suspected blooms to DEQ. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can form harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) that produce toxins and other irritants that pose a risk to human and animal health. HCBs typically o...
Despite the negative impact on the economy nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor recreation in Wyoming, and specifically the State Parks, have proven to be not only popular destinations, but also a major economic contributor to the state’s tourism economy and a vitally important asset for people to improve their physical and mental health. Wyoming’s State Parks system-wide have proven to be popular opportunities for outdoor recreation and a healthy social distancing alternative. While many industries closed due to the pandemic, fis...
After a 31-year career with the state of Wyoming, 24 of which were spent serving the Moorcroft community, game warden John Davis has retired. Davis grew up in the Moorcroft area and then attended Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming. During the summer of his senior year at UW, he took a job on the Wyoming Game and Fish reservoir crew, a work unit dedicated to patrols on Wyoming’s waters. “I’d gone to college with Scott Talbott (who later became a game warden and eventually direc...
In one of the first in-person Crook County 4-H events held since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Northeast 307 Livestock Show Clinic offered youth a chance to interact with each other while learning valuable skills with their animals. Although the pandemic created a disruption of many aspects of life, it did not affect these budding agriculturists’ responsibilities and enthusiasm. Over three days, the 307 Show Clinic saw over 50 youth and their parents learn about multiple aspects of showing a...
It’s hardly a secret that Wyoming fishing is top-notch, especially with ten blue-ribbon trout fisheries across the state. But, the first Saturday in June the fishing gets a little better — because it’s free. On June 6, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day. Each year, the Game and Fish designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in Wyoming – Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone National Park excluded – without a fishing license....
Despite delays to the project to replace the spillway, which will require the campground to stay closed this year, Cook Lake should be open for day use by the middle of June, says District Ranger Mike Gosse. The Forest Service has been able to complete enough of the work to allow the public to enjoy this popular recreation spot over the summer. “The replacement of the Cook Lake spillway began on July 8, 2019 with an intended completion date of November 20,” says Gosse. “However, due to a very wet summer with frequent showers and an early snowf...
GILLETTE — A new requirement by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites has upset many campers around the state. Moorcroft resident Jordan Webb describes herself as a “super avid camper.” She and her family camp all summer long, mainly at Keyhole State Park. For Webb, camping is a way to enjoy life and nature away from technology. But this summer, she won’t be camping at a state park to protest a new requirement that all campsites must be reserved in advance. She’s written an online petition that has more than 30,000 signature...
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities, Devils Tower National Monument will resume recreational access to some park facilities. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Beginning Friday, May 22, Devils Tower will reopen access to: • Park roads, hiking trails, picnic area, and r...
Livestock projects, quilting class, livestock judging practice, cake decorating are all activities in a normal 4-H members schedule, and through the power of technology, that has remained a constant for Wyoming 4-H members during this time of global pandemic amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. One of the 4-H program mission mandates is mastery. 4-H is an experiential learning program that incorporates a “learn by doing” approach. In that regard, this time at home can be beneficial for 4-H pro...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, is investigating a rare disease outbreak in pronghorn in northeast Wyoming. More than 50 animals have been found dead to date, north of Gillette beginning on Feb. 15. The preliminary results identify Mycoplasma bovis as the pathogen causing the mortalities. Mycoplasma bovis should not be confused with Mycobacterium bovis that causes tuberculosis in cattle. They are two unrelated bacteria that...
Saturday morning showed up bright and beautiful with temperatures in the mid 40s and a couple feet of ice on Keyhole Reservoir, a perfect start to the fourth annual Family Fishing day. Set up began at 7 a.m. and within the first hour numerous fishing huts and holes were in place. As the day progressed, hundreds of people joined the fun from Wyoming and beyond as territory was claimed, holes drilled and lines dropped with favored bait. Joey Kruse of the YouTube channel “On Fish TV” had four hol...
Devils Tower National Monument is one of several national park units chosen by the National Park Service (NPS) to undergo comprehensive accessibility improvements through the landmark Targeted Accessibility Improvement Program. The program originated under the “NPS All In!” five-year accessibility initiative to ensure that all visitors are afforded access to our nation’s significant sites and the stories within. The Devils Tower project will dramatically improve physical access to the visitor center and trail to the base of the Tower, bring...
The cottontail rabbit is the most popular small game animal in Wyoming and can be a great first hunt for kids. Rabbit hunting does not require a lot of specialized equipment, it is active and engaging for kids and teaches skills that will be used when pursuing larger and more adventurous quarry. Cottontails are found throughout the state and occupy a variety of habitats including shrub communities, farmlands and urban and suburban areas in low to mid elevations. Favorite hangouts include rocky outcroppings, dilapidated buildings and stream...
Originator of Family Ice Fishing Day, Justin Hawkens, cordially invites all ice fishing enthusiasts and enthusiasts in training to join the fun on February 22 for the Fourth Annual Family Ice fishing Day! The party starts setting up at 7 a.m. as fishermen, women and kids set up their chairs and drop their lines. This year, kids are invited to join the Crappy fishing seminar. Everyone who attends the class will receive a participation prize. There will also be raffles and other prizes. Lunch, whi...
Keyhole State Park Superintendent Wade Henderson reports ice between four and eight inches thick throughout the reservoir with pressure fissures noted around Coulter Bay, Pat’s Point and Wind Creek among other areas warning of weak ice and open water. He also notes that, for reasons best known to the fish, they are not biting yet this winter. For those who are planning to set up and try their hand, Henderson advises practicing extreme caution if they drive vehicles (especially full size) on t...
Q: “Do I need a license to trap or shoot a badger?” A: American badgers are classified as furbearing animals in the State of Wyoming, so a valid furbearing animal hunting or trapping license is required to take badgers. Animals classified as furbearers in Wyoming are: badgers, beavers, bobcats, marten, mink, muskrat and weasels. Each furbearing animal species has specific season dates, limitations and other regulatory requirements for legal take. Read about taking furbearers in the Furbearing Animal Hunting or Trapping Seasons brochure or tal...
Cook Lake is once again open for recreation, but the dam project is not quite finished yet. Delays due to weather mean that the site will likely close again in the spring to wrap up construction, says District Ranger Mike Gosse. “The Cook Lake project is done for this year, but not completely finished yet. The wintery weather we had in October caused delays in getting the project 100 percent finished,” he says. “The Bureau of Reclamation crew did a great job in working through some tough conditions and did get the project 85 to 90 perce...
A 73-year-old hunter from Riverton got turned around in what he’d thought was a familiar part of Boundary Gulch last week. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Crook County Volunteer Search & Rescue, he was rescued and brought to safety. When the hunter was finally located on November 19, he had managed to travel five miles from his starting point through treacherous terrain. The hunter knew the area, having been to Crook County a number of times before. It was, in fact, his level of familiarity with the spe...
Two state agencies have committed a combined $2.5 million toward installing wildlife underpasses along US 189 in southwest Wyoming to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve safety. The Wyoming Transportation Commission recently approved a $1.25 million match of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s $1.25 million contribution, which will be used toward the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project north of La Barge. “We are committed to ensuring the state’s roads are as safe as possible for the traveling public,” said WYDOT Chief E...
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering its game warden exam online for individuals interested in applying to be a game warden in Wyoming. The deadline to apply for the exam is Dec. 2, 2019. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree, or receive their degree by April 1, 2020, in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, ichthyology or other closely related field. Applicants who pass the exam and other minimum qualifications may be offered an online interview. Selected candidates from the o...
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is issuing an advisory for Keyhole Reservoir due to a harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB). This advisory is for the section of the reservoir near where Wind Creek intersects with Hwy. 113/Old Sundance Road only. HCBs, previously referred to as harmful algal blooms or HABs, are associated with irritants and can produce a number of toxins that may pose a risk to people, pet and livestock health. In the event of an elevated risk or occurrence for toxin production by cyanobacteria, the WDH issues a recreational...
Wyoming elk hunters in brucellosis monitoring areas are urged to submit blood samples and other information about elk they harvest. As a thank you, hunters will be entered into a raffle to win high-quality outdoor equipment. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department established the brucellosis raffle to encourage hunters to continue to submit samples. Leading outdoor manufacturers and conservation organizations have donated equipment to the raffle to support brucellosis monitoring. Raffle prizes include: • Ruger American Predator rifle in 6.5 Creedm...
Set your #fieldgoals with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the fall. Game and Fish is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 28 at the University of Wyoming Cowboys football game against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. at the Pepsi Pregame Zone in the Indoor Practice Facility. Celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September since 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day has been recognized in all 50 states to teach about conservation and celebrate the outdoors. “Cowboys fans, h...
Fair week was a huge success this year, with plenty of participants in every event. From dog showmanship to the youth stock rodeo, the beef show to the static exhibition, the hard work of Crook County’s youth was celebrated throughout the week and the fairgrounds were packed with both animal and human participants....
