Laramie Living

   In Wyoming, it is illegal to hunt without a proper license and there are a few steps to follow in order to get one. First anyone born after January 1st, 1966, must have proof of taking a hunter safety course because to display ones ability to safely and competently handle a firearm. These courses are provided frequently through various approved associations or governmental agencies and can be found online. After completing a hunter safety course, the next step is buying or applying for a hunting license. This is a simple process online at www.wgfd.wyo.gov. There is a red “Apply or Buy” button at the top of the page that provides instructions as to how to complete the process. This page provides a direct link to either apply or buy a license. Once licensed, you must purchase a conservation stamp that is valid for one calendar year. There are a few exceptions to having to get the stamp, including if you only get a daily hunting or fishing license. There is a lot of information you must have in order to ensure that you are hunting safely. To learn more details about all of the rules, regulations, and procedures, you can visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website at www.wgfd. wyo.gov, or call the Laramie office at 1-307-745-4046.

   The same goes for fishing when it comes to licenses. You are required by law to have a fishing license if you are over 16 years old in the state of Wyoming. It is easier, however to obtain a fishing license than a hunting license. Fishing licenses are available for over the counter purchase at several local businesses, including Wal-Mart and several others. For specific information on what form of identification you need to present to purchase a license, you can call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Laramie office at 1-307-745-4046.

   The most commonly sold licenses are the daily and annual fishing licenses. According to the department, if you are a resident of Wyoming, the daily fishing license costs $6.00 and the annual license costs $24.00, while nonresidents have to pay $14.00 daily and $92.00 for an annual license. If you decide to get an annual fishing license you must pay the fee for a conservation stamp, which is valid for one calendar year. Wyoming does offer a free fishing day each year for those who don’t wish to pay for a license, and this year it is on June 3rd, 2017. Similarly to hunting, there are regulations as to what fish you can keep and eat, so it is important to research more in order to be as safe as possible.

   For more information please visit www.wgfd.wyo.gov or call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Laramie office at 1-307-745-4046,

   Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area is the closest mountain to Laramie to ski and snowboard at about 45 minutes away. They offer day passes, season passes, ski rentals, lodging, and much more. All Snowy Range slopes and pricing are located on their website at www.snowyrangeski.com. If you are interested in slopes at a greater distance, Steamboat Springs in Colorado provides another popular choice and is well within driving distance, further than that is Jackson Hole, WY, home of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is around seven and a half hours away. Students of the University of Wyoming also have the option to join the UW Ski and Snowboard Club for free, which offers many discounted skiing/snowboarding options and planned trips.

   When the weather permits, Laramie has many nearby areas that offer beautiful locations for hiking. A good source for information on hiking is the website www.visitlaramie.org. One of the closest hiking areas is the Snowy Range Mountains, located twenty miles west of Laramie. The Snowy Range Mountains provide trails for beginner and advanced hikers. The Vedauwoo area also located within twenty miles of Laramie has a few other trails that local hikers enjoy. The website www.visitlaramie.org also provides a useful list of essentials to bring for a day trip, and be prepared for snow at any time of the year wherever you decide to hike.