Summer arrives, the outdoors beckons

As summer approaches, the attention of most Wyomingites has turned to the unique opportunities available in the state’s wide open spaces. Unlike indoor activities, there are limited restrictions applied to your enjoyment of the outdoors – and many ways to take advantage of the fresh air.

Deadlines are approaching for Wyoming’s outdoorsmen to submit this year’s applications for fall hunting. Apply soon to secure opportunities to hunt elk, deer, antelope, sandhill crane, beaver and fall turkey, as well as the Springer and Glendo special pheasant hunts.

Applications must be submitted via the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website before midnight on June 1.

If you haven’t done so already, you still have over a week left to enjoy spring wild turkey hunting, as the season has been extended until May 31 via an emergency rule signed by Governor Mark Gordon. The 11-day extension applies to hunt areas 1 through 5 and all license types, the intention of which is to provide more opportunity for hunters whose season was impacted by the current pandemic.

While Wyoming State Parks have been open for daytime recreation throughout the COVID-19 crisis, restrictions will apply to those wanting to take advantage of the fact they also partially reopened to camping on May 15. The opportunity is only available for residents of this state.

To make sure this is the case, reservations will be required for all camping and not all campsites will be available to make sure social distancing is followed.

“This will…ensure that only in-state residents can make reservations, provide instant communication through information on the reservation, and reduce cash handling by staff,” says a press release from Wyoming Parks. “The reservation system also decreases the stress of not knowing if you have a campsite to stay in before you leave your home.”

It will still be possible to secure your spot without reserving in advance, but the reservation system must still be used upon arrival. Fee booths will remain closed and law enforcement will be verifying fee compliance and reservation.

Only single-unit campsites will be available and no more than ten people will be allowed on one site. Cabins and yurts can also be reserved for the three days of the week from Friday to Sunday, so that each can be disinfected before the next time it is used.

Playgrounds, group shelters, group campsites and some indoor facilities will remain closed.

Several developed recreation sites within the Bearlodge Ranger District will be opening this week, including Bearlodge Campground, Reuter Campground and trailhead and Sundance Horse Campground and trailhead. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Devils Tower National Monument announced on Monday that it will begin a phased approach to increase access to the public on May 22 by opening the park road, hiking trails, climbing routes and picnic area. The visitor center, bookstore and campground will remain closed during the initial phase.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has meanwhile issued guidance for those looking to enjoy boating this summer. Additional recommendations have been issued to protect recreationists during the pandemic.

“Boating safety has two meanings now,” said Aaron Kerr, Game and Fish watercraft safety program coordinator, in a press release. “As usual, we want you to wear a life jacket, limit alcohol consumption and stay alert on the water. But, we also want you to practice social distancing and good hygiene for your health and others.”

This year’s tips include choosing destinations close to home when boating and fishing and enjoying these activities with those in your household. Plan ahead by fueling up before you leave and bringing food and water from home, and avoid crowding docks.

Don’t share your equipment, the guidance says, and make sure to wash or sanitize your hands often. Maintain a six foot distance from others and avoid carpooling with non-household members. As always, wear a life jacket and follow all boating regulations.

The department will also be offering overnight camps for kids and families this summer at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois. Ninth and tenth graders can attend the camp on July 6 to 10 for girls and 13 to 17 for boys, while seventh and eighth graders can sign up for camp on July 20 to 24 for boys and July 27 to 31 for girls.

A family camp will also be held from June 30 to July 2, with each family group staying in their own assigned cabin.

Three-day Camp Wild summer day camps for kids will also be available at Green River from June 2 to 4, the Thomas O. Kraner Science Center near Curt Gowdy State Park on June 9 to 11 and Beartrap Meadows Park on Casper Mountain from June 16 to 18.

Register for these camps on the Game and Fish website. For some camps, the deadline to sign up will be June 1.