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Training

Training

Out with the old and in with the new

By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has made major changes to the website in 2021 to improve the experience and security for customers as well as make the site easier to navigate.

The first change customers can expect is a new login portal, coming in February. Everyone making purchases or submitting applications on the Game and Fish website will be asked to create a username and password. Customers must create this new account before conducting business.

“We know this is a big change, but it is important to keep your information secure,” said Jason Edwards, Game and Fish IT application development supervisor. “And we think that customers will find the process very simple and intuitive – much like other websites with user accounts.”

The user account feature comes with some big advantages, too. The account will serve as a dashboard for information specific to the customer. For now, people can easily switch between applying or buying licenses and checking preference points without having to login multiple times. But, the future holds a lot more.

“Over the next several months, the dashboard view will be added to see more personalized activity like current licenses, tooth aging information and CWD sample results, all in one easy place to come back to,” Edwards said.

Game and Fish is also planning a redesign of the website and plans to upgrade several pages. In the planning stages now, the department is asking the public to provide their input on the changes they’d like to see to the site.

“The ultimate goal is to make our website easy to use and to find information,” said Rebekah Fitzgerald, Game and Fish communications director. “We also want the website to be enjoyable and showcase useful tools and maps, great outdoor photography, unique videos and the work Game and Fish does for wildlife, fish and habitat.”

Anyone can share their thoughts through an initial survey that will be open through Jan. 31.

“This survey is the first of many efforts the Game and Fish will be making to get feedback from the public we serve,” Fitzgerald said. “We are hopeful the feedback will be robust and encourage people to sign up on the survey to stay involved through the whole redesign process.”

Wind and warm weather are affecting ice safety for anglers this year

By Wyoming Game and Fish

Anglers are urged to use caution when trekking out onto the ice. Fluctuating water levels in reservoirs, wind and warm weather are all impacting ice conditions this winter. In planning for your adventures on the ice, please be aware of recent weather conditions and temperatures in the area and scout out the lake you wish to fish for wet spots, open water and pressure ridges - all of these areas signify dangerous ice conditions and should be avoided.

With variable ice conditions across the state and rapidly changing conditions, anglers are urged to check the thickness of the ice before venturing onto it, and continuing to check every 100 to 150 feet. Four inches of clear ice is usually safe for activities on foot. Much thicker ice is needed for large gatherings or vehicles.

Remember to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device and carry ice safety picks. Ice cleats are also a good idea. Go out with a fishing partner, let someone know your plans and keep a throw rope handy in case someone falls in.

Anglers venturing on fishing trips this winter should also keep in mind the Fishing Regulations and the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provisions, available on the Game and Fish website, regional offices and Cheyenne Headquarters. n

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