GILLETTE, Wyo. — Black bear bait site renewals and applications for new sites will open in March, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Site renewals come online at 8 a.m. Friday, March 1 and the process may be completed online or in person by visiting or calling a regional office. The application process for new black bear sites begins at 8 a.m. March 21, per Game and Fish.
Black bear hunters looking to renew a site need to have the process completed no later than midnight March 20, including purchasing a 2024 black bear license, Game and Fish says, adding that a website login is required for online renewal and to apply for new bait sites.
Per Game and Fish, applicants can apply for up to six bait sites, but no more than the maximum number of bait sites allowed by 2024 regulations may be registered and applicants may submit only one application.
Once the application period closes, results will be made available on the department’s website by 8 a.m. April 1. On April 5, applications for any remaining available black bear bait sites will be taken in person by visiting or calling a regional office, excluding the department headquarters in Cheyenne, Game and Fish says.
According to Game and Fish, the following rules apply to hunters looking to use bear baits during the 2024 season:
- Bear baits may not be placed on state, federal, or Game and Fish lands without first registering the bait site
- Each bear hunter is allowed two bait sites, but hunters are restricted to have only one bait per section
- Bear baits are not to be placed more than seven days prior to opening day and must be removed seven days after the last day of the spring or fall black bear hunting season
- Before placing any bear bait on state lands, authorization is required from the Director of the Office of State Lands and Investments.
Additional information may be found on the Game and Fish website or in the 2024 hunting regulations.