Date: September 29, 2008
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015
Contact: Stacy Vallie, 307-344-2015
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2008 08-082
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Hunters Reminded of Yellowstone Regulations
With the opening of hunting seasons on lands surrounding Yellowstone National Park, hunters are reminded that hunting is not permitted within the park. Though most of the park boundary is well marked, it is the responsibility of the hunters to ensure they do not hunt within the park.
The Lacey Act and the Code of Federal Regulations strictly prohibit the killing or removal of any animal, living or dead, from inside Yellowstone. This includes animals legally shot outside the park which then cross into and die within the park boundary. Taking and removing any animal parts, including shed antlers, is also prohibited.
Violators are investigated and aggressively prosecuted and are subject to penalties including fines, restitution, and the forfeiture of vehicles, equipment and personal property associated with the violations.
Game animal carcasses or parts may be transported through Yellowstone by motor vehicle on park roads only if they are covered or stored out of sight, accompanied by a transport permit from the National Park Service, and are bearing a valid state tag as evidence that the animal was taken legally outside of the park.
New this year is a restriction on the transport of heads and spinal cords of deer, elk, or moose which were taken in states known to have chronic wasting disease in wildlife. Complete details of the new regulations can be found on the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/compendium.htm, page 15.
Permits to transport game animals through Yellowstone must be secured before entering the park. They can be obtained at any park entrance station or by calling (307) 344-7381, and arranging to meet with a ranger. Game animals cannot be transported on backcountry trails or stored overnight anywhere in the park, including campgrounds, parking lots or at concession facilities.
Firearms may be legally transported through the park in vehicles if they are unloaded, broken down so they can not be fired, cased and stored to prevent ready use. Firearms are prohibited anywhere in the park's backcountry.
Stock users are reminded that proof of a current, negative Coggins test is required for all horses and mules being transported into or through the park.
Visitors or hunters who observe illegal hunting activity within the park should call the NPS tip line at (307) 344-2132. In some cases a cash reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally using or possessing firearms in the park or illegally killing or transporting wildlife in the park.
- www.nps.gov/yell -
