Area 94, which was originally scheduled to end November 5, has been extended for antlerless elk only through November 10 in that portion of the area north of Middle Piney Creek for both general licenses and area 94 type 1 and 6 licenses.

In addition, 100 hunters with any unused Wyoming elk license will be allowed to hunt from November 15 through January 31 on private lands that were recently enrolled in the Game and Fish Department's Hunter Management Program. To participate, these hunters must obtain a free permit to accompany their unused elk license.

These permits will be available to the first 100 hunters showing up in person at the Marbleton Fire Hall from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m on Monday, November 13.

Elk population increases have occurred in numerous areas in Wyoming, and the problem is not unique to Big Piney. "Warm fall weather with late onset of winter, frequently reduces elk hunter success because hunters have more difficulty stalking and tracking game," Holz said. "We haven't met our elk harvest goals since the fall of 1994 in many of the region's hunt areas."

Holz adds there will also be no hunting near the North Piney and Bench Corral elk feedgrounds after November 14. For area 49, unused type 1,2 and 6 license holders can now hunt through November 30 for antlerless elk only. "We are hoping for some better hunting weather so that the hunters harvest the numbers necessary to get the herd down to an acceptable level," said Gary Brown, wildlife supervisor for the Cody Region.

At their September 11 meeting, the G&F Commission approved the concept of emergency season extensions. Governor Geringer approved the regulation changes on October 26, 2000.