Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

5.0 USE
A quality boating experience requires a water level (in lakes) or flow rate (in rivers) sufficient to
support the reason for boating, whether it be fishing, water-skiing, or some other sport. In this context,
future water development projects should be evaluated for their effect on such levels.
Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is another popular activity among Wyoming residents. The harvest of
migratory waterfowl is a recreational pursuit affected by the presence or absence of water. Wetlands and
open water are needed for breeding, nesting, rearing, feeding, and isolation from land-based predators. In
the state of Wyoming, waterfowl hunting is pursued where sufficient local or migratory populations are
available.
Harvest objectives have not been used since 1993. In effect, the desired harvest is a prospective
number using past hunter success, population effects, and regulations in concert with current-year
populations.
With current duck populations and hunting pressure, it appears there is a sufficient resource to
provide a quality duck hunting experience now and in the near future, with the existing water resources of
the State. Goose hunting seasons and bag limits are set under guidelines from the USFWS, although
states have more flexibility in setting bag and possession limits. Like duck populations, goose
populations are strong and increasing. With approval from the USFWS, states can set special seasons to
allow depredation harvest from growing local flocks. With current goose populations, it appears there is a
sufficient resource to provide a quality goose hunting experience now and in the near future, with the
existing water resources of the state.
Skiing and Winter Sports
Downhill skiing is another recreational water consumer. The major consumption is through
evaporation during the snowmaking process. It has been estimated that snowmaking is about 20 percent
consumptive. Snowmaking is practiced at many of the ski areas, particularly the larger ones. While
downhill skiing is a consumptive user, the water use is a minor one.
The major ski areas in the state are located in the Snake/Salt River Basin. They include Snow
King Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Ski areas of local and regional
importance exist in all of the river basin planning areas except Northeast Wyoming. Most of the ski areas
have incorporated snowmaking facilities into their resorts. Figure 5-7 shows the ski areas of Wyoming.
Other winter sports in the state include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
These activities are prevalent across Wyoming.
Golfing
Golfing and golf courses are scattered across all the river
basin planning areas. In the Platte River Basin, there are 19 golf
courses with nearly 300 holes covering about 2,000 acres. There are
five courses in the Snake/Salt River Basin with three new ones
planned for Teton County and one new course planned for Lincoln
County. These are just a portion of the total number of courses in
the state.
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