WYOMING SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT

From wyotrails.state.wy.us and local reports.

Through Monday

North

Bear Lodge Mountains - not groomed, less than 1" base, 6-7" new snow

Beartooth Mountains - grooming, 12-24" base, 8-10" new snow

Black Hills - not groomed, less than 1" base, 1" new snow

North Bighorns - grooming, 12-18" base, 8-12" new snow

South Bighorns - grooming, 12-18" base, 3-6" new snow

Southeast

Casper Mountain - grooming, 12-20" base, 1-3" new snow

Sierra Madres - grooming, 36-48" base, 8-12" new snow

Snowy Range - grooming, 24-36" base, 8-12" new snow

Southwest

Alpine (north) - grooming, 48-72" base, 10-12" new snow

Afton (middle) - grooming, 48-60" base, 8-10" new snow

Kemmerer (south) - grooming, 12-48" base, 8" new snow

Big Piney/LaBarge - grooming, up to 2" base, 4" new snow

Horse Creek - grooming, 48-60" base, 12" new snow

Greater Continental Divide Trail

Granite Hot Springs - grooming, 36-40" base, 14" new snow

Gros Ventre - some grooming, less than 12" to 36" base, 6" new snow

Continental Divide Trail

Lander - grooming, 12-50" base, 2-4" new snow

South Pass/Irish Canyon - some grooming, 48" base, 2-4" new snow

Irish Canyon/Pinedale - not groomed, 12" base, 2-3" new snow

Pinedale/The Place - not groomed, 12" base, 3-5" new snow

Upper Green River - grooming, 17-40" base, up to 6" new snow

Dubois - grooming, 24-40" base, up to 6-8" new snow

Togwotee - grooming, 48-60" base, 6" new snow

EVENTS

*Feb. 18-20 - The ROCKY MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB ASSOCIATION hosts the AFTON HILLCLIMB near Afton. Info: (307) 885-7701

*Feb. 18-20 - The seventh annual WATERFALL ICE FESTIVAL will be held on the South Fork of the Shoshone River near Cody. The Southfork Boot and Bottle Club will host the event. Info: (307) 527-4326 or e-mail donfoote@southforkice.com.

*Feb. 19-20 - The KEMMERER LIONS CLUB hosts its annual ICE FISHING DERBY on Lake Viva Naughton. The entry fee is $25, or $20 if registration is completed by Feb. 10. Info: Call (800) 246-4439, (888) 300-3413 or online at www.hamsfork.net/~lions/derby.html.

*Feb. 23 - The deadline for contacting a Training Counselor to be included in NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION INSTRUCTOR TRAINING at the Gillette Gun Club, on March 4-6 and March 18-20. The course includes lecture, instructor candidate hands-on participation and live firing sessions. NRA certified instructors present basic firearm safety training courses to the public. Info: Call Marty at (307) 682-4668; Laurel at (307) 686-3758; and Clem at (307) 467-5215

*Feb. 25-27 - Grand Targhee Resort sponsors a CHICKS RULE SNOWBOARD CAMP for women interested in learning to snowboard, or improve their skills. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-day options. Info: (307) 353-2300 ext. 1352 or e-mail snowsportsschool@grandtarghee.com.

*Feb. 26 - The Centennial Valley Recreation and Tourism Association sponsors the 16th annual MURF THE SURF CROSS-COUNTRY SKI POKER RUN in the Snowy Range. Cash prizes are offered for the best poker hands. The entry fee is $12. Proceeds support community activities. Info: (307) 742-7731 or (307) 721-5074

*Feb. 26 - The Cheyenne Field Archers host the second leg of its GRAND SLAM TRIPLE CROWN at the CFA facility on Archies Rd. Info: (307) 631-2102, (307) 778-7815, (307) 634-7265; or go online at www.cheyennefieldarcher.com.

*Feb. 27 - The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the first leg of its Triple Crown competition in The Arena at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Info: (307) 237-1762

*Feb. 28 - Nominations will be accepted through this date for the second class of the WYOMING OUTDOOR HALL OF FAME. The WOHOF was created to recognize individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to Wyoming's outdoor heritage. Nomination forms can be found on the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming's Web site at www.whfw.org. The 2005 induction ceremony will be held Sept. 9 at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Arena.

*March 5-6 - The PINEDALE BOAT CLUB ICE FISHING DERBY will be held on Fremont Lake. The club is in the process of setting prizes and entry fees. Info: (307) 367-2242.

*March 12 - The central Wyoming chapter of the NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION hosts its annual fund-raiser banquet. Raffle tickets for a THREE-DAY, ALL EXPENSE PAID FISHING TRIP for two in Homer, Alaska, are currently on sale. Tickets are available at Linton's Big R, or by calling Hugh Vogel at (307) 235-4631 or Darwin Griese at (307) 259-8338.

*March 19 - The Sublette County Ski Club host the CAROLINE CLASSIC SKI RACE at White Pine Resort near Pinedale. Info: (307) 367-6606

*March 26 - The Cheyenne Field Archers host the third leg of its GRAND SLAM TRIPLE CROWN at the CFA facility on Archies Rd. Info: (307) 631-2102, (307) 778-7815, (307) 634-7265; or go online at www.cheyennefieldarcher.com.

*April 1-3 - The ROCKY MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB ASSOCIATION hosts the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HILLCLIMB in Jackson. Info: (307) 734-9653

*April 1-3 - The WYOMING OUTDOOR SPORTS SHOW will be held at the Casper Events Center.

*April 1-3 - BOWHUNTERS OF WYOMING will hold its winter meeting at the Holiday Inn in Cody. Wayne Carlton is scheduled to be the guest speaker. Info: (307) 587-6181 or (307) 587-9663

*April 3 - The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the second leg of its Triple Crown competition in The Arena at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Info: (307) 237-1762.

*April 16-17 - The ROCKY MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB ASSOCIATION hosts the ANTELOPE BUTTE HILLCLIMB near Greybull. Info: (406) 748-3111

*April 29-30 - WYOMING DUCKS UNLIMITED hosts its annual convention in Casper. Info: (307) 472-6546

*May 1 - The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts the final leg of its Triple Crown competition at the Hat Six rocks east of Casper. Info: (307) 237-1762.

*July 1 - The PLATTE VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL, INC. is auctioning through this date a GAME AND FISH COMMISSIONER'S HUNTING LICENSE as a fund raiser. 500 chances are being sold at $50 each. The winner will receive the license plus $1,500 in cash. All tickets must be sold in Wyoming. The drawing will take place at the annual Festival of the Arts patron gala at the Saratoga Inn on July 1. Info: Call John Perue at (307) 326-8225, Liz Wood at (307) 326-8904 or email plattevalleyarts@yahoo.com.

*CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS for 2005 can be made at STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES by phone or internet. Info: (877) 996-7275 or go online at www.wyo-park.com.

*Several Wyoming chapters of DUCKS UNLIMITED have scheduled annual membership banquets:

Feb. 19 - Gillette. Info: Brian Clark (307) 686-0329

Laramie. Info: Jon Ayres (307) 721-4656

March 12 - Bridger Valley. Info: Bob Casper or Farrell Alleman (307) 786-2359

March 19 - Jackson. Info: Rob Dearing (307) 733-0999

Lovell. Info: Linda Martin (307) 548-6178

*The SANDBAG SERIES cross-country ski races will be held at the following locations:

Feb. 19 - Moose Chase (freestyle), Teton Village

Feb. 26 - Pursuit 10k (freestyle), Teton Village

Feb. 27 - Pursuit 10k (classic), Trail Creek

March 19 - Sandbag Finals (freestyle), Trail Creek

Info: e-mail dadams@onewest.net

The following cross-country ski races are not part of the Sandbag Series:

Feb. 26 - American Birkebeiner, Hayward, Wis.

March 12 - Yellowstone Rendezvous, West Yellowstone, Mont.

*The WOMEN'S WILDERNESS INSTITUTE offers these upcoming courses in Colorado:

Feb. 19 - Level I Ice Climbing in Boulder Canyon. The $110 fee includes lunch and equipment.

Feb. 26 - Level II Ice Climbing in Boulder Canyon. The $110 fee includes lunch and equipment.

March 11-13 - Snowshoe Yurt Trip in the Cameron Pass area. The $375 fee includes equipment and food.

March 26-27 - Winter Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. The $190 fee includes food and equipment.

April 2 - Mother/Daughter Snowshoe Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The $120 fee includes lunch and snowshoes.

For enrollment information, call (303) 938-9191

*PLATTE RIVER FLY SHOP offers FREE FLY-TYING CLASSES on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. Hooks, materials and tools are included. Info: 237-5997

*The CASPER CHAPTER OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION is selling raffle tickets for a 2005 Wyoming Commissioner's License. Tickets are $50 each with only 500 being sold. The drawing will be held June 1. Info: Call Jerry Galles at 234-6100 or Lee Blake at 234-2124; or email bardsign@wyobeam.com.

*The local NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION is selling raffle tickets for a THREE-DAY, ALL EXPENSE PAID FISHING TRIP for two in Homer, Alaska. The cost is $10 per ticket, or three for $20. The fishing trip will be given away at the NWTF annual fund-raiser banquet March 12, 2005. Tickets will be sold at the NWTF booth at the Big Boy Toy Show at the Casper Events Center on March 12-14. Tickets are also available at Linton's Big R, or by calling Hugh Vogel at (307) 235-4631 or Darwin Griese at (307) 259-8338.

*The INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER in Ely, Minn. has announced its schedule of learning vacations. Called Wolf Country Learning Adventures, the wolf-focused learning vacations are offered in northern Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior and the Canadian Northwest Territories. Ranging from two to six days, the themed programs are designed for families and adults. All of the programs include expert instruction with a naturalist/guide from the International Wolf Center, and most programs include lodging and meals. Yellowstone programs are scheduled May 18-22 and May 24-28, 2005. Info: (800) 359-9654, ext. 25

*Xanterra Parks and Resorts offers a complete lineup of packages that highlight the WINTER SEASON IN YELLOWSTONE PARK. The packages include self-guided options, as well as the popular "Lodging and Learning" programs, and are offered in collaboration with the Yellowstone Association Institute. Info: (307) 344-7311, (307) 344-2294 or on-line at www.travelyellowstone.com

*The 2004-05 WYOMING SNOWMOBILE PERMITS are now available at over 150 locations statewide. The permits cost $15 for both residents and nonresidents. Fees collected through the program are used for marking, improving and grooming the Wyoming Snowmobile Trails System. Info: Call (877) 996-7275 or go on-line at www.wyotrails.com.

*The Yellowstone Association Institute and Xanterra Parks and Resorts offer two YELLOWSTONE FOR FAMILIES lodging and learning programs, including a new version for families with 5- to 7-year-old children. The programs are available between June 10 and Aug. 30. Kids will learn through activities such as tracking wildlife, hiking, building a model volcano and painting scenery. Info: (307) 344-5566

GROUPS

*Feb. 21 - OUTDOOR WOMEN OF WYOMING meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse. Virginia Hazen speaks this month on her llama pack trip into the Wind River Mountains. Info: 265-3932 or 232-9021

*Feb. 24 - The LARAMIE AUDUBON SOCIETY meets in the Albany County Public Library the last Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Info: (307) 766-2628 or (307) 742-5623

*March 2 - The NORTH PLATTE CHAPTER OF WALLEYES UNLIMITED meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Casper office at 7 p.m. Info: 472-5349

*March 3 - The CENTRAL WYOMING CHAPTER OF SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Casper Petroleum Club. All hunters are welcome. Info: 234-2058

*March 9 - The WYOMING FLYCASTERS club holds its general meeting at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month in the Izaak Walton Clubhouse, 4205 Fort Caspar Rd., Casper. Info: 265-3932

*March 14 - The FORT FETTERMAN SPORTSMEN ASSOCIATION holds its meetings at 7 p.m. the second Monday each month in the Douglas National Guard Armory. Info: (307) 358-3468

*March 14 - The Pathfinder chapter of the BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN meets the second Monday of each month at the Myra Fox Energy Institute at Casper College. Info: (307) 265-8597

*March 16 - The PLATTE RIVER ROD AND GUN CLUB meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department building, 3030 Energy Lane in Casper. Info: 234-1318

The LOST ARROW ARCHERS hosts 3-D INDOOR SHOOTS on Sundays and Mondays at Stuckenhoff Shooters Complex in Casper. Shoots begin at 6 p.m. on Sundays, and 7 p.m. on Mondays. The Club is planning two or three five-week sessions depending on participation. Shooters pay $3 per night. Archers may also get their first night free by joining Lost Arrow Archers. Annual memberships are $25 for family, $15 for a single, and $5 for youth. Info: (307) 237-1762

*The GHOST TOWN SHOOTERS host action pistol shooting on the first and second Saturdays of each month at the Stuckenhoff Sport Shooters Complex beginning at 9 a.m. The sessions are conducted under International Practical Shooting Confederation and International Defensive Pistol Association rules. Info: 234-2266, 265-3805 or 472-5367.

*The CASPER SHOOTERS CLUB shooting range at the Stuckenhoff Sport Shooters Complex is open to the public from 9 a.m. until dusk Saturdays and Sundays. Nonmembers pay $4 for a day pass to shoot. Info: 265-2535. Archers may shoot for free beginning at 6 p.m. Sundays.

*The ROCKY MOUNTAIN GUN CLUB is open for public trap shooting. The range is located east of Casper at 6100 Cole Creek Road, six miles north of the North Platte River. Info: 235-8067 or 234-7732.

AGENCY

*March 10 - The National Park Service will accept comments through this date on the proposed OLD FAITHFUL VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. Copies of the assessment can be obtained by writing Planning Office, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, or go online at www.nps.gov/yell/technical/planning. Comments can be sent to the same address.

*The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced this week that MOUNTAIN LION AREA 3 closed on Feb. 15. The area, which is on the west slope of the Wind River Mountain Range, was closed because the mortality quota or harvest limit of four female lions was reached. Info: (800) 637-0809

*The Wyoming Game and Fish Department plans a series of HUNTER EDUCATION INTERNET FIELD DAYS. The field day is for those who have taken the online Hunter Education course. The field day will consist of ethics training, a 100-question written exam, and a hands-on gun handling field test. Students must bring all completed Wyoming and international quizzes. There is a $5 charge per student. Days will be held at the following locations:

Gillette - March 5, June (TBA), Sept. 10

Sheridan - April 2, Aug. 27

Lander - April 9, Aug. 6

Casper - Feb. 27, April 10, Aug. 28

Cody - March 5, Sept. 24

Jackson - TBA

Rock Springs - May 21, Aug. 20

Cheyenne - March 19, Sept. 24

Call a regional Wyoming Game and Fish Department office for further information.

*Annual parking passes for the BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST are now on sale at forest offices and by mail from Forest Recreation Management, Inc.; P.O. Box 520; Hill City, S.D. 57745. Info: (605) 673-9216

*Winter activities in GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK have begun. A number of recreational pursuits are available, including ranger-led snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Info: (307) 739-3300

*The 2004-05 WYOMING SNOWMOBILE PERMITS are now available at over 150 locations statewide. The permits cost $15 for both residents and nonresidents. Fees collected through the program are used for marking, improving and grooming the Wyoming Snowmobile Trails System. Info: Call (877) 996-7275 or go on-line at www.wyotrails.com.

*The 2005 HUNTING APPLICATION PACKETS are now available at Wyoming Game and Fish offices and license agents. Applications can also be downloaded online at http://gf.state.wy.us.

* TURKEY HUNTERS are advised that HUNT AREA 10 includes Hot Springs County. The area was inadvertently omitted from the map in spring turkey applications.

*WALK-IN AREA ATLASES are available at license agents and Game and Fish Department offices. The free 56-page atlas features 384 areas in 21 counties. It is also posted on the agency Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us.

{M3Wyoming Game and Fish Department calendar:

*Feb. 22 - The BATES HOLE/SHIRLEY BASIN SAGE GROUSE WORKING GROUP meets at the Game and Fish Department's Casper Regional Office at 8:45 a.m. Environmental scientist Chet Skilbred will speak on growing sagebrush in reclaimed areas at 1 p.m.

*Feb. 23 - The BIG HORN BASIN SAGE GROUSE WORKING GROUP meets in the Big Horn Federal Savings Bank in Thermopolis at 9 a.m.

*Feb. 28 - Deadline for MOOSE, BIGHORN SHEEP AND MOUNTAIN GOAT hunting license applications. CROW SEASON closes.

*March 1 - COTTONTAIL, SNOWSHOE HARE AND SQUIRREL seasons close.

*March 15 - Deadline for NONRESIDENT DEER AND ANTELOPE hunting license applications.