Wyoming Game and Fish Department February 4, 1999 xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx Dear : I am writing in response to your letter regarding Wyoming Game and Fish Department's interpretation of machine guns in Wyoming. After I read your letter and reviewed W.S. 23-3-112, I fully understand your concerns. I, therefore, referred your letter to our Wildlife Law Enforcement Coordinator as well as out Attorney General representative for clarification on this issue. The Wyoming statutes are enacted or passed in an attempt to better manage and protect our wildlife resource and ensure the safety of sportsmen. Unfortunately, the statutes are not always clear and concise which can lead to different interpretations. I believe there are several factors that must be considered when evaluating the intent of the statute. Obviously, the intent was to make it unlawful to take wildlife with a fully automatic or silenced weapon. If in fact a person is in lawful possession of a specialized firearm and has the clear intent of firing the weapon at an established public or private range, the person would be allowed to do so without being fear of being cited by Game and Fish law enforcement personnel. However, it is not unreasonable for a law enforcement officer to question the possession of these types of weapons during routine field contacts. The Department's primary interest in enforcement of this statute relates to the taking of wildlife, not mere possession. Law enforcement personnel would be required to establish proof that hunting had taken place with an automatic or silenced weapon before legal action could commence. I hope I have clarified the Department's position. If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact our Wildlife Division, Law Enforcement Administration. Sincerely, John Baughman Director JB/bp cc: Jay Lawson, Wildlife Division