The Wyoming Senate convened on January 24, 2025, for its ninth floor session, where key discussions centered around two significant pieces of legislation: Senate File 2 and Senate File 3.

Senate File 2, which was under consideration for a third reading, faced a motion to lay it back for one additional day. Senator Hicks proposed this delay to work with the amendment's sponsor on what he described as a technical correction. Despite some objections, the motion passed with a voice vote, allowing further discussion on the bill to continue at a later date.

The session then shifted focus to Senate File 3, which addresses separate hunting seasons for mule and white-tailed deer. Senator Landon, who pulled the bill from the consent list, expressed concerns regarding its necessity. He cited a survey indicating that a significant majority of ranchers in the northeast part of the state opposed the bill, arguing that current management practices are sufficient for controlling deer populations. Landon emphasized that the bill could lead to unintended consequences, including increased costs for hunters who may need to purchase multiple licenses.

Several other senators echoed Landon's sentiments, voicing their opposition to Senate File 3. Senator Grama reported that local sporting goods stores and wildlife protection organizations were against the bill, while Senator Andrews noted that he found no support among sportsmen and landowners in his discussions. Senator Rothfuss added that scientific concerns regarding wildlife management challenges were also raised.

As the session concluded, it was clear that both Senate File 2 and Senate File 3 would require further scrutiny and discussion, reflecting the complexities of legislative decision-making in Wyoming. The next steps for these bills will be determined in future sessions as lawmakers continue to engage with their constituents and assess the implications of the proposed legislation.