Cowboy Drifters is permitted to guide on BLM administered lands This Special Recreation Permit for operation of a commercial outfitting business grants us access to guide public lands along the North Platte River from Miracle Mile to Wendover area under BLM Special Recreations Permit # WY 060-RU11-11. That is slightly more than 100 miles of fishable water on the North Platte! As stewards of the resource, we support BLM in all of their conservation and management efforts throughout Wyoming and the West.
What is a Special Recreations Permit?
Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) are authorizations which allow specified recreational uses of the public lands and related waters. They are issued as a means to manage visitor use, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a mechanism to accommodate commercial recreational uses.
Authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, there are five types of uses for which these permits are required: commercial, competitive, vending, individual or group use in special areas, and organized group activity and event use. These are outlined below.
BLM’s SRP program is designed to satisfy recreational demand within allowable use levels in an equitable, safe, and enjoyable manner while minimizing adverse resource impacts and user conflicts. SRPs are managed in a manner which is consistent with objectives and decisions determined in resource management plans, recreation area management plans, or in their absence, through management objectives resulting from analysis of resources and visitor use for each area.
Why Fish With a BLM Permitted Outfitter?
If you are fishing with an illegal guide or outfitters, your run the risk of your trip being stopped midway if discovered by a BLM officer. On the North Platte River, all BLM permitted outfitters will have a BLM SRP sticker displayed on the front of boats, vehicles & trailers.
The BLM permit allows us to wade fish on BLM lands, stop & have lunch, or get out of the boat to stretch our legs. It also allows us to use several more boat ramps and legally guide you on nearly 100 miles of river on the North Platte.
5% of your trip price is paid to BLM to help in their management efforts of the resource we all enjoy. This is very evident along the North Platte where BLM has done a remarkable job of building new boat ramps, and establishing tons of new public access points for everyone to enjoy!
Other Licenses & Qualifications
We are required to hold an insurance policy covering property damage—including third-party damage (damage to property other than that owned by the permit holder of the United States)—personal injury, or loss of life that arises in any way from activities connected with the authorized use and occupancy is required of all commercial and competitive use permit holders unless the BLM waives the insurance requirement (e.g., as with self-insured Federal and state government agencies).
Our BLM permit ensures that we are in full compliance with all laws and regulations of other Federal, state, and local agencies that apply specifically to the permitted activity and area(s) of use e.g. Wyoming Game and Fish, State of Wyoming business license, Wyoming Outfitters license, etc.
