Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 per month
• Bond Amount: $500
• Who Needs it: All owners of private fish hatcheries and ponds in Wyoming
• Purpose: To ensure the Game and Fish Commission will receive compensation for any damages if the hatchery owner sells or disposes of unauthorized fish eggs
• Who Regulates Private Fish Hatcheries in Wyoming: The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission

Background

Wyoming statute 23-4-102 requires all private fish hatchery and pond owners operating in the state to obtain a license with the Game and Fish Commission. The Wyoming legislature enacted the licensing laws and regulations to ensure that owners do not deal in prohibited fish eggs. To provide financial security for the enforcement of the licensing law, private fish hatchery and pond owners must purchase and maintain a $500 surety bond to be eligible for licensure.

What is the Purpose of the Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond?

Wyoming requires all private fish hatchery and pond owners to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a business license. The bond ensures that the Game and Fish Commission will receive compensation for financial harm if the owner fails to comply with the regulations set forth in Wyoming statute 26-11-114. Specifically, the bond protects the public in the event the owner sells or disposes of unauthorized fish eggs. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the private hatchery and pond owner breaks licensing laws.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Surety Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “fish” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond?

Surety companies may run a credit check on the hatchery owner to determine eligibility for the Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery bond. Owners with poor credit may be declined coverage.

How Much Does the Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Bond Cost?

The Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

Who is Required to Purchase the Bond?

Wyoming requires private fish hatchery and pond owners to purchase a surety bond before obtaining a business license. To paraphrase Wyoming statute 23-4-102, a private fish hatchery owner is a person that artificially breeds, hatches, and rears fish for resale.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

How do Private Fish Hatchery and Pond Owners Apply for a License in Wyoming?

Private fish hatchery and pond owners in Wyoming must navigate several steps to secure their licenses. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the application form for details on the process.

License Period – All Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Licenses expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed before the expiration date

Step 1 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Private fish hatchery and pond owners must purchase and maintain a surety bond

Step 2 – Complete the Application

All Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery License applications must be mailed to the following address:

Wyoming Game and Fish Department
License Section
5400 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82006

Owners must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:

• • $187 licensing fee
  • Diagram of the hatchery, pond, or water supply (new hatcheries only)

How Do Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery and Pond Owners Renew Their Licenses?

Private fish hatchery and pond owners should mail their completed renewal applications, including a $187 fee, to the following address:

Wyoming Game and Fish Department
License Section
5400 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82006

All Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Licenses expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed before the expiration date.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Private Fish Hatchery and Pond Owners in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not require private fish hatchery and pond owners to obtain any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a business license. Owners must purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond.

How Do Wyoming File Private Fish Hatchery Owners Their Bonds?

Private fish hatchery owners should mail their completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department
License Section
5400 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82006

The bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and from the owner. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• Legal name and city of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name
• Bond amount
• Date the bond is signed
• Notary signature for the applicant

What Can Wyoming Private Hatchery and Pond Owners Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims on their bonds, private hatchery and pond owners in Wyoming must ensure that they do not sell or dispose of unauthorized fish eggs.

What Can Wyoming Private Hatchery and Pond Owners Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims on their bonds, private hatchery and pond owners in Wyoming must ensure that they do not sell or dispose of unauthorized fish eggs.

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Private Fish Hatchery Owners in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not require private fish hatchery owners to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to obtaining a business license. However, most reputable owners will seek to obtain this insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue liability insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Wyoming Private Fish Hatchery Customers?

Wyoming conveniently provides a public list to search for private fish hatcheries and ponds in the state. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.