Livestock compensation factor.

Wyoming's HB 228 establishes a specific formula for compensating ranchers whose yearling cattle (12-24 months old) are damaged by trophy game animals like elk or deer. It requires the state department to use a compensation amount equal to 3.5 times the value of the yearling, unless research-based alternative formulas are developed for specific areas. This directly affects ranchers who report livestock damage by game animals and file claims under Wyoming's existing damage compensation system. The law applies to claims made on or after July 1, 2023, and standardizes the calculation method previously left to department discretion.