The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has two new members appointed by Governor Mark Gordon. Ralph Brokaw from Carbon County and Richard Ladwig from Niobrara County, started their service this month.

“It is wonderful to know so many impressive people were willing to serve, and I appreciated each person’s application. Truly, we had amazing candidates, demonstrating how important wildlife is to Wyoming people,” said Governor Mark Gordon. 

The Game and Fish Commission serves as the policy making board of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Each commissioner gives up more than a dozen days from his or her own life and business per year to serve the public and the public’s wildlife. Each is appointed to six-year term.

At the meeting in Cody last week, the commission elected a new president and vice president. David Rael from Cowley will serve as president for the next year and Pete Dube from Buffalo will be vice president.

"I consider it a great honor to have the support of my fellow commissioners to serve in this role. Wyoming has incredible wildlife resources that make this a special place to live, and I am looking forward to serving the public over the next year,” said President Rael.

At this meeting, the commission approved a preliminary budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1, 2019. That budget keeps ongoing spending relatively flat. 

The commission received updates on chronic wasting disease, large carnivores and winter conditions.

The commission will meet next April 23-24 in Riverton.