Seven landowners from across the state were recognized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department with the 2019 Landowner of the Year Awards. These awards are for outstanding practices in wildlife management, habitat improvement, access for hunters and anglers and conservation techniques by these individuals and families. 

In Wyoming half of all land is privately owned, which means that landowners have a significant impact on wildlife conservation. With that in mind, each year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Department acknowledge Wyoming landowners’ conservation efforts. These landowners also cooperate with Game and Fish to provide access to hunters and anglers on their properties. Award recipients are nominated by Game and Fish employees and selected by the regional leadership teams as model citizens for the conservation, ethical use and stewardship of Wyoming’s natural resources. The Wyoming Game Wardens Association sponsored this year’s event. 

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik said the Landowner of the Year award is a way to say thanks to landowners. “This annual event is a great way to recognize how impactful Wyoming landowners are for our state and our wildlife. While we know they don’t seek praise and recognition, we at Game and Fish are proud to work with ranchers and farmers. On behalf of wildlife enthusiasts of all kinds, we thank landowners for their continued investment in our state’s wildlife and outstanding quality of life.”

Landowners who received recognition this year are:

• The Warner Family and Trevor Gillman, Ranch Manager, Sage Creek Ranch- Green River Region
• Rob and Martha Hellyer and Jim and Timmery Hellyer, Burnt Ranch- Lander Region
• John and Vanessa Buyok, Buyok Ranch - Sheridan Region
• Wyoming Military Department, Camp Guernsey - Laramie Region
• Mike McCleary and Shelly McCleary Trumbull, Banner Ranch - Casper Region
• The Bischoff Family, E.O. Bischoff Ranch - Cody Region
• The Robert Gill Family and Steve Hardeman and Alex Renova, Ranch Managers, Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch - Jackson Region

For more information on the landowners and past winners, visit the Game and Fish Landowner of the Year award webpage.