Hawk's Rest, just off the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, lies deep in the Teton Wilderness. At some 25 miles from the Turpin Meadows Trailhead, it is said the be farthest you can get from a road in the lower 48 states. Most anglers probably wouldn't expect to be seeing a game warden that far in, but that may not be the case in Wyoming. Many Wyoming Game and Fish wardens are just as eager to get deep into the Cowboy State's backcountry as any other outdoor enthusiast.

North Jackson Game Warden Jon Stephens recently made such a trip into the Teton Wilderness north of Moran Junction to visit with anglers and make sure everyone is playing by the rules. Stephens realizes he can make more angler contacts at popular front country waters such as Jackson Lake or along the Snake River, but also likes to have a Game & Fish presence in the backcountry as much as possible. The above photos were taken along the Soda Fork and the upper Yellowstone River (Top and below). Stephens reports that most anglers were keeping it legal and catching some nice fish.