NEWCASTLE - After 33 years as a Wyoming Game and Fish employee, Newcastle Wildlife Biologist Joe Sandrini has decided to retire.  Sandrini has been an integral part of wildlife management in northeastern Wyoming, and his knowledge of wildlife will be greatly missed.

Sandrini attended the University of California, Davis, where he was an All-American track and field athlete and graduated with a Bachelor's degree before receiving his Master's from the University of Colorado.  He began his Game and Fish career as a game warden trainee in Casper in 1992 before being reassigned to Green River as a game warden trainee and later assigned as a senior game warden in Newcastle.  After a decade as a game warden, Sandrini left law enforcement and became the Newcastle wildlife biologist in 2002.

“Sandrini’s commitment to wildlife and professionalism is second to none,” says Justin Binfet, Deputy Wildlife Chief. “His tenure in northeast Wyoming provided an excellent foundation and continuity for wildlife management in the Black Hills, which host the busiest deer, turkey, and mountain lion seasons in the entire state.” 

Throughout his career, Sandrini has contributed substantially to Game and Fish and wildlife management, including being the state's foremost wild turkey expert liaison to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).  Sandrini’s on-the-ground experience and consistent, thoughtful input into various draft regulations have been a valuable asset in helping to shape many of the regulations Game and Fish has in place today.

Over the years, Sandrini has been the recipient of many awards, including the Department's Life Saving Award in 1998, Conservation PaceSetter Award in 2002, Wildlife Division Employee of the Year in 2016, and NWTF’s Henry S. Mosby Award in 2017.  These state and national awards demonstrate Sandrini’s dedication to service in research, management, and restoration of wild turkeys, as well as all his wildlife contributions. 

Sandrini’s intelligence, commitment, and vast experience will be missed.  However, he did pick a great time to retire and focus on hunting and outdoors with family and friends this fall.  Joe plans to put his leadership skills to use in a new career opportunity and spend more time with his family.  He will remain in Newcastle on the ranch where he and his family live.