SHERIDAN — During the second day of its July meeting Wednesday, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved several proposals, including renewing a long-standing lease agreement and adding an easement on a hunt management area.
The Commission voted unanimously to approve the renewal of the ongoing National Bighorn Sheep Center lease for an additional 10-year period. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has leased the center to the organization for free since 1991.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center was established in 1991 through a partnership between the department, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the town of Dubois. Game and Fish maintains the exterior of the building according to the lease agreement.
The Commission also voted unanimously to approve the acquisition of 27-year public access easements to the Bear River Divide Hunter Management Area in southwest Wyoming. The HMA currently provides public access to nearly 200,000 acres. The acquisition will add 5,000 acres, which were converted by three private landowners through Access Yes agreements into termed easements. The total cost of the easement is $289,151.90, which will be funded using HB122 Conservation Stamp Access funds.
An update on a new mobile app that is being developed for the agency was given to the Commission. The app will include a digital wallet for licenses, downloadable regulations and multi-user profiles for families. It also will feature scannable licenses for game warden checks, and limited license sale capabilities.
Once the app passes functionality tests later this year, Game and Fish will begin the process of making it accessible to the public. Updates will be provided.
In the final item for the meeting, Game and Fish Fiscal Chief Dirk Miller was recognized for his service. Miller, who will retire later this year, is completing a 38-year career with the department.
Miller started at Game and Fish in 1988 as the fish population crew supervisor. Through the years, Miller served in a variety of roles, including as the assistant fisheries management coordinator and deputy chief of fisheries. In 2024, Miller was promoted to his current role as fiscal chief.
“Dirk has played a tremendous role in our department,” Game and Fish Deputy Director Eric Wiltanger said. “His unparalleled dedication, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark at Game and Fish and he will be greatly missed. This retirement is well-deserved, and we do wish him all the best.”
