As I pen my final column on a beautiful Wyoming morning, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of our wildlife. Sure, there is a long list of challenges and threats, but there are some core reasons why I believe we will overcome our biggest challenges.

First and foremost, the people of our state care deeply about our wildlife. Our connection to nature is woven into the fabric of our lives and Wyoming citizens’ quality of life. It’s part of our culture and who we are. Wildlife conservation is a core component of two of the state’s top three economic drivers — tourism and agriculture — and it holds a significant value for those engaged in these fields. Because people in our state care, I am confident protection and conservation of these resources will remain a priority for policy and decision-makers into the future. 

The future of wildlife in our state hinges on people who are involved and provide resources to conserve wildlife. Over the past several years, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has prioritized connecting with youth in classrooms and at events across the state. Providing kids with an opportunity to connect with the outdoors ensures wildlife’s future. Inspiring a kid with the outdoors transcends into a passion for the rest of their lives. 

A large part of the reason people care is based on the incredible quality, abundance and diversity of wildlife in Wyoming. We have the largest populations of pronghorn and sage grouse in the world. There are places in our state where you can call in a Meriam’s turkey and catch a cutthroat trout in the same place you have a reasonable chance of seeing a grizzly bear, a white-tailed deer and a gray partridge. There are more than 800 species of wildlife living in our state ranging from neotropical migrant birds, to midget faded rattlesnakes to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. A determined angler who does a little planning can traverse a few drainages and catch four species of cutthroat trout during a long weekend. There are few places in our country that are similar, and much of this has to do with our world-class team managing its wildlife. 

The professionals who wear our red shirts and serve the public and wildlife each and every day are above reproach. I realize I have biases, but as the director I hear this sentiment from within and outside our state frequently. Our department is considered a leader by other states on important conservation actions like animal movement and migration, sage grouse conservation, wildlife protection and enforcement, communication, education and outreach and wildlife research. Our employees demonstrate that they are the best and brightest in the profession, and they do so through their actions, not their words. Their dedication is integral to our conservation success. This isn’t new and has been a part of our brand for decades, and will be for decades to come.

Lastly, our state boasts some of the most scenic, diverse and wild landscapes in the world. We have unique places like the Red Desert, the Wind River Range and the Dunoir Valley. The remote and rugged mountains of the Absaroka Range are unrivaled. Places like Laramie Peak and the Powder River Basin offer views that many won’t see until they get away from the highway and explore. The Wyoming and Salt River ranges, the Bighorn Basin, the Bighorns, the Black Hills, Snowies and Sierra Madres all have their own characteristics that make them special. While we have lost some habitats to human development, we continue to prioritize protection and conservation in land use decisions. There is more to be done, but I know we have people who care deeply about our natural resources and are committed to seeking innovative ways to make decisions on Wyoming’s terms and values. 

After nearly three decades of wearing a red shirt and driving a green truck, I am leaving with pride in my heart and a sincere appreciation for the opportunities I’ve had. What started as a childhood dream quickly morphed into reality when I began working as a game warden. My journey has been a fulfilling one and I learned on day one that I made the right choice. Over the following decades, my experiences exceeded all expectations. I never aspired to be our state’s chief game warden and darn sure didn’t aspire to be the director. But, having the opportunity to work with Game and Fish and lead our agency — and all things wildlife management — was an indescribable honor. 

I look forward to watching from the sidelines as the professionals at Game and Fish continue to navigate tough challenges while they diligently execute the day-to-day work expected by our constituency. Incoming Director Angi Bruce has all the skills, talent and dedication to continue on a successful path and I fully support her. The future is bright and I ride away knowing that Wyoming will continue to be the premier wildlife management and conservation leader for decades to come.