CODY, Wyo. — The Cody Region of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is pleased to welcome two familiar faces into new roles, announcing Austin Wieseler as the new Cody district wildlife biologist and Rob Hipp as the new North Cody game warden.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have both Austin and Rob stepping into these critical roles within the Cody Region," said Grant Gerharter, Cody wildlife supervisor. "Their combined experience, dedication to Wyoming's wildlife resources and familiarity with the area make them excellent fits for these positions."
Austin Wieseler – Cody District Wildlife Biologist
As the Cody district wildlife biologist, Wieseler will oversee the management of wildlife in the northwest portion of the Bighorn Basin. He replaces Tony Mong, who recently retired after 16 years of dedicated service as a wildlife biologist in both Cody and Baggs.
Wieseler is already well acquainted with the area, having served as a regional wildlife biologist in the Cody region for the last three years where much of his work focused on supporting wildlife management duties as well as overseeing disease monitoring for the region. His diverse professional background also includes previous positions as a wildlife health biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, a biologist in South Dakota and a wildlife technician for Game and Fish in the Pinedale region.
Wieseler holds bachelor's and master's degrees in wildlife and fisheries sciences from South Dakota State University, where his graduate research focused on bighorn sheep populations and related disease issues. He noted that he is looking forward to the varied responsibilities that come with his new role.
“I’m excited to be shifting from a broader perspective within the Bighorn Basin to a more in-depth, hands-on approach helping manage the diverse and complex wildlife populations specific to the Cody district. I’m especially looking forward to engaging and working alongside the Cody community, stakeholders and hunters who value these incredible natural resources as much as I do,” Wieseler said.
Rob Hipp – North Cody Game Warden
Transitioning to the law enforcement side of the region, Rob Hipp takes over duties as the game warden for the North Cody district. A seasoned warden with more than a decade of experience serving Wyoming’s wild places, Hipp moves to the position following a successful tenure in the neighboring Greybull district.
Hipp graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2012 with a degree in wildlife biology and management and joined Game and Fish that same summer. After gaining foundational experience as a trainee in the Sheridan and Jackson regions, Hipp was assigned to the Torrington district in 2014, where he served until transferring to Greybull in 2018.
The North Cody district encompasses all of the North Fork drainage, expanding south of Heart Mountain and across the McCullough Peaks to the Big Horn County line, with U.S. Highway 14/16/20 serving as the dividing line between the North and South Cody districts. Because much of this rugged landscape is roadless, managing it requires traditional, hands-on woodcraft.
"I am always excited to develop a more in-depth understanding of the wildlife resource in a new area," Hipp said. "I appreciate that much of the district is roadless, and the only way to reach it is by foot or horseback. I have a ton of new drainages to explore and an abundance of different wildlife species to work with."
Hipp is eager to collaborate with local colleagues and the wider community. "I look forward to working with a great team of wildlife professionals in the Cody Region, and I am excited to get to know Cody’s outdoor community who appreciates Wyoming’s wildlife as much as we do."
When not on duty, Hipp is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys big game and upland game bird hunting, leatherwork and competing in regional black powder cartridge matches each year.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites the public to congratulate Wieseler on his new position and join it in welcoming Hipp to the Cody community.