A new year is the customary time to reflect on where we have been, analyze where we are and look ahead for new opportunities. For the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the new year marks a time for reflection, new goals and resolutions to make a difference. As I look back at 2023, there are a number of great achievements to celebrate as we look ahead at what more can be done for our state's wildlife and citizens. I am fortunate to lead a team that is passionate about our mission and has the talent and dedication to accomplish big things. Our projects were the result of hard work, support and funding from a variety of committed partners. 

A few notable accomplishments over the last year include:

• Access

  • Pitcher-Brokaw Public Access Area: In a collaborative effort between multiple partners and funds raised from the sale of conservation stamps, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission worked to ensure sportspeople have continued access to BLM and U.S. Forest property for a two-decade term. 

  • Jelm Wildlife Habitat Management Area: Game and Fish expanded the Jelm WHMA in Albany County by acquiring an additional 459.71 acres. The expansion not only benefits hunters and anglers but also ensures that big game animals have access to more quality habitat in the area.

• Mule Deer

  • Mule Deer Monitoring Project: Wildlife managers collared more than 1,000 mule deer from five focal herds throughout the state as part of a five-year study. The collars have generated thousands of data points and are already providing valuable information to help wildlife managers make important decisions for mule deer. 

• Habitat

  • Treated more than 50,000 acres to prevent invasive annual grasses. 

  • Conducted 538 fish and wildlife habitat reviews with recommendations to minimize impacts provided on federal land management projects, new developments and state land leases throughout the state. 

  • Through a new partnership with the US Department of Agriculture, significant financial resources were directed towards wildlife conservation in priority areas around the state. 

• Wildlife crossings

  • Dry Piney project: This project was completed in October 2023. It includes nine underpasses and more than 16 miles of fencing to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. 

  • Kemmerer project: The State of Wyoming received a $24.3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a wildlife crossing on US Highway 189. The project was made possible through strong partnerships with the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, the WYldlife Fund and local conservation groups. 

  • I-25 Kaycee-to-Buffalo: This project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. This 16-mile span of road is the second-most deadly section of interstate in Wyoming for wildlife. Based on deer movement data, managers identified the best solution to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions is to funnel deer to existing underpasses, bridges and culverts between mileposts. 

• Inspire a Kid

  • Certified more than 3,500 individuals in hunter education in 2023. More than 60 percent of these participants have been youth. 

  • Conducted 298 outreach and education programs, reaching more than 21,000 people.

  • Starting this year, Wyoming youth will have the opportunity to participate in Trout in the Classroom, National Archery in the Schools Program and expanded opportunities to complete their hunter education. 

• Fish

  • Stocking: More than 6.5 million fish stocked across Wyoming for anglers to enjoy. 

  • Boat inspections: Personnel inspected more than 73,578 boats for aquatic invasive species, more than 7,415 of which were high-risk boats. Through these inspections, AIS inspectors found 64 boats with invasive mussels and prevented them from infecting Wyoming's waters. 

  • Speas cool-warm water facility: Fisheries biologists are in the starting stages of constructing a cool-warm water facility at Dan Speas Fish Hatchery in Casper. The facility will provide the ability to rear fish such as walleye and channel catfish to meet angler demands and reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species from being unintentionally introduced through fish importation.

• Sublette antelope migration corridor

  • Regional wildlife biologists and game wardens in the Pinedale, Jackson and Green River regions are moving forward in the identification process for the Sublette antelope migration corridor. Moving forward in the process is an important step in managing vital antelope habitat in western Wyoming.

Funding

• More than $100 million was spent on programs, priorities and projects to benefit fish and wildlife in Wyoming.

There are countless other projects, initiatives and ongoing programs I haven't mentioned that create large and small impacts for Wyoming. Conservation is truly a state effort. 

It’s important to recognize the challenges wildlife managers and many of our big game animals faced this past year in regard to the harsh winter conditions. The public can rest assured that moving forward we are looking hard at where to prioritize our resources to meet the most important needs of our impacted wildlife. 

Looking ahead, all Wyomingites and visitors of this great state can expect Game and Fish to continue working to protect our waters from invasive species, improve habitat, invest in our kids, provide more access and stock a wide variety of sportfish. With continued support, we can continue to do great things. Happy New Year