At the close of 2024 and the promise of a new year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reflects on the continued efforts to manage Wyoming’s wildlife and serve the public. There were some significant changes last year, including a new wildlife chief and deputy directors, the retirement of former Director Brian Nesvik and the appointment of Game and Fish’s first female Director, Angi Bruce, Game and Fish maintains its commitment to conserving wildlife for generations to come.
“2024 brought both challenges and successes,” said Angi Bruce, Director of Game and Fish. “It always helps to reflect on the previous year to better prepare for the future. I consistently find reasons to be proud of our people and their work, and I’m confident that we will continue to serve Wyoming and do what’s best for wildlife.”
Here are some of the top stories, events and highlights from 2024.
Our website got a new look
Game and Fish launched a new website, focusing on functionality and accessibility for the public. Since its premiere in April 2024, more than a million people have visited the site, and page views total more than 5.5 million. A Fish and Wildlife Agency Digital Experience Assessment scored the site above the national average in performance, accessibility and best practices.
Communities connected about mule deer
Mule deer were one of the top conversation topics in 2024. Regional Game and Fish personnel met with members of the public in 35 communities for 37 informal meetings about the future of mule deer in Wyoming. Discussion topics ranged from habitat and hunting to predators and winter conditions. The results of these meetings will be compiled and analyzed by wildlife managers this year.
Wildfires affected communities and wildlife across northern Wyoming
Fall brought wildfires to large areas in the Jackson, Cody and Sheridan regions. Wildlife and habitat suffered, and communities continue to deal with the effects. However, wildlife managers are making the best of the aftermath where possible by improving fencing to be wildlife-friendly and reducing the impacts of invasive species like cheatgrass.
Partnerships flourished in 2024
Gov. Mark Gordon, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and many of Wyoming’s conservation leaders came together in May for the inaugural Wyoming Sportsperson’s Conservation Forum. Topics included invasive species, habitat conservation, wildlife crossings, mule deer management and public involvement in wildlife policy.
Partners also came together to fund the Kemmerer wildlife crossing project, scheduled to begin construction in summer 2025. The project is possible thanks to a $24.3 million Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program discretionary grant from the Federal Highway Administration. WYDOT, the Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and other nonprofits and partners contributed $8.8 million to fully fund the project.
Serving the public both in schools and at camp
Inspiring a conservation ethic in youth and adults continues to be a priority for the department. Educational programs in the classroom and beyond were expanded in 2024, including Trout in the Classroom, the National Archery in Schools Program and Hunter Education in Schools. These three programs reached a combined 3,954 students across the state in the past year. An additional 30,600 people were reached with Game and Fish education programs statewide through events and other classroom-based educational programs. The Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp launched its first-ever collegiate camp for young adults interested in conservation careers and added a third Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) camp, Beyond BOW, which focused on fly-fishing. Through these camps and seven others geared toward youth and families, 253 people were able to experience hands-on conservation learning. Women continue to be underrepresented in the hunting and angling populations, so these opportunities are critical to bolstering their involvement in conservation for generations to come.
Habitat remains a priority
Quality habitat is a cornerstone of wildlife management, and Game and Fish continues to keep habitat in focus. Investing in sound habitat builds a resilient landscape that allows wildlife to withstand the highs and lows of water availability and harsh winters. In 2024, Game and Fish treated more than 80,704 acres to prevent invasive annual grasses and completed hundreds of on-the-ground projects to maintain and improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Aquatic invasive species threat remains, but prevention measures are working
In 2024, Wyoming faced an increased risk from aquatic invasive species but remains free of invasive mussels. Over the inspection season, staff inspected more than 78,000 boats to protect the state’s waters from invasive aquatic plants and animals. Of those inspections, more than 6,000 were considered high-risk — the highest number since the AIS program was established in 2010 by the Wyoming Legislature. Keeping Wyoming waters clean and invasive-free is a significant undertaking that benefits all Wyoming residents and visiting anglers.
Game and Fish Laboratory
Testing and data collection are key to effective wildlife management. Services conducted at the Wyoming Game and Fish Laboratory in 2024 include fish health inspections and disease diagnostics for state and private aquaculture facilities and natural waters in Wyoming, forensic analyses for wildlife law enforcement personnel, tooth aging for biologists and hunters and other analytical services for management and enforcement personnel. A total of 33,048 tests were conducted on 30,026 samples in response to 68 forensic, 81 fish health and 4,215 big and trophy game teeth aging requests. Of the 5,159 animals tested for CWD in 2024, 708 tested positive for the disease.
Be the first to comment