Environmental Stewardship
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In Wyoming, hunting and fishing are more than hobbies – these and other outdoor activities are a way of life.
The location of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Cheyenne is a source of pride and contributes to both the local economy and the protection of natural resources.
In addition to providing approximately 150 jobs for Cheyenne citizens, the headquarters building is a convenient location for people in Wyoming’s capital city to purchase licenses and gather resources on wildlife management. The department maintains approximately 413,000 acres of land under deed, lease or by agreement.
“Management of these lands demonstrates our state’s commitment to its precious wildlife heritage and those people who seek to enjoy our wildlife and wild lands,” says Teresa Cole, information and publications manager. “Wyoming’s wildlife habitat management areas provide crucial winter habitat for big game and important production areas for small birds and mammals.”
GFD has an access program designed to expand hunting opportunities to the public by forging agreements with landowners who control large expanses of Wyoming’s open spaces.
“These lands are managed by the landowner,” Cole says. “The excellent hunting and fishing opportunities available on private lands is a testimony to the land stewardship of those landowners.
Private lands play an integral role in sustaining wildlife diversity and populations in Wyoming.”
In close proximity to Cheyenne is The Springer Wildlife Habitat Management Area, which is considered to be one of the best pheasant and goose hunting areas in the state. Current management priorities for the Springer area are focused on geese, ducks and pheasants. Each fall, Game and Fish offers youth-only pheasant hunting days at Springer.
Seventeen walk-in hunting areas are open in Laramie County, offering big game hunting for antelope and deer, or other species such as rabbits, pheasants, doves and sharp-tailed grouse. Game wildlife also abounds in surrounding counties and includes elk, waterfowl and partridge.
Story by Brandon Lowe
Photo by Brian McCord
