September 2024 - 3

turkey and catch a cutthroat trout, and have
a reasonable chance of seeing a grizzly bear, a
white-tailed deer and a gray partridge - all
in the same place. 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 based 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
Wildlife | 3
Working in Wyoming's remote backcountry was one of the highlights of Nesvik's career with the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department. (WGFD photo)
When Nesvik became director of Game and Fish, his top priority was to help kids get outside. He is pictured here speaking at
a press conference on the collaborative conservation education initiative with Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan
Degenfelder, Governor Mark Gordon and U.S. Senator John Barrasso. (Photo by Patrick Owen/WGFD)
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.
Wyoming Wildlife | 3

September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024