Wyoming Wildlife May 2024 - 34

The Laramie Region fisheries crew electrofishes the Laramie River to collect hornyhead chub for relocation into the Sweetwater River. (WGFD photo)
O
n any given day in the Cowboy State, you could
encounter a green truck on the interstate or along
a highway. Behind the wheel, you'll see a flash of
red - the shirt of a Wyoming Game and Fish Department game
warden. Few jobs in the state are as iconic. While the game
warden wearing a red shirt checking hunters in the field is the
image most people have of Game and Fish, there are numerous
career paths at the department.
For more than a century, Game and Fish has been
managing the state's premier wildlife resources. While
the department began primarily to enforce hunting
and fishing laws, its role has expanded dramatically.
Today, the department is responsible for managing
more than 800 species of fish and wildlife - about
100 of which are considered game species that hunters
and anglers pursue. The department employs a
dedicated, professional and passionate statewide staff
of 403 individuals who help fulfill our mission of
conserving wildlife and serving people.
Some career paths are hands-on, field-based positions
such as fish and wildlife biologists. Others
focus on the business end of hunting and fishing,
such as positions in accounting, customer service or
information technology. Other career paths, such
as positions in information or conservation education,
are designed to help ensure hunting, fishing
34 | May 2024
and Wyoming's outdoor heritage continue into
the future. The department also has openings for
temporary seasonal and intern positions every year.
Working for Game and Fish is a chance to have
a fulfilling career surrounded by some of the most
talented people in the wildlife and conservation
industry. For those passionate about wildlife, working
in Wyoming means working with some of the
continent's most majestic wildlife, in some of the
most striking settings.
NONGAME
When Wyoming became a state in 1890, big
game species were in decline and only a few hundred
wild bison roamed the landscape. Today, we
get to enjoy some of the best hunting and wildlife
viewing in the world thanks to the commitment
of Wyoming citizens and dedicated conservation
efforts by wildlife professionals who are responsible
for managing the wildlife in our state, 450 of which
are nongame animals.
About 70 percent of Wyoming's birds, mammals,
reptiles and amphibians are classified as nongame
animals. These are animals that cannot be hunted
or fished. They include all sorts of creatures from
the black-footed ferret to the Wyoming toad, and
interesting-looking fish like the hornyhead chub.
These animals might not be as well known as animals
like deer and trout, but they're just as important.
Nongame animals play essential roles within the
ecosystem and serve as predators, prey, pollinators
and so much more.

Wyoming Wildlife May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Wyoming Wildlife May 2024