Wyoming Game and Fish Sets Interim Priorities Around Habitat, Access and Science

Wyoming hunters and anglers have every reason to watch a leadership change at Game and Fish closely. Agency names on letterhead do not mean much if the priorities drift away from habitat, access and sound wildlife management.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department held a press conference Aug. 24 after Eric Wiltanger stepped in as interim director on Aug. 10 following the former director’s resignation. Wiltanger said the department will keep focusing on terrestrial and aquatic habitat restoration, landowner partnerships, mule deer conservation and public access.

He also pointed to movement corridors, disease, invasive species and decisions grounded in the best available science. That is the right lane for a wildlife agency. Healthy herds and fisheries do not come from politics, slogans or wishful thinking. They come from habitat, migration routes, disease work, enforcement, access agreements and biologists willing to follow the data.

There were internal changes too. Chief Game Warden Dan Smith is moving into the interim deputy director of internal affairs role, and Craig Smith will serve as interim wildlife division chief and chief game warden. The interim team is expected to remain through the election cycle before the normal appointment process plays out.

The public should hold them to the words. Wyoming’s wildlife is too valuable to manage by inertia. Keep the habitat work moving, keep access in the conversation, back the wardens and biologists, and make sure hunters and fishermen stay at the table.