1. As Wyomingites, we have more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our wildlife than
almost anywhere else in North America. Wyoming is home to over 800 animal
species from iconic species like mule deer to pika, sage grouse, and cutthroat trout. A
rapidly changing world presents a challenging world for wildlife. The management of
these species is complicated involving; habitat alteration, disease, research, conflicts with
humans, harassment, poaching and educating the public about wildlife and its
conservation. Your state Game and Fish Department is charged with managing our
wildlife in this ever complex and ever changing world. The agency has 165 biologists
and wardens that cover almost 98,000 square miles. Unlike most state agencies, the
Game and Fish Department does not depend on tax revenues. Eighty percent (80%) of
their revenue comes from sportsmen's dollars, and sportsmen only make up about 15% of
Wyoming’s hunting/angling public. Only six (6%) of their funding comes from the
State’s General fund and those monies are used for specific programs. This funding
formula is not keeping pace with the cost of inflation and complex wildlife management,
leaving our wildlife vulnerable at a critical time. Recent cuts to the Game and Fish
Department budget equals lost wildlife related opportunities for you.
Wyoming is home to complex wildlife issues partly because of the species we manage,
including the wolf, sage-grouse and grizzly bear. Several are currently protected under
the Endangered Species Act. Today, these complex wildlife management issues cannot
be solved without the guidance and support of the Wyoming Game and Fish
Commission, Legislators, and the public. None of these are mutually exclusive; they can
and do work together in many ways. Many things contribute to the complexities of
wildlife management including weather, land development, diseases, federal and local
policies and a mix of land use practices. As members of the public, we have the
opportunity to participate and voice opinions regarding licensing decisions, herd
management numbers and the general management of wildlife. It is important to let
decision makers know that we are willing to be part of the solution, which may include
paying more for license fees. Our wildlife needs our help to grow and thrive.
Why is wildlife conservation so important? Our own survival as a species is dependent
on the preservation of bio-diversity. Bio-diversity is extremely important to people and
the health of landscapes. Species diversity, both plant and animal, equates to landscape
stability. Although many of us feel Wyoming would not be the state we love without the
diverse wildlife it supports, it is important to recognize the value wildlife also has to
industries including tourism.
Tourism in Wyoming created 31,510 jobs and totaled $3.33 billion in revenue. Hunting,
fishing, and outdoor recreation are sustainable economic activities contributing an
additional $1.1 billion in revenue that can provide stability for rural communities. Our
wildlife is a precious resource and should be managed and valued as such. Wildlife
numbers are impacted by a number of factors, but are sustainable and dependable with
little boom-and-bust. If they are managed properly we can continue to enjoy the
countless opportunities this invaluable resource offers to us, the nation, and the world.
A properly funded Game and Fish Department is key to this effort. People talk a lot about
the importance of states’ rights. An adequately funded Game and Fish Department
equates to state’s rights for control and management of Wyoming’s wildlife, by
Wyomingites . Our wildlife provides us with endless high quality outdoor experiences.
It’s time for the citizens of Wyoming to advocate on wildlife’s behalf.