#landerbiz, brought to you by the Lander Chamber of Commerce, shares the stories of the local movers and shakers of our Fremont County economy.
(Lander, WY) – After 24 years of working in the oilfield, lifelong Landerite Shane Lesher has started a new venture – wild game processing.
While this new business wasn’t out of the blue, it just opened sooner than planned.
This past fall was his first official processing season and even though the opening came down to the wire, all of his initial goals were surpassed.
Shane shared he was laid off this past spring and saw the writing on the wall with the oilfields and was ready for a change.
Between May and August he was able to get the business up and going at his home in Lander.
“Instead of driving 10-12 hours to work, I just walk outside,” he shared about his new commute.
He had been purchasing meat processing equipment for a few years with plans for an early, semi-retirement at 50.
Aside from a seasonal retirement business, Shane had other motives behind it: creating a family business and filling a need in Lander.
He explained his son really enjoyed working there, and his wife Melissa is excited to be part of it as well.
In addition, this also fills a need in Lander, he continued.
“I’ve heard stories of people going clear to Thermopolis to get their meat processed. There is a need here.”
Shane attributes this first year going so smoothly to his mentor Jerry Bath, retired owner of JB’s Wild Wyoming.
His mission is to do a good job and at a fair price.
He is already expanding for the next season which is roughly from August 1st to January 1st.
He remains appointment only and can process all wild game. He also has a partnership with a cold storage place in Milford for anyone who wants to hang their game for a few days.
Those already looking ahead to the next hunting season or if you have additional questions, Shane can be reached at (307) 330-4068.