Seven landowners from across the state were recognized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department with the 2018 Landowner of the Year Awards. These awards are for outstanding practices in wildlife management, habitat improvement, access for hunters and anglers and conservation techniques by these individuals and families.
In Wyoming half of all land is privately owned, which means that landowners have a significant impact on wildlife conservation. With that in mind, each year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Department acknowledge Wyoming landowners’ conservation efforts. These landowners also cooperate with Game and Fish to provide access to hunters and anglers on their properties. Award recipients are nominated by Game and Fish employees and selected by the regional leadership teams as model citizens for the conservation, ethical use and stewardship of Wyoming’s natural resources. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partnered in supporting the 2018 awards banquet.
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Scott Talbott said the Landowner of the Year award is a way to say thanks to landowners. “The landowners in our state contribute to wildlife management in many ways. Landowners preserve critical migration corridors, they improve habitat through costly enhancement projects, and they provide important access which allows for our hunting and fishing to continue into the future. These landowners are more than ranchers or farmers, they are key partners with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in conserving wildlife for generations to come.”
Landowners who received recognition this year are:
- Jason and Maureen Oedekoven, Oedekoven Ranch
- Alan and Deanna Siggins, Siggins Polled Herefords
- Ranch Managers Lissa and Justin Howe and Activities Coordinator Benjy Duke, A Bar A Ranch and Ranch Manager Mark Dunning, Big Creek Ranch
- Ranch Manager Roy Wolaver, Fayette Ranch
- Alfred (posthumously) and Shirley Thoman, Thoman Ranch
- Bud and Betty Jean Reed, 77 Ranch
- The Fox Family, Bitterroot Ranch