The Wyoming Game Wardens Association was formed in 1973 for the purpose of furnishing a medium for good fellowship and loyalty to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and fellow officers, effectively maintaining the wildlife resources of the State, promoting a more efficient and able force of wardens and to meet our responsibilities and problems collectively. The Association is classified as a nonprofit charitable organization for tax purposes.

Since 1985, the Wyoming Game Wardens Association has had the ability to provide financial assistance to various charitable organizations, programs designed to enhance outdoor awareness to school age children, research designed to improve wildlife law enforcement, handicapped hunter assistance, scholarship programs and memorial funds. Total contributions have exceeded $200,000 since 1985.

Membership to the Wyoming Game Wardens Association is comprised of all commissioned Wyoming Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers (86), retired officers and associate members. Current membership is now at 156.

MISSION OF THE WGWA

To promote and perpetuate the traditions, duty, responsibilities and role of the Wyoming Game Warden. To advocate the continued status of the Game Warden position as a multi-purpose wildlife professional serving as a law enforcement officer, wildlife manager and liaison between wildlife constituents and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. To honor those who have served before by upholding applicable traditions and developing new methods to address evolving environments and constituents. To advocate for the continued development and advancement of the wildlife investigative unit and those officers who serve on the unit. To advocate through it’s membership, the concept of sustaining the honor, respect and reputation of the Wyoming Game Warden and all Wyoming Game & Fish Law Enforcement Officers through service to wildlife and the people of the State of Wyoming.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
February 9, 2010

I am hopeful that the recent completion of fall hunting seasons generated great memories and experiences for all who partook. Wyoming Wardens had a normal (if there is such a thing) fall for the most part with unique weather conditions creating the majority of challenges for hunters and wardens. Early and deep snows slowed big game harvest in much of the state with later hunts proving more successful. Our wardens report that, on average, violation rates were similar to past seasons or possibly a little lower.

The season setting process is fast approaching and I encourage all of those interested the results of this year’s season setting process, to get involved in the process and voice your recommendations, observations and concerns. In many areas of the state, hunter participation in the process is minimal. Involvement by other interests often times overshadows the concerns of the common Wyoming hunter. The process established by the Department and the Commission encourages all interested constituents to become involved.

The legislative session is quickly approaching and the Association has one particular issue of concern. This concern relates directly to the state’s approach to combating aquatic invasive species. Wyoming is lucky to be one of the Western states not yet plagued with this problem. These non-native invasive mollusks and crustaceans have the potential to create significant damage to Wyoming’s waterways, fisheries and infrastructure. They are primarily spread by boats and vessels that come from other areas where these pests exist.

The Department and the WGWA are making a concerted effort to recommend solutions and preventative measures to Wyoming’s legislature as they consider the problem and its potential negative affects. We are hopeful that legislation is passed that sets Wyoming on a path of preventing a problem before it happens.

Lastly, I would like to remind Wyoming’s youth of the up and coming deadline of March 1st to submit applications for one of the 14 WGWA scholarships available this year. You can obtain and submit your applications to your guidance counselor at your high school.

STOP POACHING # 1-877-WGFD TIP

South Pinedale Game Warden Brian Nesvik conducting
horse training for Wyoming wardens and biologists

2008 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT – Brian Nesvik – Pinedale Game Warden
VICE PRESIDENT – Craig Smith – Wheatland Game Warden
SECRETARY – Jason Sherwood – Laramie Access Coordinator
TREASURER – John Demaree, Laramie Investigator
EXECUTIVE OFFICER – Mark Nelson, Cheyenne Game Warden
REGION 1 DIRECTOR – Brad Hovinga, Big Piney Game Warden
REGION 2 DIRECTOR – Craig Sax, Cody Game Warden
REGION 3 DIRECTOR – Irah Leonetti, Gillette Game Warden
REGION 4 DIRECTOR – Brian Baker, Evanston Game Warden
REGION 5 DIRECTOR – Jason Hunter, Medicine Bow Game Warden
REGION 6 DIRECTOR – Bill Brinegar, Rawlins Game Warden
REGION 7 DIRECTOR – Gary Boyd, Glenrock Game Warden

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

NAWEOA/WLEA MEMORIAL – Joe Gilbert
HISTORIAN – Roger Bredehoft
HOUSING – Bruce Scigliano
WORKLOAD ANALYSIS – Bruce Scigliano, Mark Nelson, Scott Browning, Alan Osterland
PARADES – Brian Nesvik
RETIREMENT – Ron Iversen
UNIFORM – Dave Hays
EXPO – Aaron Kerr, Rod Lebert
HEALTH INSURANCE – Carol Havlik
LEGISLATIVE – Roger Bredehoft, Mark Nelson, Bill Haley
COMPENSATION - Bob Trebelcock, Alan Osterland, Bruce Scigliano, Todd Graham, Mark Nelson
POACH COACH – Rod Lebert, Gary Boyd
WEB SITE – John Demaree, Mark Nelson
FALLEN OFFICER LIAISON – Brian Nesvik (Chair)
     Region 1 – Brad Hovinga
     Region 2 – Craig Sax
     Region 3 – Irah Leonetti
     Region 4 – Rick King
     Region 5 – Adam Hymas
     Region 6 – Chris Daubin
     Region 7 – Gary Boyd
     Statewide - Carol Havlik, Daniel Beach, Rod Lebert, Lin Bashford

Jeff Smith, Laramie Supervisor	Game wardens and biologists 2008 Horse Training graduate class, Douglas, Wyoming

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing Address: WGWA, P.O. Box 1241, Laramie, WY 82073

Email Address: info@wyominggamewardens.com