Governor Gordon spoke to more than 100 hunters, anglers and public lands supporters the night of Feb. 13 in Cheyenne at the Wyoming Sportsmen’s Legislative Reception, hosted by the Wyoming Wildlife Federation alongside 13 supporting sportsmen and conservation groups. The Governor recognized the efforts of the growing ‘Camo at the Capitol’ contingency, thanking them for being solution-oriented and for working to bring a united voice to Wyoming’s sportsperson issues. 

“We need to remember how important it is to work together – not only for landowners but for the wildlife and other things we love. That is key,” Governor Gordon said. “The state needs to remember that, and you are the voice reminding them…Wyoming knows how to take care of its land and has hunters that understand…the balance between excellent hunting, fishing wildlife, wildlife viewing, and excellence of our energy industry and recreational opportunities. And the fact is we can do all of that and have industry growth, too.” 

In his remarks, the Governor underscored the importance of the Legislature and sportsmen supporting grants for landscape-level invasive grass treatments to help recover following the 2024 fire season, one of his main priorities for the 2025 Legislative session. He also spoke optimistically about the Department of Interior’s leadership team and the opportunities  Wyoming will have to move forward with land management, endangered species, and conservation issues. 

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce spoke following the Governor, underscoring the Governor’s comments.

“Let’s continue to be collaborative and let’s continue to lead. The time is right for Wyoming to lean in and continue with more big things…wildlife management in the hands of the Department, improving habitat quality, finding ways to keep wide-open space and working lands, and decreasing the long list of issues that face our state,” Director Bruce said. “Thinking big is creating more hunters and anglers and increasing the understanding of and appreciation for hunting to build strong support for wildlife management in the next generation.”

Bob Budd, Director of the Wyoming Natural Resources Trust Fund, supported the Governor’s message on invasive treatments, and emphasized Wyoming’s heritage of preserving and improving habitat.

“The challenges to our habitat are a challenge to us as people, as a community, which Wyoming still is…We have a social obligation to our neighbors, and to take care of the land we live on and the lands we love and to protect it and pay it forward,” said Director Budd. 

Governor Gordon also sat down with Joshua Coursey, Director of the Muley Fanatic Foundation (MFF), for a recording of Wild Things & Wild Places, the MFF podcast that discusses conservation issues such as mule deer, hunting, and sound wildlife management. Coursey interviewed the Governor about his views on the work of the 68th Legislature and what he looks for when considering legislation that arrives at his desk. This is the first appearance on the podcast for the Governor, who is an avid hunter and outdoorsmen. The episode was released February 18.

The Governor is looking forward to the Second Annual Wyoming Sportsperson Conservation Forum, planned for May 21 in Dubois. Governor Gordon will co-host the event with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, with topics focused on the state's most critical conservation issues and panelists that will include Wyoming leadership, stakeholders and conservation groups. More information about the Forum will be available in coming weeks.