Individuals honored at WSGA awards luncheon
This year, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) hosted its Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper on Dec. 11, where several individuals were honored at an annual awards luncheon.
Every year, WSGA joins the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) to recognize law enforcement officers who have assisted producers over the past year.
Additionally, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the Wyoming Board of Agriculture recognize landowners who contribute to Wyoming’s hunting and fishing tradition and who are enrolled in the department’s Access Yes Program.
Law enforcement recognition award
“Unfortunately, our deputies could not make it due to weather, but we still would like to honor Weston County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brice Remus,” WLSB Director Steve True stated.
Remus was nominated for his service to the Wyoming livestock industry by WLSB Senior Criminal Investigator Chris Strang.
“I have known and worked with Remus for over three years, and he approaches law enforcement with a calm, fair and commonsense demeanor,” True read from Strang’s nomination letter.
“Remus has dedicated his time and efforts to serve the livestock industry in Wyoming and in neighboring states,” the letter further noted. “He is proactive in his efforts to curtail livestock theft by conducting livestock checks and contacting producers throughout his area.”
Remus works under the leadership of Weston County Sherriff Bryan Colvard to provide a safe environment for community members of Weston County.
WLSB recently celebrated the retirement of WLSB Investigator Joel Senior and welcomed his replacement, WLSB Criminal Investigator Cody Meyers of Casper.
Currently, WLSB has 11 counties participating in the memorandum of understanding between the livestock board and local sheriff’s offices and are involved in negotiations to add another county.
Access Yes Program awards
WGFD President Richard Ladwig took to the podium to introduce the Access Yes Program which works with landowners to provide free hunting and fishing opportunities on private and inaccessible public lands.
“Access to private land is critical to the stateʼs management of wildlife,” Ladwig stated. “Approximately one-half of our state is in private lands, and providing access allows the state to manage its big game populations and ensures the continuation of hunting and fishing across our state.”
He added, “This award is an opportunity for us to say thank you to the individuals who participate in this program and allow hunting on their land. Without them, Wyoming wouldn’t be Wyoming.”
WGFD Access Yes Coordinator Troy Tobiasson honored this yearʼs northeast quadrant winner, Blair and Tami Bishop of Campbell County.
The Bishops are part owners of Bishop Land and Livestock, and their ranch includes rolling hills and timber covered ridges, as well as several large riparian areas where they raise cattle and provide quality habitat for elk, antelope, white-tailed deer and numerous upland game birds.
“The ranch was purchased by Blair’s grandparents in 1916, and growing up on the ranch and being a good steward of the land was instilled in him from a young age,” stated the presentation video of the family. “Blair has always believed people needed a place to hunt, and they should be able to experience the wild places Wyoming has to offer.”
The Bishops were one of the first families in Campbell County to participate in the program and have been enrolled ever since.
WGFD Access Yes Coordinator Spencer Carstens of Cody honored the northwestern quadrant winner HooDoo Land Holdings and President J.D. Radakovich.
HooDoo Land Holdings operates multiple ranches across the Cody region, with most of the land being enrolled in the WGFD Access Yes Program.
“Being among the first to participate in their region, the multiple properties managed by different individuals are all overseen by Radakovich,” states the presentation.
HooDoo Land Holdingsʼ properties are exceptionally managed and operated for cattle and agricultural production while still maintaining a high-quality wildlife habitat.
WGFD Southwest Access Yes Coordinator Andy Countryman presented his regional award to the Julian family.
In 2006, the family enrolled in the Access Yes Program in Lincoln County and has been open to antelope, deer, elk and other small game hunting.
“The walk-in hunting area not only allows access on the private-deeded land but has enhanced hunting on nearby public lands,” stated the presentation. “The Julian family’s willingness to go above and beyond to ensure hunting is successful in the area is why this family stands out.”
Without the generosity of these landowners, passing down outdoor heritage in Wyoming may be lost.
Tobiasson presented the final award to the southeastern quadrant Access Yes Program winner, The Condict Ranch, LLC.
The Condict Ranch, LLC is located approximately 12 miles outside of Saratoga and has been enrolled in the program for over 10 years.
According to the presentation, “The Condict family’s relationship with WGFD has been helpful and beneficial to the community.”
Over the years, the family has allowed the department to conduct multiple surveys on mule deer, elk, moose and other animals on their land.
“The family has gone above and beyond to provide the public with ample opportunities to hunt in the region,” the presentation further noted.
To conclude the annual awards luncheon, WSGA Young Producers Assembly President Ty Espy honored WSGA Region Three Vice President and mentor Leif Hanson for all of his support to young producers.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
