Wyo Game and Fish recognizes landowners for partnerships in providing access

During the Wyoming Natural Resources Rendezvous in Casper in early December, the Wyoming Board of Agriculture, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Wyoming Wildlife Foundation applauded four landowners around the state of Wyoming for their dedication providing access to or through their lands for hunters and anglers. 

“We are blessed to live in a state with such amazing wildlife resources,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Commission President Keith Culver. “Ag is the key that makes this all work by providing access to open spaces to utilize that resource.” 

Landowners are recognized from across the state each year for providing access and are presented with a $2,000 check. 

Southwest

Representing the southwest corner of the state, Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) Andy Henchman recognized the Faddis Ranch, which sits northeast of Evanston.

“Their ranch adjoins public lands,” Henchman said. “Last year, they issued 630 permission slips on the Medicine Butte Hunter Management Area.” 

Through this action, the Faddis family provides access to approximately 3,300 private and public acres. 

“The Faddis family has been active in the access program for 15 years,” Henchman said. “They stand out as people who are trying to make a difference.”  

Northwest

Fourth-generation farmers Fred and Carrie Hopkin were also recognized for providing access to their property near the Shoshone River south of Byron. The 5,500 acres of the farm provide wildlife habitat, and nearly 3,500 acres of the property is enrolled in walk-in hunting and fishing programs. 

“The farm provides year-round use for hunting and fishing recreation to sportsmen and sportswomen,” WGFD says. “They have always been a friend and advocate to Wyoming and its wildlife.”

Northeast

John and Vanessa Buyok of Buyok Ranch north of Sheridan were recognized for their willingness to allow access for hunting of a wide variety of game species, birds, predators and prairie dogs. 

The family has also enrolled 800 acres of their ranch in the Access Yes Walk-In hunting program, and they have placed a conservation easement on their property to protect their land from development. 

“The Buyoks have a positive attitude towards sportsmen and wildlife,” said WGFD.

Southeast

Farthing Ranch, which sits in the Laramie range, includes more than 50,000 acres managed by Charlie and Carol Farthing. 

Jason Triplett of WGFD noted, while the family is not a member of formal access programs, they have actively facilitated hunter access on their land for many years, including the Iron Mountain Hunt Management Area. 

“The Farthings remain a willing cooperator even after their neighbors were no longer involved,” Triplett said. 

The property is the core of Antelope Hunt Area 38, and they welcome 50 Elk Hunt Area 6 hunters annually on a first-call, first-hunt basis. 

“Additionally, they have welcomed WGFD Hunt Management Coordinators during the past few years when the program has been available to help supplement elk harvest activities in the area,” he added. 

Wyoming Game and Fish Project Coordinator Mark Nelson said the Access Recognition Program is a way to show appreciation for landowners who allow sportsmen and women on their property to hunt or fish. 
“We extend a hearty thank you to these landowners. Thanks to them, there are more places for individuals and families to get outside to enjoy wildlife and hunt and fish in Wyoming, in addition to helping WGFD manage the state’s wildlife resources,” Nelson said.

This article was compiled by Saige Albert, managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, compiled this information from the Landowner Access Awards Presentation and press releases from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.