2011 Summer
Pronghorn
I
must admit I have been remiss in welcoming and
saying adios to our Board of Directors as they
arrive and depart. Some of them have spent
several years as members of our board and some
a short time, but their contributions have been
many in the effort to protect wildlife,
wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing
privileges.
I would like to start by saying goodbye to Mark Winland (20-30 years), Gwyn McKee (10 years) and Dick Kroger (2 years). They have all served WWF's Board in various capacities. We wish them success in their new adventures.
In 2010, we had three new members join our board. First, Keith Gingery, a well-known member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Jackson who likes to fish, bike and participate in paddle sports. Then in April, Brianna Jones and Bill Wichers were elected to the board. Brianna recently graduated from the University of Wyoming and has a lifelong interest in wildlife and the outdoors. Bill Wichers is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, is a 33-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Now retired, Bill likes to fly fish and hunt birds. A belated welcome aboard to Keith, Bill and Brianna.
This year we had 5 new members join our Board of Directors, giving us a full board. IN March, Jim Whalen and Reg Rothwell were appointed to our board. Jim is a real estate consultant with 30 years of experience with the Wyoming Office of State Lands and investments. His experience will provide insight for the rest of the board into land exchanges and values. He enjoys fly-fishing, bicycling and hunting. Reg worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish department for many years before retiring and will bring his vast knowledge and experience to the board. Reg is an avid hunter, hiker, and skier.
Then, in May we had 3 new members elected to the Board of Directors - Armond Acri, Kevin Gosar and Casey Dean. Armond is serving his second go 'round on the Board of Directors, providing input thro
ugh his experience and abilities.
Armond likes to hunt waterfowl, while training
his two Labradors to hunt; he also likes
fishing, skiing and the backcountry. Kevin is
from Laramie and has a major concern regarding
erosion and stream habitat. Growing up in
Pinedale, he understands the impact that oil
and gas development has on wildlife in the
Pinedale area. Casey is from Pinedale and has
seen the results of poorly planned natural gas
development first-hand, including the decline
of the mule deer herd around Pinedale. We look
forward to Casey's knowledge regarding issues
facing wildlife around oil and gas development.
Casey likes bird hunting and fishing in the
wilds of Wyoming.
With three of the new directors being under the age of 30, we look forward to their youth and enthusiasm to help guide the Board toward younger people's concerns regarding wildlife and recreation needs. I'm sure other board members will listen to their opinions carefully. We look forward to their participation on the board for many years.
I want to welcome all 8 new board members to WWF's Board of Directors.
Lonnie Allred, President
For a couple of years now, I've spent
a lot of time talking about "The Home Place". I
love doing it. I get to talk about the things
that I love most in this world - my family and
the wild things and wild places of Wyoming. But
I'm not going to talk about it here. Let me
pause here for a collective sigh of relief from
our readers...Whew!
I probably won't be talking very much about the "Home Place" in the future. Instead, I'd like to talk about something that's been on my mind for almost a whole year now. Last summer, some friends asked me to talk with them about the role of hunters and anglers in the conservation in the 21st century. I liked the idea immediately. It gave me the opportunity to reflect a bit on some things that I think are important.
A century ago, my grandfather was spending much of his time horseback in Southern Wyoming, tending to the ranching business that supported his new family. His pocket diaries capture the events of the day in brief sentences: "Snowed and blew all day." "Went to Cokeville." "Moved John's band [of sheep] to Big Island." In large part, it's just a laconic account of his life, day in and day out. But he did record the event every time he saw an antelope. He never saw more than four or five at a time, and he didn't see them all that often. They were special.
I suspect my granddad was not unlike most of us. He was focused on what was closet to him - making a living. But he was also cognizant of what made his life, and for him (like his grandson) it was about being horseback in the high desert and mountains, seeing wildlife, hunting and fishing. He wasn't really part of the effort championed by hunters and anglers across America that began the restoration of America's wildlife. But he knew what was important. He knew intuitively what was special about the place he loved.
I think too often, we - hunters and anglers and people who love wildlife - are a lot like old Walt Gasson back in 1911. We become so involved in the day-to-day matter of living that we forget the things that make our life. We note only in passing the scope and the grandeur and the beauty of what makes this land so special. Let me suggest that in 2011, we cannot afford to be uninvolved. We cannot afford to stand idly by and watch the miracle wrought by Roosevelt, Pinchot and those other great conservationists of the last century gradually slip away. We - the men and women who know and cherish this wild legacy - must reclaim our rightful place at the forefront of wildlife and land use policy in America. Over the coming months, I'll be focusing on some things that form the pillars of wildlife conservation in America and how we might re-energize the movement that made this all possible. Stay tuned.
Walt Gasson, Executive Director
President's
Column
I would like to start by saying goodbye to Mark Winland (20-30 years), Gwyn McKee (10 years) and Dick Kroger (2 years). They have all served WWF's Board in various capacities. We wish them success in their new adventures.
In 2010, we had three new members join our board. First, Keith Gingery, a well-known member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Jackson who likes to fish, bike and participate in paddle sports. Then in April, Brianna Jones and Bill Wichers were elected to the board. Brianna recently graduated from the University of Wyoming and has a lifelong interest in wildlife and the outdoors. Bill Wichers is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, is a 33-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Now retired, Bill likes to fly fish and hunt birds. A belated welcome aboard to Keith, Bill and Brianna.
This year we had 5 new members join our Board of Directors, giving us a full board. IN March, Jim Whalen and Reg Rothwell were appointed to our board. Jim is a real estate consultant with 30 years of experience with the Wyoming Office of State Lands and investments. His experience will provide insight for the rest of the board into land exchanges and values. He enjoys fly-fishing, bicycling and hunting. Reg worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish department for many years before retiring and will bring his vast knowledge and experience to the board. Reg is an avid hunter, hiker, and skier.
Then, in May we had 3 new members elected to the Board of Directors - Armond Acri, Kevin Gosar and Casey Dean. Armond is serving his second go 'round on the Board of Directors, providing input thro
With three of the new directors being under the age of 30, we look forward to their youth and enthusiasm to help guide the Board toward younger people's concerns regarding wildlife and recreation needs. I'm sure other board members will listen to their opinions carefully. We look forward to their participation on the board for many years.
I want to welcome all 8 new board members to WWF's Board of Directors.
Lonnie Allred, President
Goodbye to the Home
Place
I probably won't be talking very much about the "Home Place" in the future. Instead, I'd like to talk about something that's been on my mind for almost a whole year now. Last summer, some friends asked me to talk with them about the role of hunters and anglers in the conservation in the 21st century. I liked the idea immediately. It gave me the opportunity to reflect a bit on some things that I think are important.
A century ago, my grandfather was spending much of his time horseback in Southern Wyoming, tending to the ranching business that supported his new family. His pocket diaries capture the events of the day in brief sentences: "Snowed and blew all day." "Went to Cokeville." "Moved John's band [of sheep] to Big Island." In large part, it's just a laconic account of his life, day in and day out. But he did record the event every time he saw an antelope. He never saw more than four or five at a time, and he didn't see them all that often. They were special.
I suspect my granddad was not unlike most of us. He was focused on what was closet to him - making a living. But he was also cognizant of what made his life, and for him (like his grandson) it was about being horseback in the high desert and mountains, seeing wildlife, hunting and fishing. He wasn't really part of the effort championed by hunters and anglers across America that began the restoration of America's wildlife. But he knew what was important. He knew intuitively what was special about the place he loved.
I think too often, we - hunters and anglers and people who love wildlife - are a lot like old Walt Gasson back in 1911. We become so involved in the day-to-day matter of living that we forget the things that make our life. We note only in passing the scope and the grandeur and the beauty of what makes this land so special. Let me suggest that in 2011, we cannot afford to be uninvolved. We cannot afford to stand idly by and watch the miracle wrought by Roosevelt, Pinchot and those other great conservationists of the last century gradually slip away. We - the men and women who know and cherish this wild legacy - must reclaim our rightful place at the forefront of wildlife and land use policy in America. Over the coming months, I'll be focusing on some things that form the pillars of wildlife conservation in America and how we might re-energize the movement that made this all possible. Stay tuned.
Walt Gasson, Executive Director
Restoration and
Recreation
Lilac bushes, green grass,and
applications for hunting licenses are telltale
signs that spring is here and summer is on its
way. As new growth sprouts along the landscape,
Wyomingites start planning for months of warm
weather. Whether dirtying your hands with a
restoration project or tying a fly to fish your
favorite stream, get out and enjoy the
landscape!
Wyoming Wildlife Federation's outdoor summer plans include two restoration projects: our annual fence removal and a collaborative Bridger-Teton National Forest project. Our annual hands-on fence removal will be in Carbon County this year and with your help, we will take down old barbed wire fences that create barriers for migrating wildlife. Watch for a postcard in the mail to learn more about this project. In early June, the Bridger Teton National Forest began a collaborative stakeholder restoration project to be developed for the Hams Fork area. This 74,000 acre landscape has a major pine bark beetle kill problem. A group has been created to discuss this issue. Elected officials, agencies, organizations, and citizens alike have a seat at the table to discuss what restoration projects should be placed into action. Improving habitat for wildlife is a worthwhile investment and we are glad to participate.
We love to work at enhanc
ing the landscape for wildlife, but
we also love experiencing the outdoors. Having
fun and recreating in Wyoming is what summer
memories are made of. Many opportunities are
available including the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department's Cutt-Slam. This challenges the
angler to catch all four cutthroat trout
sub-species in their native range. This is an
ideal way to get out, enjoy the day, and snap
those pictures. Visit http://gf.state.wy.us/services/customers/cuttslam/index.asp
to learn more. Also, read about Walt's
Cutt-Slam adventure below.
As you enjoy your summer with the family, we would love to hear about your experiences and see those pictures. Send us your memories at P.O. Box 106, Cheyenne, WY 82003 or email them to joybannon@wyomingwildlife.org. Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen!
Joy Bannon, Field Director
Wyoming Wildlife Federation's outdoor summer plans include two restoration projects: our annual fence removal and a collaborative Bridger-Teton National Forest project. Our annual hands-on fence removal will be in Carbon County this year and with your help, we will take down old barbed wire fences that create barriers for migrating wildlife. Watch for a postcard in the mail to learn more about this project. In early June, the Bridger Teton National Forest began a collaborative stakeholder restoration project to be developed for the Hams Fork area. This 74,000 acre landscape has a major pine bark beetle kill problem. A group has been created to discuss this issue. Elected officials, agencies, organizations, and citizens alike have a seat at the table to discuss what restoration projects should be placed into action. Improving habitat for wildlife is a worthwhile investment and we are glad to participate.
We love to work at enhanc
As you enjoy your summer with the family, we would love to hear about your experiences and see those pictures. Send us your memories at P.O. Box 106, Cheyenne, WY 82003 or email them to joybannon@wyomingwildlife.org. Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen!
Joy Bannon, Field Director
But,
Mom...
Lately, I have been
spending much of my spare time preparing to
apply for law school in the fall. Planning for
my future has me paying particular attention to
conversations related to youth retention, job
opportunities for young people in Wyoming and
ways young people are being encouraged to get
involved in their community. During a recent
discussion about community planning issues
ranging from wildlife management to protection
of agriculture lands, an offhand question
piqued my interest. "When have any of the older
folks of this state, asked a young person to
please stay or come back to contribute to the
state?" Taking it further, have they asked
those young people to get involved in the
future of their community?
This got me to thinking about my personal experiences and how they relate to my current work. Throughout high school my parents encouraged me to attend scoping meetings, provide comments and to stay engaged in what was happening around our community- specifically what was happening to our public lands. This is not to say that I went to every scoping meeting that my parents did - I have to admit I found these meetings about as interesting as watching grass grow. But I did choose to write comments on different projects as well as letters to our elected officials. I didn't just sign on to my parents' letters - my comments were separate from those of my parents. I continued to write while I was out of state going to school. I could go on and on about how engaging early has helped me in multiple facets of my life, but I understand how the public process really works, and even more importantly, I know I can be involved in the future of my community and our public lands.
Which brings me to my point: I would like all of those reading this to encourage the young people around you to engage in the public process. Ask your children to write their own comments during scoping periods and provide letters to officials; give them a voice in the public process. Young people of all ages can provide ideas on how they would like to see their public lands managed. After all, isn't part of the reason that you are writing comments to offer future generations the same hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities you were provided?
Easier said that done, yes I know. But young people are the future of Wyoming and getting us involved early is crucial to keeping us engaged as we grow older. Your request will probably be met with a few eye rolls or the time honored excuse, "...but, Mom, I am too busy!" But when the glory days of high school have faded and the young people of this state begin to look around at what we are being left with, we will wish we would have been more active in shaping our own future.
Courtney Amerine, Field Organizer
This got me to thinking about my personal experiences and how they relate to my current work. Throughout high school my parents encouraged me to attend scoping meetings, provide comments and to stay engaged in what was happening around our community- specifically what was happening to our public lands. This is not to say that I went to every scoping meeting that my parents did - I have to admit I found these meetings about as interesting as watching grass grow. But I did choose to write comments on different projects as well as letters to our elected officials. I didn't just sign on to my parents' letters - my comments were separate from those of my parents. I continued to write while I was out of state going to school. I could go on and on about how engaging early has helped me in multiple facets of my life, but I understand how the public process really works, and even more importantly, I know I can be involved in the future of my community and our public lands.
Which brings me to my point: I would like all of those reading this to encourage the young people around you to engage in the public process. Ask your children to write their own comments during scoping periods and provide letters to officials; give them a voice in the public process. Young people of all ages can provide ideas on how they would like to see their public lands managed. After all, isn't part of the reason that you are writing comments to offer future generations the same hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities you were provided?
Easier said that done, yes I know. But young people are the future of Wyoming and getting us involved early is crucial to keeping us engaged as we grow older. Your request will probably be met with a few eye rolls or the time honored excuse, "...but, Mom, I am too busy!" But when the glory days of high school have faded and the young people of this state begin to look around at what we are being left with, we will wish we would have been more active in shaping our own future.
Courtney Amerine, Field Organizer
2011 Jesperson Award
Winner
2011 Dream Hunt Sweepstakes
Photos From Home
(Click below to enlarge)
WWF's 30th Annual Banquet
Meet the Coyote Brothers - our two
oldest grandchildren.
Obviously, they're not coyotes. And they're first cousins, not brothers. We started calling them that a couple years ago when we were antelope hunting. They're really good buddies, and as young men are prone to do at that age, they spend a lot of time mauling one another. Kim and I were watching them one morning as we were getting ready to head down the mountain in search of an antelope. They were too excited to eat, so they were wrestling instead. She said, "They're just like coyote pups. If they're not eating or sleeping, they're playing." From that time on, they've been the Coyote Brothers.
Over a year ago, Coyote Brother 1 (CB1) announced at a family dinner that he wanted to catch a Cutt-Slam. He loves fishing and he's as patient as a heron, so that didn't really surprise me. I was curious how he heard about the Cutt-Slam, and so I asked him about it. He told me he read about it somewhere and that it meant you had to catch all four subspecies of cutthroat trout in Wyoming, and he wanted to do it. Coyote Brother 2 (CB2) was immediately in, figuring that it had to be a good thing if CB1 and fishing were involved.
Fast forward to July 4, 2010. Our Cutt-Slam Strike Force was assembled in a beautiful camp near the Tri-Basin Divide. CB1 remarked, "Excitement is in the air!" After much planning and discussion, the Old Gu
ys (OG1 and OG2) had decided that
this was a good spot. We could fish Labarge
Creek for Colorado River cutthroats, the Grey's
River for Snake River cutthroats, and the
Smith's Fork for Bonneville cutthroats - all
with a minimum of driving. The Sons (S2 and S3)
would be there to help CB1 and CB2. and maybe
even do some fishing themselves.
We were on the water at 7 AM. It was tough fishing, CB1 forgot to pack his fishing shoes, so he fished in Crocs. S3 managed to land a small cutt, but the CB's were fishless by noon. We went back to camp for lunch and some strategic planning. We decided to head over into Greys River and try to find more fish. It worked. We started seeing fish not far below the head of the Greys. S3 caught a nice cutt just below Poison Creek. We tried the Little Greys River, and hit a bonanza. Within 15 minutes, they were both catching fish.
We headed to Alpine and after eating
pretty much everything the cafe there had
available, we debated the idea of jouncing back
up the Greys River Road to camp. The idea
seemed unbearable, so we elected to drive all
the way to the head of Star Valley and take the
Smith's Fork Road because it would involve only
24 miles of gravel road, rather than 60+ miles.
On paper,it seemed like a wonderful idea. Even
in practice, it seemed good.It was a lovely
evening, we saw dozens of deer,a porcupine,
even a moose. The view from the head of Salt
River was fabulous.
But at 10 PM, with exhausted CBs and tired OGs and Ss, we hit milepost 21 out of 24. Actually, we didn't hit the milepost - it was off the side of the road. But we did hit snow - a snowslide blocking the road
. Not just a little "back up and give
'er hell" snowslide, either. It was at least
100 yards long and up to 6 feet deep,with
snapped off conifers and the whole nine yards.
We were five miles from camp, but rimrocked
sure as could be. Had the CBs not been so
tired, I would have walked them back. But as it
was, we had to go back out the 21 miles to the
highway, 50 more miles to Alpine, then up the
Greys for 62 more miles...It was a long night.
We got to camp at 2:00 AM.
We slept in a bit the next day. But after some sleep and a good breakfast, the
CBs were ready to go. You can't keep
a Coyote down for long. We went back to Labarge
Creek and were on the water by 10 AM. CB2 said,
"I caught my fish because S3 found a magic
spot. We had fun because at one point, OG1 was
carrying CB1 across the dam and accidentally
dropped him in the water. CB1 was just wearing
his Crocs, so his feet got a little wet!"
We were on Hobble Creek by 4 PM.This may be my favorite stream in Wyoming. It is simply breathtaking. We didn't have long to fish, so one OG and one S went with each CB to help as needed. The truth is they didn't need too much help, but S3 has a knack for finding fish when the chips are down. He located a deep hole with some pretty nice Bonnevilles hanging on the bottom. Surprisingly, the fish weren't all that finicky either. By dark, the Coyotes had both caught nice fish. CB2 said, "S3 caught a 20 in Bonneville cutthroat and then helped me and I caught an 18 inch fish. I just jumped for joy!! The next day, we got up and drove back to the cabin, packed up and drove home. It was a great trip!!" CB1 echoed the statement, "That was a really exciting and fun trip! I learned about how cool Wyoming is. My favorite part was hanging out with my Grandpa and Uncles. My favorite activity was TO FISH!!"
We still have one more fish to go.
We'll head to Dubois and if and when the water
goes down this summer for Yellowstone cutts.
But that quest is really just a means to an
end. In the final analysis, it isn't about
fishing. It's about cutthroats and cutthroat
habitat, sure. But maybe it's about something
more basic. On the way back to camp that night,
I thanked S2 and S3 for their role in this
whole adventure. S2 gave up his shot at a
Bonneville so that the CBs could fish. S3 sat
on that hole on Hobble Creek and patiently
coached the CBs until they could hook and land
a fish. These are really good men. They love
Wyoming and they love fishing. But I love
watching them teach boys to be men. Maybe
that's what it's really about.
Walt Gasson, Executive Director
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The Wyoming Wildlife
Federation is honored to annually award the
Dennis Jesperson Memorial Scholarship. This
$500 scholarship is awarded annually to an
outstanding student in wildlife conservation at
the University of Wyoming in Laramie. This
year, our recipient is Katie
Riggs.
Katie writes, "I'm from Bridgeport, NE,my major is Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management with an emphasis on Fisheries,and I plan on attending graduate school after graduation." She graduated with a BS in Wildlife Fish Biology & Management on May 7, 2011 with a GPA of 3.088. Her adviser is David McDonald.
Katie writes, "I'm from Bridgeport, NE,my major is Wildlife & Fisheries Biology & Management with an emphasis on Fisheries,and I plan on attending graduate school after graduation." She graduated with a BS in Wildlife Fish Biology & Management on May 7, 2011 with a GPA of 3.088. Her adviser is David McDonald.
2011 Dream Hunt Sweepstakes
Dear Wildlife Enthusiast,
As Wyoming's largest and oldest conservation organization, WWF was again fortunate to receive 100% fully transferable Commissioners licenses from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. These tags are valid in any Wyoming hunt area for elk, deer or antelope. This year, WWF offers you the chance to participate in a raffle for one or both of our 2011 Dream Hunts.
The winner will receive a Commissioner's tag to hunt in elk area #100, western Wyoming's fabled Jack Morrow Hills country. This area is hard to draw, with nonresident drawing odds of less than 1% in 2011. Your guide will be WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson, a native of the area, 31-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and a long-time hunter of these unique desert elk. You'll have 4 days in the field, with lodging and meals provided.
Prices of tickets are as follows:
1 Ticket - $30.00
3 Tickets - $80.00
5 Tickets - $125.00
The winner will receive a Commissioner's license, valid in any elk, deer, or antelope hunt area in Wyoming. In addition, you will receive $500.00 in cash to help with expenses.
Prices of tickets are as follows:
1 Ticket - $30.00
3 Tickets - $80.00
5 Tickets - $125.00
To order tickets, CLICK HERE or call 1-800-786-5434. Entries will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. MDT on the date of the drawing, August 19, 2011. I hope you will contribute toward our efforts to keep Wyoming a great place to hunt, fish, and recreate. Your support is invaluable.
Thank you for your support and good luck!
Walt Gasson Lonnie Allred
Executive Director Board President
As Wyoming's largest and oldest conservation organization, WWF was again fortunate to receive 100% fully transferable Commissioners licenses from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. These tags are valid in any Wyoming hunt area for elk, deer or antelope. This year, WWF offers you the chance to participate in a raffle for one or both of our 2011 Dream Hunts.
Have
you ever dreamed of hunting for trophy bull
elk in Wyoming's most
unique and hard-to-draw area? This hunt gives
you the opportunity to do
just that with an experienced guide who really
knows the area and can
get you into places where the big bulls are.
Dream
Hunt #1 - Elk Hunt with
Walt
The winner will receive a Commissioner's tag to hunt in elk area #100, western Wyoming's fabled Jack Morrow Hills country. This area is hard to draw, with nonresident drawing odds of less than 1% in 2011. Your guide will be WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson, a native of the area, 31-year veteran of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and a long-time hunter of these unique desert elk. You'll have 4 days in the field, with lodging and meals provided.
Prices of tickets are as follows:
1 Ticket - $30.00
3 Tickets - $80.00
5 Tickets - $125.00
Have
you ever dreamed about a spectacular game hunt
in the hunt area of your
choice? This hunt will give you the
opportunity to experience Wyoming's
legendary elk, deer, or antelope hunting in
any area you choose.
Dream
Hunt #2 - The Classic
Hunt
The winner will receive a Commissioner's license, valid in any elk, deer, or antelope hunt area in Wyoming. In addition, you will receive $500.00 in cash to help with expenses.
Prices of tickets are as follows:
1 Ticket - $30.00
3 Tickets - $80.00
5 Tickets - $125.00
To order tickets, CLICK HERE or call 1-800-786-5434. Entries will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. MDT on the date of the drawing, August 19, 2011. I hope you will contribute toward our efforts to keep Wyoming a great place to hunt, fish, and recreate. Your support is invaluable.
Thank you for your support and good luck!
Walt Gasson Lonnie Allred
Executive Director Board President
Photos From Home
(Click below to enlarge)
WWF's 30th Annual Banquet
Our biggest event of
the year was a success! Over 200 WWF members
and friends joined in the fun at our 30th
Annual Banquet, held in Cheyenne on March 26,
2011. Whether it was winning raffles, finding
hunting and angling treasures, socializing,
eating great food or being entertained, we had
something for everyone.
Of course, it wouldn't be a WWF banquet without some heckling and playful banter from our MC-for-Life, Ron Lockwood. Lockwood and his partner, Kevin Hurley had a great time heckling WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson. But they saved their best work for former Governor Dave Freudenthal. This year, WWF honored Gov Dave with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to wildlife and wildlife habitat. A dedicated (if somewhat incompetent) hunter and angler himself, Dave dished it out as well as he took it from Ron and Kevin.
The banquet could not have been successful without committed volunteers, board members, and staff. A big thank you and extended applause goes out to Ruthanne Hubbard, Rich Oblak, and Gary Lord for stepping in to organize and finalize many details just weeks before the scheduled event. Another big thank you to our great auctioneer, Steve Price, and to our featured artist, Brandon Bailey. Finally, we'd also like to thank the many Wyoming businesses who donated their products to benefit WWF and its mission of serving Wyoming's wildlife and the people who love it. Our fundraiser was a success because of you and your participation. Thank you for your support!
(Jerry Galles and Kevin Hurley with the Super Raffle guns)
(Brandon and Jeannie Gebhart check out the Silent Aution tables)
(Jim and Mary Whalen chat with our featured artist, Brandon Bailey)
(It wouldn't be a banquet without our friends from Guns and Gear - Frank Gerstenkorn and Patrice Gapen)
("You can't win if you don't play!" Steve Tessman digs deep to buy a Wall of Guns ticket from Rich Oblak)
(Kevin and Ron present Gov Dave with their own "Special Edition" firearm)
(WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson presents Gov Dave with a custom shotgun)
Joy Bannon, Field
Director
Of course, it wouldn't be a WWF banquet without some heckling and playful banter from our MC-for-Life, Ron Lockwood. Lockwood and his partner, Kevin Hurley had a great time heckling WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson. But they saved their best work for former Governor Dave Freudenthal. This year, WWF honored Gov Dave with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to wildlife and wildlife habitat. A dedicated (if somewhat incompetent) hunter and angler himself, Dave dished it out as well as he took it from Ron and Kevin.
The banquet could not have been successful without committed volunteers, board members, and staff. A big thank you and extended applause goes out to Ruthanne Hubbard, Rich Oblak, and Gary Lord for stepping in to organize and finalize many details just weeks before the scheduled event. Another big thank you to our great auctioneer, Steve Price, and to our featured artist, Brandon Bailey. Finally, we'd also like to thank the many Wyoming businesses who donated their products to benefit WWF and its mission of serving Wyoming's wildlife and the people who love it. Our fundraiser was a success because of you and your participation. Thank you for your support!
(Jerry Galles and Kevin Hurley with the Super Raffle guns)
(Brandon and Jeannie Gebhart check out the Silent Aution tables)
(Jim and Mary Whalen chat with our featured artist, Brandon Bailey)
(It wouldn't be a banquet without our friends from Guns and Gear - Frank Gerstenkorn and Patrice Gapen)
("You can't win if you don't play!" Steve Tessman digs deep to buy a Wall of Guns ticket from Rich Oblak)
(Kevin and Ron present Gov Dave with their own "Special Edition" firearm)
(WWF Executive Director Walt Gasson presents Gov Dave with a custom shotgun)
A
Cutt-Slam
Adventure
Obviously, they're not coyotes. And they're first cousins, not brothers. We started calling them that a couple years ago when we were antelope hunting. They're really good buddies, and as young men are prone to do at that age, they spend a lot of time mauling one another. Kim and I were watching them one morning as we were getting ready to head down the mountain in search of an antelope. They were too excited to eat, so they were wrestling instead. She said, "They're just like coyote pups. If they're not eating or sleeping, they're playing." From that time on, they've been the Coyote Brothers.
Over a year ago, Coyote Brother 1 (CB1) announced at a family dinner that he wanted to catch a Cutt-Slam. He loves fishing and he's as patient as a heron, so that didn't really surprise me. I was curious how he heard about the Cutt-Slam, and so I asked him about it. He told me he read about it somewhere and that it meant you had to catch all four subspecies of cutthroat trout in Wyoming, and he wanted to do it. Coyote Brother 2 (CB2) was immediately in, figuring that it had to be a good thing if CB1 and fishing were involved.
Fast forward to July 4, 2010. Our Cutt-Slam Strike Force was assembled in a beautiful camp near the Tri-Basin Divide. CB1 remarked, "Excitement is in the air!" After much planning and discussion, the Old Gu
We were on the water at 7 AM. It was tough fishing, CB1 forgot to pack his fishing shoes, so he fished in Crocs. S3 managed to land a small cutt, but the CB's were fishless by noon. We went back to camp for lunch and some strategic planning. We decided to head over into Greys River and try to find more fish. It worked. We started seeing fish not far below the head of the Greys. S3 caught a nice cutt just below Poison Creek. We tried the Little Greys River, and hit a bonanza. Within 15 minutes, they were both catching fish.
But at 10 PM, with exhausted CBs and tired OGs and Ss, we hit milepost 21 out of 24. Actually, we didn't hit the milepost - it was off the side of the road. But we did hit snow - a snowslide blocking the road
We slept in a bit the next day. But after some sleep and a good breakfast, the
We were on Hobble Creek by 4 PM.This may be my favorite stream in Wyoming. It is simply breathtaking. We didn't have long to fish, so one OG and one S went with each CB to help as needed. The truth is they didn't need too much help, but S3 has a knack for finding fish when the chips are down. He located a deep hole with some pretty nice Bonnevilles hanging on the bottom. Surprisingly, the fish weren't all that finicky either. By dark, the Coyotes had both caught nice fish. CB2 said, "S3 caught a 20 in Bonneville cutthroat and then helped me and I caught an 18 inch fish. I just jumped for joy!! The next day, we got up and drove back to the cabin, packed up and drove home. It was a great trip!!" CB1 echoed the statement, "That was a really exciting and fun trip! I learned about how cool Wyoming is. My favorite part was hanging out with my Grandpa and Uncles. My favorite activity was TO FISH!!"
Walt Gasson, Executive Director
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