Wyoming Wildlife Federation

Howdy folks and happy Field to Table Friday! This week's recipe once again comes from Conservation Ambassador, Annie W.. Ground Antelope Kofta with Yogurt Sauce, is a delicious yet simple take on a classic middle eastern dish that is a great way to use up some of that ground meat in your freezer. You can eat them in a gyro-type situation with homemade flatbread and cucumber salad. You can eat them on their own as part of a BBQ spread. They go great on a salad as well. No matter how you serve them, you're sure to love this recipe! Check out the full recipe here: https://lnkd.in/gqTK6PWu

Today we would like to announce Annie W. as WWF's 2023 Conservation Ambassador of the Year! Annie's unwavering kindness and dedication make her a true superstar and an integral part of our Ambassador team. From helping gather prizes for WWF events to advocating for wildlife and habitat at public meetings, Annie's impact is immense. Not to mention, she consistently shares incredible wild game meals and recipes on social media in an informative and approachable way. Stay tuned for future Field to Table Friday posts, many of which will be inspired or shared with help from Annie. Annie embodies the essence of citizen conservation leadership in our state, setting a great example for everyone around her. We're incredibly grateful to have such an impactful and compassionate person involved with our organization. Thank you, Annie, for your outstanding contributions. You truly are the best! 👏

You spoke and we listened! The feedback from our 2023 End of Year survey has inspired us to kick off Field-To-Table Friday, where we'll be sharing our favorite wild-game recipes with you. 🍽 This week, we're thrilled to present Ground Venison Bulgogi Tacos, curated by our very own Conservation Ambassador, Annie W.! These tacos offer a mouthwatering fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors, featuring juicy venison bulgogi meat, tangy pickled cabbage, spicy sriracha mayo, and fresh veggies—all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Head over to Annie's website, peaktoplate.com, for the full recipe along with tons of other delicious wild game meals!

A person’s first pronghorn ingrains a memory that lasts a lifetime. This was certainly the case for WWF ambassador, Jake Rullmann. He recently shared the story of his first western big game animal in 2022 with us. You can read that great ‘ol story here: https://lnkd.in/gs_RbyZd Unfortunately, since this hunt, this pronghorn herd saw impacts to their numbers from the harsh 2022-2023 winter and there are no pronghorn doe tags in the area. If you would like to see their numbers rebound quickly, please consider getting involved with the Sublette Pronghorn Migration Corridor Designation (https://lnkd.in/gbH9nX29). If designated, the corridor designation can be a tool to keep this part of the world the way it is and allow the pronghorn who use it to rebound quickly. Comments are due January 5th, 2024.

Engaging in the legislative process is a long-term investment. As an example, remember back in 2021 when we asked you to get involved in passing HB 122 to increase AccessYes! and wildlife crossing funds? That bill passed and those funds were raised. As a result, the WGFD just purchased a parcel near Woods Landing, WY. This 460-acre property opens up great access to river bottom along the Laramie River, as well as providing hunting access to the foothills west of the river. Not to mention, this means the habitat will remain conserved for wildlife in perpetuity. Wins like this are why, as an 86-year-old organization, we're engaged and at the table during the legislative sessions year-in and year-out. If you would like to give to help WWF continue expanding and improving on these legislative efforts, please learn more about the 2023 End of Year Giving. Photo: Mule deer wintering near Woods Landing, WY, February 2019. Taken by Jaden Bales.

Today we're excited to introduce you all to our newest Conservation Ambassador, Levi Kary! Levi Kary is a dedicated outdoorsman raised around the Beartooth Mountains of Wyoming, he brings a wealth of experience to his diverse career. Levi seamlessly integrates his passion for hunting into the intricate art of bowhunting. Beyond his personal pursuits, he generously shares his expertise as a waterfowl hunting guide, curating unforgettable experiences for others in our magnificent state. As a skilled Water Operator, Levi not only safeguards our vital water resources but also intertwines his commitment to conservation. Whether in the rugged wilderness or within the community, Levi actively advocates for the well-being of fish and wildlife, fostering a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural environment. The charismatic host of the "Pull’NFeathers Podcast," Levi extends his infectious enthusiasm for hunting, using the platform to exchange insights and stories from the worlds of waterfowl hunting and Western Big Game. Levi's multifaceted career, blending firefighting, water operation, and outdoor pursuits, reveals a life marked by service and a profound connection to nature. In his leisure time, Levi enjoys taking his family off-roading on designated trails and indulging in the simplicity of camping amidst the breathtaking landscapes that have shaped his love for the great outdoors. Welcome to the team, Levi. We're excited to have ya on board! 🙂

Researchers are constantly looking at ways to help mule deer herds climb back to the higher population levels observed over 60 years ago. An example is the Monteith Shop published study titled, "Maternal effects and the legacy of extreme environmental events for wild mammals." This study shows how mothers' nutrition while carrying the fawns to term impacts the body condition of those fawns. A buck born in 2017 (following a harsh winter) was stunted his entire life in body and antler size compared to what one would normally expect to see, likely because of the poor health condition of his mother. It's so important we have researchers like the Monteith Shop leading in science that the conservation community can implement on the ground. We cannot thank them enough for their dedication to these animals. Read more about the study at the article by Christine Peterson here: linktr.ee/wyomingwildlife Learn more about the Monteith Shop at: monteithshop.org Photo of a mule deer called MFFO at 3 years old and who is featured in the study.

The Rock Springs RMP draft public meetings kick off tomorrow in Lyman, WY! These meetings are an opportunity to comment on the future management of your public lands for the next 20+ years in Southwest Wyoming. We're talking the same public lands that many of our favorite mule deer and pronghorn herss, and that our famed Greater Sage-grouse call home. If you would like to attend, the meetings are from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Lyman Branch Library, 129 South Franklin St., Lyman, WY. We know most working folks cannot make that, however, which is why the Federation's staff will be in attendance at all of these public meetings as the voice of our members. 👍 If you'd like to support the efforts to be a balanced conservation voice for the hunting and angling public, we encourage you to become a member at wyomingwildlife.org We hope you can make it to join us in Lyman! Photo of mule deer with her fawns this summer in the Northern Red Desert taken by Jenny Johnson (Lander, WY)

The Rock Springs Field Office recently announced the public meeting dates for the Rock Springs Resource Management Draft. The dates are: 👉 Tuesday, September 19, 3-6 PM Lyman Branch Library 129 South Franklin St Lyman, WY 82937 👉 Tuesday, September 26, 3-6 PM Big Piney/ Marbleton Town Hall 10700 HWY 189 Big Piney, WY 83113 👉 Wednesday, September 27, 3-6 PM BLM Rock Springs Field Office 280 Highway 191 North Rock Springs, WY 82901 These meetings are the chance for you to learn about what’s proposed in-person, ask specific questions of BLM folks, and an opportunity to submit public comment. We hope to see you there! 👍