AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
MH
Outdoors Reporter

Mark Heinz

Mark Heinz covers the outdoors and wildlife for Cowboy State Daily.

He previously worked or freelanced for numerous newspapers and magazines across Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, covering all manner of news and feature stories. He has a strong background in topics related to wildlife, hunting, and wildlands conservation. He's written extensively since the 1990s about the controversies surrounding wolves, grizzly bears and mustangs.

He also enjoys people-centric stories with quirky edge of humor and has written several such pieces for Cowboy State Daily. 

Mark lives in Laramie with his wife, Kendy, and the youngest of their five children.

Follow Mark Heinz

Latest from Mark Heinz

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik is poised to be the new chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His stance in favor of taking grizzly bears off the endangered list drives much of his support — and opposition.

Delisting Grizzlies Drives Support — And Opposition — For Nesvik’s Confirmation

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik is poised to be the new chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His stance in favor of taking grizzly bears off the endangered list drives much of his support — and opposition.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2025

Wyoming Republicans Cynthia Lummis and Harriet Hageman want to rename the Endangered Species Act the “Endangered Species Recovery Act.” It’s a reminder that species shouldn’t be listed forever if they have recovered enough for delisting, they say.

Lummis, Hageman Introduce Bill Targeting Endless Endangered Species Listings

Wyoming Republicans Cynthia Lummis and Harriet Hageman want to rename the Endangered Species Act the “Endangered Species Recovery Act.” It’s a reminder that species shouldn’t be listed forever if they have recovered enough for delisting, they say.

Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2025

Wildlife crossing 5 13 22 scaled

Money Could Be Coming For Wildlife Crossings, Including $30M Project Near Dubois

A planned $30 million wildlife crossing near Dubois — which could save hundreds of deer — is on hold because of a lack of federal money. Supporters of wildlife crossings say that money could start coming soon.

Mark HeinzJuly 30, 2025

The Miracle Mile is actually an 8-mile stretch of the North Platte River near Casper, and one of Wyoming’s most prized trout fisheries.

Anglers Upset Over Plan To Ban Boats On Wyoming’s Famed Miracle Mile

A proposal to ban watercraft on the upper stretch of the North Platte River’s Miracle Mile section near Casper is drawing fire from some anglers who want to kill the rule before Gov. Mark Gordon signs off on it.

Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2025

Colorado is about halfway through building what officials are touting as the world’s largest wildlife overpass – a $15 million megastructure spanning six lanes of Interstate 25 south of Denver.

Colorado Halfway Done With World’s Largest Wildlife Overpass Spanning I-25

Colorado is about halfway through building what officials are touting as the world’s largest wildlife overpass. It’s a $15 million megastructure spanning six lanes of Interstate 25 south of Denver.

Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2025

Controversy has been stirring regarding a channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale. Anglers have used the channel to move boats between the creek and river for years, but now some are alleging that a landowner there is blocking it off.

Floater And Fishing Access Fight Flares Over Channel Near Pinedale

Anglers and locals say a new landowner is blocking a historic channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale, raising the temperature over public access and state law.

Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2025

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walk along the Wyoming Mormon Trail near Lander, reenacting the trek of their forbearers who passed through during the 1800s while journeying toward Salt Lake City.

After A Decade-Long Closure, 29 Miles of Mormon Trail Through Wyoming Reopens

After a decade-long hiatus, a 29-mile section of the Mormon Trail through Wyoming was recently fully reopened. It means members of the LDS church can make the historic two-day trek along the trail in period clothing pulling handcarts.

Mark HeinzJuly 27, 2025

Knight Lake, formerly Swastika Lake, in southern Wyoming.

18 Months After Name Change, Wyomingites Still Argue Over ‘Swastika Lake’

Nearly 18 months after Swastika Lake in Albany County was renamed Knight Lake, there’s still controversy and arguments over whether the change was justified or erased history.

Mark HeinzJuly 25, 2025

Rancher and outdoorsman Carl Strachan took this elk calf into his home near Livingston, Montana, trying to nurse it back to health after it survived an apparent mountain lion attack. The calf died, but Strachan said he doesn’t regret trying to help.

Rancher Tries To Save Elk Calf Mauled In Mountain Lion Attack

A Montana outdoorsman and rancher found an elk calf that had been critically hurt in a mountain lion attack and took it into his home. The calf died, but he doesn’t regret trying to save it. It also follows a trend of more mountain lion sightings.

Mark HeinzJuly 25, 2025

A proposed change in Wyoming Game and Fish regulations would let trappers off the hook for “unintentionally” killing otters. But they’d have to surrender the otters’ carcasses to Game and Fish.

Rule Would Let Trappers Off Hook For Some Otter Killings, But They Can’t Keep Pelts

A proposed change in Wyoming Game and Fish regulations would let trappers off the hook for “unintentionally” killing otters. But they’d have to surrender the otters’ carcasses to Game and Fish.

Mark HeinzJuly 25, 2025

A barred owl, inset, with a group of spotted owls.

Congress Moves To Stop Killing Of 500,000 Barred Owls To Save Spotted Owls

Environmental groups have pulled together a bipartisan effort in Congress, which introduced a bill Wednesday to halt a Biden-era plan for a mass killing of 500,000 barred owls. Killing those owls would save endangered spotted owls, officials have said.

Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2025

Wyoming’s U.S. senators say the Senate should skip its scheduled August break if that’s what it takes to finally get Brian Nesvik in charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That’s likely to lead to a long-awaited delisting of grizzly bears.

Wyoming Senators Say Nesvik Vote — And Delisting Grizzlies — Has Waited Long Enough

Wyoming’s U.S. senators say the Senate should skip its scheduled August break if that’s what it takes to finally get Brian Nesvik in charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That’s likely to lead to a long-awaited delisting of grizzly bears.

Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2025

Other Authors

A screenshot from a trail cam video showing a three new wolf pups in Colorado. Wildlife officials say there are now four wolf packs with pups in Colorado.

Not Everyone Thrilled With Colorado’s Wolf Boom — Four New Litters

Colorado’s wolf population is booming, with four packs known to have litters of pups born this spring. Not everyone is thrilled with that news, including ranchers who say wolves have killed numerous cattle.

Mark HeinzJuly 23, 2025

Mom and cubs: A mother black bear and her cubs stop by a bear bait site in Wyoming. Proponents of bear bait hunting argue that it’s a good way to closely observe bears and avoid shooting a female with cubs by mistake.

Proposed Bear-Baiting Ban In Wyoming Sparks Debate Over What’s Ethical In Bear Hunting

A coalition of animal welfare groups is backing a congressional bill to ban bear-baiting on federal land in Wyoming and other states, but some hunters argue it’s an ethical way to hunt bears.

Mark HeinzJuly 22, 2025

Rumors started flying online Sunday that Grizzly 399’s final cub, Spirit, has been found alive and identified through DNA. Wyoming wildlife officials say don’t believe it, that it’s a bogus story.

Story That Grizzly 399’s Cub Spirit Found Through DNA Testing Is Bogus

Rumors started flying online Sunday that Grizzly 399’s final cub, Spirit, has been found alive and identified through DNA. Wyoming wildlife officials say don’t believe it, that it’s a bogus story.

Mark HeinzJuly 21, 2025

The KelTec firearms factory in Rock Springs is up and running, producing unusual PR57 pistols the company hopes will grab a big share of the self-defense market.

KelTec Gun Factory In Rock Springs Aims To Churn Out 1,000 Pistols Per Week

The KelTec firearms factory in Rock Springs is up and running, producing unusual PR57 pistols the company hopes will grab a big share of the self-defense market. It aims to make 1,000 pistols a week.

Mark HeinzJuly 21, 2025

Maya is a border collie that never took to herding sheep at the Warren Livestock Company ranch near Cheyenne. Instead, she gets to hang out in the ranch house with her favorite human, Susan Samuelson.

Meet Maya, The Pint-Sized Wyoming Sheep Dog That Doesn’t Like Sheep

Maya is a border collie that was literally born to herd sheep. Born under a Wyoming sheep wagon, she’s undersized, doesn’t like sheep and is terrified of the barn cat. Even so, she’s living an enviable ranch dog life.

Mark HeinzJuly 20, 2025

Drives on this part of Louis Loop Road can expect a bumpy ride dominated by a washboard road.

One Of Wyoming’s Most Beautiful Drives Is Also A Kidney-Rattling Washboard Ride

Just past Sinks Canyon State Park south of Lander is Louis Lake Loop Road. Nearly 100 years old, it leads to some of Wyoming’s most beautiful places, but it's a rough ride. The road wasn't built for today's traffic. It was designed to handle Model Ts going 15 mph.

Mark HeinzJuly 19, 2025

Barbed fishing hooks inflict ghastly injuries to prized trout in the North Platte River near Casper. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission ruled to ban barbed hooks along sections of the river.

Mouth-Ripping Barbed Hooks Banned On North Platte Blue-Ribbon Trout Fisheries

Barbed fishing hooks inflict ghastly injuries to prized trout in the North Platte River near Casper. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission this week banned barbed hooks along sections of the river, a move fishing guides say is overdue.

Mark HeinzJuly 18, 2025

The National Park Service has put up lighthearted signs warning people of a fox, or foxes, stealing shoes from the Lizard Creek campground in Grand Teton National Park.

Fox-Turned-Shoe Bandit Makes Grand Teton’s ‘Most Wanted’ List

At least one naughty fox has been making off with people’s shoes from a campground in Grand Teton National Park. At least 32 shoes have been stolen so far, prompting the park to put the fox on its “Most Wanted” list.

Mark HeinzJuly 18, 2025

Fred Eshelman, the landowner at the center of Wyoming’s famous “corner-crossing” case, has lost every court battle against hunters who crossed at the corner of his property to get to public land. Wednesday, he filed a petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

Supreme Court Petition Is Final Hail Mary For Wyoming Corner-Crossing Landowner

The landowner at the center of Wyoming’s famous “corner-crossing” case has lost every court battle against hunters who crossed at the corner of his property to get to public land. Wednesday, he filed a petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

Mark HeinzJuly 16, 2025

Wolves getty 10 18 24

Montana Considers Killing Nearly Half Of Its Wolf Population

Montana is considering setting a wolf kill quota of 500 for the 2025-2026 wolf seasons, nearly half of its wolf population. It would allow hunters and trappers to take as many as 15 wolves each. 

Mark HeinzJuly 16, 2025

Dozens of landowners showed up at the Game and Fish Commission in Casper Tuesday, to speak out against proposed changes in the landowner hunting tag program.

After Hours Of Testimony, Commission Rejects Changes To Landowner Hunting Tags

After landowners showed up in force to oppose proposed changes to landowner hunting tag requirements, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission rejected the changes Tuesday.

Mark HeinzJuly 16, 2025

Horses from the Salt Wells Creek mustang herd will be spared from Bureau of Land Management roundups, at least for now, after a federal court ruled against the BLM.

Federal Court Halts Roundup Of Rare Wyoming Curly-Haired Mustangs

A plan to round up rare curly-haired mustangs from herds in southcentral Wyoming is on hold after a Tuesday federal court ruling. The court sided with horse advocate groups against the BLM’s plan.

Mark HeinzJuly 15, 2025

Jackson-Area resident Sarah Harrison MacMillan found this unidentified dead critter floating in the South Fork of the Shoshone River on Saturday. She thinks is might be a young marmot, but others have guessed that it could be an otter, a fisher or even a baby wolverine.

Jackson Woman Stupefied By Dead Mystery Critter Floating In Shoshone River

A Jackson-area woman found a cat-sized dead animal floating in the South Fork of the Shoshone River on Saturday. She doesn’t know what it is and is going nuts trying to positively identify the critter. And it's not a cat.

Mark HeinzJuly 15, 2025

After venturing into Sheridan, this healthy young female black bear was trapped by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department July 5. The bear was set loose deep in the Bighorn Mountains the next day.

Black Bears In Sheridan County Towns So Routine People Say They're Neighbors

Black bears showing up in Sheridan, Story, Dayton and other towns around the Bighorn Mountains has become routine for folks there. Locals say they feel like the bears are neighbors, but “repeat offender” bears sometimes have to be killed.

Mark HeinzJuly 14, 2025

A coalition of conservation and hunting groups claims that holding facilities for mustangs across the West are bursting at the seams. Euthanizing older horses could be a necessary last resort to get things under control.

Killing Older Horses An Option To Trim Wyoming Mustang Herds, Coalition Says

A coalition of conservation and hunting groups claims that holding facilities for mustangs across the West are bursting at the seams. Euthanizing older horses could be a necessary last resort to get things under control, they say.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2025

A hunter scopes out a herd of Wyoming antelope. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday could face hundreds of landowners and residents angry over proposed changes to the landowner hunting tag program. The new regulations could cut as many as 70% of the current allotment of landowner tags.

Hundreds Of Landowners Angry Over Proposed Wyoming Hunting Tag Changes

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday could face hundreds of landowners and residents angry over proposed changes to the landowner hunting tag program. The new regulations could cut as many as 70% of the current allotment of landowner tags.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2025

A pair of mountain bikers were surprised when a bear showed up to chase them on a trail.

Bells On Mountain Bikes Could Help Cyclists Avoid Grizzly Maulings

Mountain bikers and grizzlies aren’t a good combination, as a Montana cyclist learned in 2016 when he surprised a bear and was killed. With more mountain bikes than ever in the backcountry, bells, shouting and carrying bear spray might help.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2025

Teton County Search and Rescue transport a trail runner who went down with an injury in Phillips Canyon on June 22.

Teton County Search And Rescue Responding To More Calls Than Ever

Teton County Search and Rescue had its busiest six months ever from December 2024 through May 31. They had more calls in this six-month stretch than the team used to get in an entire year.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

This photo shows the devastating aftermath of an accidental fireworks explosion inside the South Hall building in Torrington on July 1, 2020. Firefighters were preparing the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display. An unexpected ignition set off a chain reaction. Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt.

Kaboom! Since Explosion In 2020, Torrington Hasn’t Had Fourth Of July Fireworks

There were city fireworks displays all over Wyoming last week to celebrate the 4th of July. But not in Torrington. Ever since an accident set-off all the fireworks at once which blew the roof off a building, they've passed on an annual celebration.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

Keeping Wyoming hiking and biking trails clear of fallen trees often falls to volunteers from local organizations. One such group is the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance – which maintains the Casper Mountain trail network.

Trees Are Blocking Wyoming Trails, And They Can’t Be Cleared Fast Enough

Dead trees keep falling over onto trails across Wyoming. With federal trail crews in short supply, the work of clearing the trails is increasingly falling on private companies or local volunteer groups.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

A herd of cattle stand in a pasture as a lightning bolt strikes behind them in this file photo.

Lightning Not Only A Wildfire Threat, It Also Kills A Lot Of Cows And Livestock

People were stunned by the death of a local animal celebrity, Larry the camel, who was stuck and killed by lightning last week but animal deaths from lightning are more common than many people might think. 

Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2025

The last surviving cub of Grizzly 1063 in Grand Teton National Park, seen here with its mom, was trapped and relocated because it was hanging around a settled area. A bear expert said the yearling has good odds of surviving on its own.

Grizzly 1063’s Last Surviving Cub Trapped, Relocated Off On Its Own

The last surviving cub of Grizzly 1063 in Grand Teton National Park was trapped and relocated because it was hanging around a settled area. A bear expert said the yearling has good odds of surviving on its own.

Mark HeinzJuly 09, 2025

Raspberry has for years been a favorite among Yellowstone National Park’s grizzlies. Her fans worry that she might have been killed by another bear in June.

Fans Of Popular Yellowstone Grizzly Raspberry Fear Another Bear Killed Her

Fans of Raspberry, one of Yellowstone National Park’s most beloved and popular grizzly bears, fear she’s dead, perhaps killed by another bear.

Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2025

A proposal to raise the amount of land Wyomingites must own to qualify for landowner hunting tags is apparently off the table. But hunters worry it could come back for consideration by the Legislature.

Game And Fish Backs Off Unpopular Changes To Landowner Hunting Tags

A proposal to raise the amount of land Wyomingites must own to qualify for landowner hunting tags is apparently off the table. But hunters worry it could come back for consideration by the Legislature.

Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2025

A fire thought to have been ignited by fireworks late Friday destroyed the trailer home and storage shed of Dennis Wheeler on Fort Sanders Road, just south of Laramie. Wheeler’s son, Kyle Wheeler, pulled him out just before the entire home went up in flames.

Son Pulls Laramie Man From Blazing Trailer Home Just In Time

A Laramie man pulled his father out of a blazing trailer home with just seconds to spare late Friday. The family suspects it was started by errant fireworks.

Mark HeinzJuly 07, 2025

Jared Koenig, the director of recreation with the Sheridan Community Land Trust, demonstrates a “floater-friendly fence” that could help curb conflicts between ranchers and river recreationalists.

Floater-Friendly Fences Could Cool Fighting Between Wyoming Boaters And Ranchers

Steel cables with rope “danglers” that allow boaters to pass through could help cool fighting between floaters and ranchers in Wyoming. One such fight is brewing on Pine Creek near Pinedale.

Mark HeinzJuly 06, 2025

A Park County, Colorado, search and rescue team went 11 miles and spent 10 hours rescuing a dog that was overcome with exhaustion during a hike on June 24. Wyoming search and rescue teams aren’t willing to do that, you’d have to carry your dog out yourself here.

Colorado Search And Rescue Saves Dog, Something Wyoming Teams Can't Do

A Colorado search and rescue team spent 10 hours last week rescuing an exhausted dog from the backcountry. But in Wyoming, dogs are on their own as humans are the only priority. "We don't have the resources," one rescuer said.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

A mare named Barmaid escaped from its corral near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and ran loose in the park for about two weeks before finally being captured, safe and sound.

Trail Horse Named Barmaid Escapes, Runs Free in Grand Teton For Two Weeks

A trail riding mare named Barmaid escaped from a corral and ran free in Grand Teton National Park for about two weeks. She was finally rounded up last weekend without having suffered a single scratch.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

A stoat, or small member of the weasel family, invaded Warren Meyer’s garage north of Cheyenne. It was loose inside for about 20 hours before Meyer caught it and then set it free outside, unharmed.

Rural Cheyenne Garage Invaded By Stoat With Active Anal Glands

When Warren Meyer briefly opened his garage door this week, a stoat — or small weasel — darted-in unbeknownst to him. Meyer quickly found out that stoats have active and powerful anal glands.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

Artillery is still the queen of the battlefield, and new business venture in Cody aims help meet the demand for ammunition by churning out 155-millimeter high explosive shells. A company called US Ballistic Laboratories plans to set shop in the former Cody Laboratories pharmaceuticals building on Road 2AB at the northern edge of town.

US Ballistic To Start Churning Out 155-mm Military Artillery Shells In Cody

A building in Cody that was once used for pharmaceuticals, then eyed by Kanye West as a shoe factory, is on track to start assembling artillery shells. US Ballistic Labs says it picked Wyoming for its patriotic and firearms-friendly culture.

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

Grizzlies are a common sight out on the prairie flatlands near Augusta, in north-central Montana.

Tiny Montana Towns Adjust To Prairie Grizzlies And Attacks On Livestock

Grizzly bears continue to move back into prairie country in Montana. Near tiny rural communities, they’ve been attacking livestock and eating deer fawns. They've become so prevalent that "the cows didn't even seem to notice" them.

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

In what’s become an Independence Day tradition, Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw. Happy Fourth of July!

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ On A Chainsaw

In what’s become an Independence Day tradition, Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw. Happy Fourth of July!

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

The Hot Springs County Commission faced backlash Tuesday from residents upset over deep cuts to the county’s extension office and 4-H program. Commissioners say it's necessary due to lagging oil and gas revenue and a 25% cut in property taxes.

Hot Springs County In An Uproar Over Cuts To 4-H, Extension Programs

The Hot Springs County Commission faced backlash Tuesday from residents upset over deep cuts to the county’s extension office and 4-H program. Commissioners say it's necessary due to lagging oil and gas revenue and a 25% cut in property taxes.

Mark HeinzJuly 02, 2025

Somebody illegally hacked down about 20 live trees at the Tower Hill campground on Casper Mountain to build this lean-to right in the middle of a hiking trail.

Hacking Live Trees To Make Lean-To On Trail Not Only Inconsiderate, It’s Illegal

Responsible users of the public trails on Casper Mountain were outraged this week when someone cut down about 20 young, live trees and made a lean-to on a trail. That’s not only inconsiderate, it’s illegal — if the perpetrators are ever caught.

Mark HeinzJune 28, 2025

Isaac Rempe holds a cub named Charmin at the Grizzly Ranch Bear Rescue in Alabama.

It’s Sweet Home Alabama For Bears On Southern ‘Grizzly Ranch’

Alabama might be the last place you’d expect to find grizzly bears, but there are several of them thriving there on the Grizzly Ranch Bear Rescue. The man who runs it says it's his mission in life to rescue bears.

Mark HeinzJune 27, 2025

After suffering devastating injuries responding to a house fire on Feb. 28, Laramie firefighter Dylan Schilt spent months in recovery at a physical therapy center in Denver. On June 20, he walked out and greeted fellow firefighters.

Laramie Firefighter Crushed And Paralyzed In House Fire Walks Out Of Hospital

Laramie firefighter Dylan Schilt was left temporarily paralyzed when a massive stone chimney chase collapsed on him and a colleague on Feb. 28. After four months of intense work, he walked out of a Denver inpatient physical therapy center last week.

Mark HeinzJune 26, 2025

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, right, has only himself to blame for the downfall of his plan to sell federal public lands. Former Assistant Interior Secretary Rob Wallace, left, says Lee shot his bill in the foot when “he cut the public out of the discussion.”

Former Asst. Interior Secretary Says Downfall Of Land Sale Bill Lee’s Own Fault

Sen. Mike Lee has only himself to blame for the downfall of his plan to sell federal public lands. Former Assistant Interior Secretary Rob Wallace says Lee shot his bill in the foot when “he cut the public out of the discussion.”

Mark HeinzJune 26, 2025

Georgia residents and decorated Army veterans Hank Ward (left) and Chris Clemmens love hunting white-tailed deer together in their home state. Through a program called Vets 4 Huntn & Fishn, they hope to enjoy Wyoming elk hunts too.

Purple Heart Vet On Wyoming Hunt Almost Tangled With Moose — And Wants To Come Back

As a Purple Heart recipient, Hank Ward has seen a lot, but he’ll never forget the first time he saw a moose in the wild in Wyoming. He almost tangled with a young bull that didn’t see him. Like many vets treated to Wyoming hunts, Ward wants to come back.

Mark HeinzJune 25, 2025

Your public lands sign 6 24 25

Wyoming Hunters Say They’ll Oppose Public Land Sales, No Matter What

Wyoming hunters said they won’t budge from their staunch opposition to selling public land. That’s despite U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, still pushing for a revised version of his federal land sales measure in a Senate budget bill.

Mark HeinzJune 25, 2025

The Weatherby firearms company in Sheridan hopes that its new Model 307 Alpine hunting rifle will help reinvigorate slumping gun sales.

One Reason For Firearms Sales Lag Could Be That ‘Everybody Who Wanted One Has One’

While the firearms industry is cyclical, the current slump in gun and ammo sales might defy the usual explanations. The owner of a Riverton tactical shooters training company says AR-15 sales could be down because “everybody who wanted one has one.”

Mark HeinzJune 25, 2025

Former Wyoming Govs. Mike Sullivan, from left, Jim Geringer, Dave Freudenthal and Matt Mead.

Former Governors Say Bipartisan Anger Over Public Land Sales Not Surprising

Wyoming’s four living former governors — two Republicans and two Democrats — say they aren’t surprised about the bipartisan anger over the sale of federal public lands. Accessible wildlands are a defining element of Wyoming’s culture, they say.

Mark HeinzJune 24, 2025

A locked gate blocks Boswell Road at the Ox Yoke Ranch property line. The property owners say they want to allow public access, but are worried about liability issues — because official jurisdiction over the road remains murky.

Hunters And Others Angry About Being Locked Out Of Popular Snowy Range Road

An elk hunter said he nearly trashed his truck and camper because he got locked onto Boswell Road in Albany County and had to drive out the back way in a blizzard. He’s not the only one, as debate continues about whether the road is public or private.

Mark HeinzJune 24, 2025

Facing scathing backlash from hunters over proposed federal land sales, Utah Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee says he’s willing to “make changes” to his bill. But hunters say compromise is impossible and the bill needs to die.

Lee Offers Compromise On Public Land Sales Bill, Hunters Say No Deal

Facing scathing backlash from hunters over proposed federal land sales, Utah Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Lee says he’s willing to “make changes” to his bill. But hunters say compromise is impossible and the bill needs to die.

Mark HeinzJune 23, 2025

A spat brewing between anglers and a landowner over a natural water channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale could reflect a growing trend of tension between landowners and floaters across Wyoming. “It’s symbolic of greater issues,” legendary Wyoming fly fisherman and outdoor businessman Jack Dennis told Cowboy State Daily. 

Legendary Outdoorsman Jack Dennis Says Pinedale Fight Fuels Tension Between Floaters, Landowners

A spat between anglers and a landowner over a natural water channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale reflects a growing trend of tension between landowners and floaters across Wyoming. “It’s symbolic of greater issues,” outdoorsman Jack Dennis says.

Mark HeinzJune 22, 2025

The small, rural Wyoming town of Dayton could only watch and pray as the Elk Fire burns across the mountain face of the Bighorns above in this October 2024 file photo.

‘Roadless Rule’ Leaves Wyoming Vulnerable To More Huge Wildfires, Hageman Says

The 24-year-old federal Clinton Roadless Rule is largely to blame for Wyoming’s devastating wildfires, Rep. Harriet Hageman says. She told Wyoming legislators Thursday that more blazes are in store if the rule isn’t changed.

Mark HeinzJune 20, 2025

Adobe town, south of Rock Springs along rough gravel and dirt roads, is one of Wyoming’s most isolated locations.

More Changes For Rock Springs BLM Plan; Locals Say ‘We’ve Studied That Thing To Death’

In what’s become a familiar pattern, the Bureau of Land Management’s controversial Rock Springs management plan is up for another round of reviews. Wyoming legislators and officials say “we’ve studied that thing to death.”

Mark HeinzJune 19, 2025

Hunters are up in arms over potential federal public land sales included in a U.S. Senate budget bill. Two prominent outdoorsmen, one from Wyoming and another from Montana, blasted the measure.

Selling Federal Public Land Draws Massive Backlash From Western Hunters

Hunters are up in arms over potential federal public land sales included in a U.S. Senate budget bill. Prominent groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming's Muley Fanatic Foundation, and The Boone And Crockett Club all blasted the proposal.

Mark HeinzJune 19, 2025

Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman says a Wilderness Society map that shows nearly 15 million acres of public land could be sold if the Senate budget bill passes is wrong. The group stands by its report, which is based on what the language of the bill says.

Hageman Says Vast Swaths Of Wyoming Public Lands Won’t Be Sold

Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman says a Wilderness Society map that shows nearly 15 million acres of public land could be sold if the Senate budget bill passes is wrong. The group stands by its report, which it says is based on what the language of the bill says.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2025

A banner declaring “Cody Roberts Days” was displayed at the Green River Bar in Daniel on Saturday, in apparent response to pro-wolf activist coming through town for the “Hogs For Hope” rally.

‘Cody Roberts Days’ Banner Greets Pro-Wolf Activists On Ride Through Daniel

When pro-wolf activists arrived in Daniel, Wyoming, on Saturday to protest the state’s wolf management policies, they were greeted by a large banner celebrating the man who made international headlines for reportedly running down a wolf with a snowmobile.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2025

Wyoming’s moose are nothing to trifle with, especially female moose with calves to protect.

Angler Shoots, Kills Charging Cow Moose Near Resort In Bighorn Mountains

An angler shot and killed a cow moose he says charged him Saturday on the North Tongue River near Bear Lodge Resort in the Bighorn Mountains. The cow’s two young calves had to be put down.

Mark HeinzJune 17, 2025

A German Shepard escaped its owner’s vehicle and chased after a juvenile wolf Friday near Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park. The dog and wolf both emerged from the brief encounter unscathed.

German Shepherd Jumps From Vehicle, Tries To Run Down Wolf In Yellowstone

A German shepherd showed its predator instincts Friday, leaping from a vehicle and chasing a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. A wildlife guide said the wolf, a juvenile, might have felt intimidated.

Mark HeinzJune 17, 2025

Motorcyclist Kyle Hamilton counts himself as extremely lucky, after he managed to keep his Harley-Davidson motorcycle upright after plowing into a white-tailed deer doe near Devils Tower. This video was taken from a camera mounted on the motorcycle of his friend riding behind him on June 6.

Harley Rider Manages To Stay On Bike After Plowing Into Deer Near Devils Tower

Kyle Hamilton counts himself as extremely lucky after he plowed into a deer while riding his motorcycle near Devils Tower but managed to keep the bike upright and on the road. His friend’s dash cam caught the incident on video

Mark HeinzJune 16, 2025

Don't expect to see one of these stands in California. They consider bear spray a weapon and have banned it

It’s A Good Thing California Doesn’t Have Grizzlies, Bear Spray Is Banned There

While officials admonish hikers to carry bear spray in Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it’s banned in California’s Yosemite National Park. They consider it a weapon and are worried people will spray each other with it.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2025

Slater Chandler of Georgia got this bull elk during a hunt with Hunting with Heroes Wyoming, which hosts hunts for disabled veterans.

Landowner Tag Changes Could Hurt Hunts For Disabled Vets, Organizers Worry

A proposal to raise the number of acres to qualify for landowner hunting tags in Wyoming from 160 to 640 has organizers of hunts for disabled veterans worried. Their concern is the change would shrink the pool of donated tags available to veterans.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2025

Marmots might seem pudgy and harmless, but they can disable vehicles by chewing up hoses and wires. Some people wrap their cars in tarps to protect against the ravenous rodents. The National Park Service recomends wrapping your car from the bottom up to ward off the critters.

Marmots Might Seem Harmless, But They’ll Chew Up And Destroy Your Car

Marmots might seem pudgy and harmless, but they can disable vehicles by chewing up hoses and wires. Some people are now wrapping their cars in tarps to protect against the ravenous rodents.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025

Hunter Brian van Lanen and guide Lance Kronberger pose with a male grizzly bear that van Lanen shot near Norton Sound, Alaska in September 2024. It set the record for the largest-ever hunter-killed grizzly.

Wisconsin Man Sets New World Record For Largest Grizzly Ever Killed By A Hunter

A Wisconsin man has set a new world record for the largest grizzly ever killed by a hunter. The size of the Alaskan bear is "staggering" and experts say this record will be next to impossible to beat.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025

Bigfoot crossing Cheri Alguire via Alamy 6 14 25

After Two Sasquatch Sightings In Colorado, Boulder County Puts On Bigfoot Hunt

Boulder County has been buzzing with Sasquatch fever after two reported sightings this year both in the vicinity of Longmont. So a group of Bigfoot-hunters went out on Friday night to track him down. Although they came up empty-handed, the group plans another outing this summer.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025

A locked gate blocks Boswell Road at the Ox Yoke Ranch property line. The property owners say they want to allow public access, but are worried about liability issues — because official jurisdiction over the road remains murky.

Popular Snowy Range Road Stays Closed Because Nobody Can Figure Out Who Owns It

Boswell Road in southeast Wyoming’s Snowy Range has been there since before Wyoming was a state. But it remains officially closed because nobody can figure out who owns it. In the meantime, the closure is killing a housing project.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025

Yellowstone National Park visitor Vince Botkin said unidentified tourists used a drone to buzz an osprey nest in the park. The National Park Service confirmed that “an individual” was cited for illegally flying a drone near an osprey nest late Thursday.

Tourist Who Buzzed Yellowstone Osprey Nest With Drone Could Get Six Months In Jail

A tourist allegedly used a drone to buzz an osprey nest in Yellowstone National Park and could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine for the violation of park rules.

Mark HeinzJune 12, 2025

Tempers flared during a legislative hearing Wednesday during debates over whether Wyoming ranchers should be allowed to sell their landowner hunting tags. It could be just a warm-up to the fight that’s ahead in the 2026 session. Pictured is Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Cultural Resources Committee Chairman Sen. Tim French, R-Powell, in a file photo from the 2025 session.

Tempers Flare Over Selling Landowner Hunting Tags During Heated Hearing

Tempers flared during a legislative hearing Wednesday in debates over whether Wyoming ranchers should be allowed to sell their landowner hunting tags. It could be just a warm-up a fight ahead in the 2026 session.

Mark HeinzJune 12, 2025

A group of pronghorn does relentlessly pursue a coyote that tried to snatch one of the herd’s fawns in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley.

Yellowstone Antelope Relentlessly Chase Coyote That Tried To Snatch Fawn

Getting a meal is no easy task for coyotes in Yellowstone National Park. One unfortunate coyote was relentlessly pursued by some pronghorn after trying to snatch a fawn in the Lamar Valley.

Mark HeinzJune 10, 2025

A Wyoming bull elk with a group of females.

‘Nonresident Native’ Tags Could Bring Former Wyomingites Back Home To Hunt

People born and raised in Wyoming who move to other states must pay expensive nonresident tag fees to come back to hunt. Legislators are considering lower-priced “nonresident native” hunting tags for them.

Mark HeinzJune 09, 2025

After being shot down in the Wyoming Legislature’s 2025 session, a proposal to let Wyoming landowners put their hunting tags up for sale was revived before a legislative committee Friday.

Controversial Proposal To Let Landowners Sell Hunting Tags Revived

After being shot down during the Wyoming Legislature’s 2025 session, a proposal to let Wyoming landowners put their hunting tags up for sale was revived before a legislative committee Friday.

Mark HeinzJune 07, 2025

Despite their declining numbers across Wyoming and the West, mule deer remain wildly popular among wildlife watchers and hunters.

Wyoming’s Golden Age Of Mule Deer Is Gone, With Fewer Than Half Of Peak Numbers

Wyoming has fewer than half of the 500,000 mule deer it did during the heyday of the 1960s to 1980s, and it will likely never see mule deer herds like that again, a Game and Fish official told legislators Friday.

Mark HeinzJune 06, 2025

50 caliber rifle hunt

Lawmakers Ponder What, If Anything, Can Be Done To Regulate Extreme-Range Hunting

Wyoming legislators on Friday discussed what can be done, if anything, to regulate extreme-range hunting. In one much talked-about instance, a hunter in Fremont County shot an antelope from 2,000 yards away. 

Mark HeinzJune 06, 2025

Jeremy Shellhorn, from left, Miranda Foster and Pam Murcia install an innovative sign to deter speeding through a grizzly bear corridor in Grand Teton National Park.

‘Sad Bear’ Signs Target Stretch Of Highway Where Grizzlies Keep Getting Hit

Researchers are taking a new route to keep drivers from barreling through Grand Teton grizzly habitat. They're tugging on people's heartstrings by putting up “sad bear” roadside signs, urging them to slow down.

Mark HeinzJune 06, 2025

A group of pronghorn graze near a Wyoming wind farm.

As Minerals, Wind And Solar Projects Boom In Wyoming, Should Companies Pay For Displaced Wildlife?

State Sen. Larry Hicks is proposing a bill that would compensate Wyoming residents for “loss of property” when huge wind, solar, minerals or other energy projects displace wildlife.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025

When the first Hogs For Hope motorcycle rally against wolf torture rolled into Daniel on May 26, 2024, locals blocked off the front of the Green River Bar with trailers. Rally organizers had planned to meet on the front porch of the bar and present wolf advocates with a check from donations raised by Hogs For Hope.

Hunter Calls For Counter-Protest During Daniel Rally Against Wolf Torture

An outdoorsman is calling for people to show up in Daniel on June 14 to support Wyoming’s wolf management policies and to counter what he says is the inaccurate demonization of local resident Cody Roberts.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025

The antler auction in Jackson has been a tradition each May for 58 years, but this year sales plummeted to about half of normal.

Early Elk Migration Could Be To Blame For Low Sales At Jackson Antler Auction

An early elk migration out of the National Elk Refuge could be to blame for a plunge in revenue from this year’s elk antler auction in Jackson. The annual auction consistently pulls in about $200,000 but this year’s auction generated only $109,000. 

Mark HeinzJune 04, 2025

Cows and bison with Devils Tower in distance.

Wyoming Rancher Says His Cows Mysteriously Fell Over Dead, Like Cows On Colorado Ranch

A Crook County rancher said the baffling deaths of 15 Colorado cattle is eerily familiar. He never did figure out what killed more than 40 of his cows years ago. “It killed them instantly, whatever it was. They just dropped,” Clint Snook said. 

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

Goliath, a 33-year-old, mustang stallion who lived a hardscrabble life on the Wyoming range now enjoys freedom on a 9,000-acre sanctuary in Oregon.

Elderly Wyoming Mustangs Enjoy Life On Oregon Sanctuary They Helped Make Famous

Goliath and Blue Zeus are two huge mustang stallions who lived hardscrabble lives on the Wyoming range and now enjoy freedom and plentiful forage on a 9,000-acre horse sanctuary in Oregon. Goliath is 33-years-old while Blue Zeus is 24.

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

Grizzly 1063, aka Bonita, has one cub left, after her other two cubs were killed last month by a large male grizzly.

Hazing Of Grizzly 1063 Led To Cubs Being Killed, Photographer Tom Mangelsen Says

World famous wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen said he believes the National Park Service's "hard hazing" of Grizzly 1063 last month led to two of her cubs being killed and cannibalized by a large male grizzly. The National Park Service disputes that.

Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025

The Higgs family ranch near Coal Creek, Colorado, lost 15 cattle in a single day. The animals, mostly heifers (mother cows) died suddenly after suffering seizures, and nobody can figure out why.

15 Cattle Dropped Dead In One Day On Colorado Ranch Remains A Mystery

A Colorado ranch family suffered a devastating loss when 15 head of cattle died suddenly in a single day. Weeks later, they still haven’t figured out why.

Mark HeinzJune 02, 2025

Ticks may be tiny, but tens of thousands of them at a time can be big trouble for Wyoming moose. The blood-sucking parasites can even mean a miserable death for moose.

As Tough As Moose Are, Tens Of Thousands Of Ticks Can Bring Them Down

Given their massive size and cantankerous attitudes, Wyoming’s moose might seem practically indestructible, but if enough ticks pile on to a moose, they can kill it -- and they do.

Mark HeinzJune 01, 2025

Spirit is the sole cub born to Grizzly 399 in 2023.

Why It Probably Doesn't Make Any Sense To Keep Searching For Grizzly 399's Cub, Spirit

Since Wyoming’s most famous bear, Grizzly 399, was killed by a car last fall, there hasn't been a verified sighting of her cub, Spirit. Famed wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen, who named the cub, says it would probably take genetic testing to positively identify the bear.

Mark HeinzMay 31, 2025

This young black bear was the first visitor to the Burgess Junction Visitor Center in the Bighorn mountains early Wednesday.

Bear Stops By Burgess Junction Visitor Center, Barely Misses Busload Of Tourists

A young black bear decided to take a stroll right up to the Burgess Junction Visitor Center in the Bighorn mountains early Wednesday. The bear missed a busload of tourists by about 20 minutes.

Mark HeinzMay 31, 2025

One of 10 wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Colorado Wolves Caught For Killing Livestock Let Go, Blamed For Killing Cows Again

Colorado’s Copper Creek wolf pack was captured and put in captivity last year for killing livestock. After being released, they’re now blamed for killing cows again.

Mark HeinzMay 30, 2025

Mustangs from the Salt Wells Creek herd are among nearly 3,000 horses in central Wyoming scheduled to be rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management, starting July 15 at the earliest.

BLM Proceeds With Roundup Of Rare Curly-Haired Horses Despite Pending Court Case

Despite a lawsuit challenging the capture of wild mustangs in central Wyoming still pending in federal court, the Bureau of Land Management has decided to proceed with the roundup of nearly 3,000 horses.

Mark HeinzMay 29, 2025

Grizzly bears were unfazed by an earthquake that struck the Hayden Valley area of Yellowstone National Park Monday evening. (Courtesy Wild Love Images/Julie Argyle)

Quake In Yellowstone Spooks Humans, But Bears Don’t Care

A wildlife photographer definitely felt an earthquake in the Hayden Valley area of Yellowstone on Monday evening but the bears she was filming? Couldn't care less.

Mark HeinzMay 29, 2025

The Miracle Mile on the North Platte River in central Wyoming is prized as a trout fishery. Spawning kokanee salmon can also be caught there, although they might taste awful

Wyoming’s Miracle Mile Is Prized For Trout, But Not So Much The Kokanee Salmon

The Miracle Mile on the North Platte River in central Wyoming is prized as a trout fishery. Spawning kokanee salmon can also be caught there, although they might taste awful if caught during fall spawning runs.

Mark HeinzMay 28, 2025

While some retired and current National Park Service officials claim federal cuts will cause chaos in the parks this summer. Others, including, the person who used to oversee the National Park Service, says it’s hyperbole and the parks will be just fine.

Crisis Or Hyperbole? How National Parks Will Fare This Summer

Some retired and current National Park Service officials claim federal cuts will cause chaos in the parks this summer. Others, including the person who used to oversee the National Park Service, says it’s hyperbole and the parks will be just fine.

Mark HeinzMay 28, 2025

Organizer Jonas Black and other riders in Hogs for Hope roll into Daniel, Wyoming, on May 26, 2024. The rally had planned to stop at the Green River Bar, but it had been blocked by locals with trucks and horse trailers, left.

Motorcycle Rally Against Wolf Torture Plans Return To Daniel, Wyoming

Hogs for Hope, a motorcycle rally in response to the torture and killing of a wolf in Daniel, plans a return to the western Wyoming town June 14. The event organizer says he won’t stop the rallies until Wyoming reforms its wolf management policy.

Mark HeinzMay 26, 2025

Pronghorn use a wildlife underpass near La Barge, Wyoming.

Group Aims To Raise $500 Million To Get Wildlife Crossing Projects Rolling Again

With federal money for wildlife crossings running dry and on hold, the Wildlife Crossing Fund aims to raise $500 million in private donations. The goal is to get wildlife crossing projects rolling again across Wyoming and other states.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025

Grizzly bears in Montana continue to reclaim their territory to the east, pushing into prairie country.

Grizzly Shot, Killed After Charging Mushroom Pickers Near Montana Prairie Town

Two Montana men shot and killed a grizzly that charged them while they were picking mushrooms late Wednesday near the town of Choteau. That’s in prairie country where grizzlies have recently become more common.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025

Outdoorsman Olin Machen said he was about a half mile into the Shoshone National Forest near Cody when a female and grizzly and two cubs walked right up to his Jeep, apparently without a care.

Grizzlies Walk Right Up To Cody Man’s Jeep, Show They Don’t Fear Humans

A man headed to look for black bears near Cody said three grizzlies walked right up to his bright lime-green Jeep. He said it’s more evidence that grizzlies don’t fear humans in that area.

Mark HeinzMay 23, 2025

Though firearms suppressors are used by Wyoming hunters and targets shooters, to protect against hearing loss.

Wyoming Shooters Closer To Being Able To Buy Suppressors Over-The-Counter

Wyomingites might soon be able to buy firearms suppressors over-the-counter. A bill lifting restrictions on them passed the U.S. House on Wednesday.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2025

Fred Eshelman of North Carolina owns Iron Bar Holdings LLC, which owns land in Wyoming.

Wyoming Corner-Crossing Case Would Set National Law If Supreme Court Hears It

Wyoming’s noted “corner-crossing” case could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. If it does, it would settle once and for all whether hopping corners between private and public land parcels is legal.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2025

Bryan Englebert, an assistant aquatic manager with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, holds a giant lake trout from Flaming Gorge Reservoir. There is concern that lake trout are devouring too many of the reservoirs prized kokanee salmon.

Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Still Devouring Kokanee Salmon Despite No Limits, Marina Owner Says

A marina owner at Flaming Gorge told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that lake trout are gobbling too many prized kokanee salmon. He said the catch limits on lake trout aren’t enough and should be commercially netted.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2025

Obsidian is a highly-visible and popular mamma grizzly in Yellowstone National Park. She’s pictured here with three large cubs.

Why So Many Grizzly Bears This Year On Social Media?

Photos of Wyoming grizzlies are blowing up all over social media. While that’s partly because there are more bears, it’s also because there are more people taking pictures of them, wildlife photographers say.

Mark HeinzMay 21, 2025

Three wolf pups are seen playing in this screenshot from video, taken in August 2024 in the Colorado mountains. At one point, the video pans to show two Jack Russel terries that seem alert, but not afraid, as they watch from the cab of a pickup. Now Colorado has four pairs of wolves though to be denning.

With Four New Denning Pairs Of Wolves, Colorado Could Have Wolf Pup Boom

With four pairs of wolves thought to be denning together in Colorado, that state is expecting a wolf pup boom. That could lead to numerous established wolf packs.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, said a former high-ranking official who oversaw FWS.

Grizzlies Likely To Be Delisted Once Nesvik Heads FWS, Former Federal Official Says

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, says a former high-ranking federal official who oversaw the agency.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

his momma bear was the first grizzly to appear with a new cub in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park this spring. On Monday, she led her cub across a foot bridge over Soda Butte Creek and then fended off a huge wolf that was trying to devour the cub.

Momma Grizzly Doesn’t Mess Around When Wolf Tries To Snatch Her Tiny Cub

The first grizzly bear to appear this spring with a new cub in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley wasn’t messing around when she fended off a huge wolf trying to snatch her tiny cub.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Game And Fish Captures, Relocates Grizzly That Killed Cattle Near Cody

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Replacing roughly 24 miles of old woven wire fence with wildlife-friendly fence on a ranch in Sweetwater County has saved countless antelope, deer and elk.

Wyoming Rancher Hopes Fence Will Prevent Another ‘Absolute Carnage’ Of Antelope

It's hoped that upgraded fencing on a family ranch in Sweetwater County will save countless antelope, deer and elk. Old woven-wire fence was choking off wildlife migration routes, which contributed to “absolute carnage” during winter 2022-23.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Gun ownership is rising among women in Wyoming, who are also increasingly taking tactical shooting classes to learn self-protection.

More Wyoming Women Have Guns — And Are Trained How To Use Them

In Wyoming, and across the country, more women are buying guns and taking courses to learn how to shoot them. Jason Crotteau, who runs the Riverton-based Wyoming Tactical shooters’ training company, says self-protection is the reason why.

Mark HeinzMay 17, 2025

File Photos: Witnesses in Montana claim they saw a National Guard chopper illegally land on private property, and the crew grabbing shed elk antlers. If true, the guardsmen responsible will be punished, a general said.

Montana National Guard Accused Of Illegally Using Black Hawk To Snag Elk Antlers

Witnesses in Montana claim they saw a National Guard chopper illegally land on private property, and the crew grabbing shed elk antlers. If true, the guardsmen responsible will be punished, a general said.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2025

Demonstrating a suppressor attached to a Traditions 350 Legend.

Bills Lifting Ban On So-Called Silencers, Short-Barreled Rifles Stall In U.S. House

Gun rights advocates say a Congressional committee stalled bills to lift bans on suppressors and short-barreled rifles and shotguns. Wyoming’s delegates say they support the bills.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2025

Wildlife photographer Jeff Plumb observed and photographed Grizzly 1063 with her three yearling cubs less than a week before two of the cubs were found dead, aparantly victims of a boar grizzly.

Male Bear Kills, Cannibalizes 2 Of Grizzly 1063’s 3 Yearling Cubs In Grand Teton

Fans of a prominent female grizzly in Grand Teton National Park were saddened to learn Wednesday that two of her three yearling cubs were apparently killed and cannibalized by a male bear. While brutal, it’s what male bears do.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2025

Spring turkey hunting in Wyoming has been excellent this year. The state’s wild turkey population is thriving, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Population Boom Means There Are Tons Of Turkeys For Wyoming Hunters

There’s never been a better time to take up turkey hunting in Wyoming. A population boom means there are tons of wild turkeys around for the spring season.

Mark HeinzMay 13, 2025

Roughly $16 million in federal funding is on hold for a $28 million wildlife crossing along U.S. Highway 26 near Dubois. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and others are determined to push the project forward anyway.

Short $16M In Federal Money In Limbo, Wildlife Crossing Near Dubois On Hold

Roughly $16 million in federal funding is on hold for a $28 million wildlife crossing along U.S. Highway 26 near Dubois. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and others are determined to push the project forward anyway.

Mark HeinzMay 13, 2025

Snow King Mountain near Jackson has become a hot spot for concerts, drawing big-name artists playing alternative rock, electronic music, country, blues and more.

Wyoming Growing Into A Music Concert Hot Spot — And Not Just For Country

Wyoming is no longer an unknown backwater when it comes to live music. Big name artists such as Wilco, Primus and Luke Grimes are booking shows here for 2025, while other big names to discover Wyoming include Jelly Roll, Ice Cube, Ludcris and T-Pain.

Mark HeinzMay 13, 2025

A visitor to Yellowstone National Park gets up close and personal to a bison to get a selfie with it in May 2023.

Ornery Bison Don't Just Gore People, They Break Bones And Crush Organs

Most bison “goring” attacks involve massive blunt force trauma, not people getting skewered by horns in the torso. An emergency room doctor says people who get too close can suffer broken bones, crushed organs and also can take a horn to the butt.

Mark HeinzMay 12, 2025

Drones have been used to chase wolves away from cattle in Oregon. There’s hope the tactic might work in Wyoming and Colorado.

Latest Tactic To Keep Wolves Away From Livestock: Dive-Bomb Them With Drones

Dive-bombing wolves with drones equipped with lights and speakers have scared them away from cattle in Oregon and a wolf conservation advocate hopes to work with ranchers in Colorado and Wyoming to see if drones have a similar effect here.

Mark HeinzMay 11, 2025

Bambi is a 250-pound Nubian goat who lives at the Home On The Range Animal Haven south of Laramie. An old back injury makes difficult for him to walk, so it’s hoped somebody can design a leg brace for him.

Bambi, A Disabled 250-Pound Goat That Lives South Of Laramie, Needs A Leg Brace

Bambi, a 250-pound Nubian goat, struggles to get around because of a back injury he suffered in a fight with a ram. The folks at a farm animal sanctuary near Laramie think he can walk again with a leg brace but crafting one has been difficult. So they're asking the public for help.

Mark HeinzMay 10, 2025

It’s hoped that a program called Access Granted can provide hunters more access to prime areas, while also respecting landowners’ rights.

Casper-Based Company Wants To End Feuding Between Hunters, Landowners

Tensions between landowners and hunters seeking access to game herds are nothing new, even leading to national attention for Wyoming’s high-profile “corner-crossing” case. A Casper-based company thinks it’s found the solution.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2025

A helicopter drops old Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry Lake, a reservoir on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana. The trees provide spawning habitat for yellow perch and shelter for their hatchlings.

Helicopter Drops Christmas Trees Into Popular Montana Lake To Save Yellow Perch

Walleyes were gobbling up too many yellow perch in Montana’s Canyon Ferry Lake. So, state officials started dropping old Christmas trees into water to provide spawning habitat and shelter for perch hatchlings.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

A Florida man who was gored by a bison in Yellowstone on Wednesday was lucky. Another Floridian was killed by a bear this week, and yet another by an alligator.

Yellowstone Bison Goring The Latest In A Bad Week For Floridians Vs. Wildlife

A Florida man who was gored by a bison in Yellowstone on Wednesday was lucky. Another Floridian was killed by a bear this week, and yet another by an alligator.

Mark HeinzMay 08, 2025

One of 10 wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Wandering Colorado Wolf Transplanted From Canada Logs 1,230 Miles Around State

Colorado’s reintroduced wolves have been making tracks all over the state, including one female that’s logged more than 1,200 miles. At least two are also known to have ranged into Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

A 47-year-old man from Florida was gored when he approached too close to a bison at Yellowstone National Park on Sunday. The National Park Service reported the goring Wednesday, confirming it’s the first of the season after two gorings in 2024.

Florida Man Is First Bison Goring Of The Season At Yellowstone National Park

A 47-year-old man from Florida was gored when he got too close to a bison at Yellowstone National Park on Sunday. The National Park Service reported the goring Wednesday, confirming it’s the first of the season after two gorings in 2024.

Clair McFarland & Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

Grizzly 1058, a male from Grizzly 399’s famed 2020 litter of quadruplets, was confirmed dead on Tuesday, after apparently being hit by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park.

Grizzly 399 Offspring Hit And Killed By Car In Grand Teton

Grizzly 1058, a male from Grizzly 399’s famed 2020 litter of quadruplets, was confirmed dead on Tuesday, after apparently being hit by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2025

ATF agent demonstrates firing a Glock pistol with a switch attached to make it full-auto in this video posted by WTHR in Indianapolis, Indiana.

States Move To Ban Glocks Over Worries They Can Be Made Fully Automatic

There’s already a ban on “Glock switches,” devices that can make the semiautomatic handgun fully automatic. Now some states are trying to also ban Glock pistols themselves.

Mark HeinzMay 05, 2025

This adorable little critter photographed Sunday near Baggs is a ringtail. A distant relative of raccoons, ringtails are usually associated with the desert Southwest and are a rare sight in Wyoming.

Ringtail, Rare In Wyoming, Spotted Near Baggs — And Game And Fish Wants It

Ringtails, a distant cousin of raccoons, are a rare sight in Wyoming. A Baggs-area family spotted and photographed one, and Game and Fish hope to trap and release it somewhere safe from dogs.

Mark HeinzMay 05, 2025

9-year-old Mikey Jonnassen of Casper is pictured here with his mom Shantae Smith, stepdad Roy Smith and younger sisters Kinsley and Ella Jonnassen. The family hopes to find a service dog to help Mikey with his medical needs.

After Surviving A Brain Tumor, Casper Boy Can’t Wait To Get A Service Dog

After Mikey Jonnassen was diagnosed with a brain tumor, doctors told his mom that he would spend the rest of his life bedridden. But he wasn’t having any of that. Now he’s walking, talking and looking forward to a service dog.

Mark HeinzMay 04, 2025

Deer herd in wyoming 5 31 23

Proposal To Change Landowner Hunting Tags Targets ‘Hunting Club’ Market

A proposal to more than double the amount of land needed to qualify for landowner hunting tags would favor Wyomingites over out-of-staters, supporters say.

Mark HeinzMay 02, 2025

A screenshot from video taken at Oxbow Bend along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park shows an audacious coyote creeping up and biting famous bear Grizzly 610 on her backside – because she was raiding the coyote’s food stash.

Daring Coyote Bites Grizzly 610 On The Butt — Without Getting Torn To Shreds

A coyote wasn’t about to let Grizzly 610, one of Wyoming’s most famous bears, get away with raiding its food along the Snake River on Monday. The coyote boldly snuck up and bit her on the butt — then avoided getting torn to shreds by the annoyed bear.

Mark HeinzMay 02, 2025

Fences can sometimes prove to be fatal barriers for Wyoming’s wildlife.

Mapping Countless Miles Of Fence Could Save Wyoming Wildlife From Gruesome Deaths

Wyoming deer, elk and antelope can suffer gruesome deaths when they get entangled, so mapping out the state's countless miles of fences are can help save wildlife, researchers believe.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2025

In a screenshot from a video, the popular Grand Teton grizzly named Bruno breaks through while trying to ice fish.

Video Shows Bruno, Sire Of Many Of Grizzly 399’s Cubs, Isn't Great At Ice Fishing

Bruno the grizzly — best known for likely fathering many of Grizzly 399's cubs — recently tried his paws at ice fishing. While Alaska bears feast on fish, biologists say it’s a rare sight for bears in Grand Teton, and video shows Bruno's not great at it.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2025

In an apparent case of mass wildlife thrill killing, 12 antelope were shot near Kemmerer, including several that were wounded and left to suffer, Wyoming Game and Fish reported.

A Dozen Antelope Illegally Shot Near Kemmerer, Including Several Left Suffering

In an apparent case of mass wildlife thrill killing, 12 antelope were shot near Kemmerer, including several that were wounded and left to suffer, Wyoming Game and Fish reported.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2025

This video shows one of two wolves that have reportedly been hanging out and attacking ranchers’ cattle in Sierra County, California.

Frustrated Californians Say Protected Wolves Have Them ‘Under Siege’

Frustrated Californians in Sierra County report wolves have them "under siege," attacking cattle and making their way into neighborhoods, including an elk slaughtered on someone's front porch. Wolves are protected in California, so nobody can touch them.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2025

The aging and crumbling LaPrele Dam near Douglas has been demolished, leaving farmers scrambling for what little irrigation water is left, saying they're now "at the mercy of Mother Nature." A new dam might be built by 2028 and could cost $187 million.

With LaPrele Dam Gone, Douglas-Area Farmers At ‘The Mercy Of Mother Nature’

The aging and crumbling LaPrele Dam near Douglas has been demolished, leaving farmers scrambling for what little irrigation water is left, saying they're now "at the mercy of Mother Nature." A new dam might be built by 2028 and could cost $187 million.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2025

Shooting signs might seem like a redneck cultural tradition, but it costs taxpayers big money, and has gotten some public recreation areas closed to shooting.

Game And Fish Sick Of People Blasting Their Signs With Gunfire

Shooting signs might seem like a redneck cultural tradition, but it costs taxpayers big money. It’s also prompted Wyoming Game and Fish to close some public recreation areas to shooting.

Mark HeinzApril 28, 2025

Two anglers were charged by a grizzly and scared it off by shooting at it in the popular Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife refuge in southwest Montana. It’s another area where grizzlies are expanding their range.

Montana Anglers Fend Off Charging Grizzly With Gunfire

Two anglers were charged by a grizzly and scared it off by shooting at it in the popular Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife refuge in southwest Montana. It’s another area where grizzlies are expanding their range.

Mark HeinzApril 28, 2025

A Casper-based startup company, Cabin Maven, offers cabins, R.V. sites and tent-camping sites off the beaten path.

Rustic Airbnb RV And Cabin Rentals Are For Those Not Quite Ready To Rough It

As Wyoming continues to draw outdoors thrill-seekers, one entrepreneur thinks he’s found the ideal niche market. Airbnb-style rentals for people who want to avoid the mobs but aren’t quite ready to rough it.

Mark HeinzApril 26, 2025

Punt guns are essentially waterborne cannons that can slaughter up to 100 waterfowl in a single blast. Their use helped fuel the push toward conservation and regulated hunting.

When Hunters Would Massacre Entire Flocks Of Waterfowl With Giant Punt Guns

Punt guns are essentially waterborne cannons that can slaughter up to 100 waterfowl in a single blast. Because punt guns were so devastating to the bird populations, some states started banning them for hunting as far back as 1860.

Mark HeinzApril 26, 2025

Left, Ashlea Roberts and her dogs Pistol, Recon, and Nitro with a rattlesnake Roberts caught for her dog-training clinic. Right, Jerry Colson and his dog Charlie with one of the family's finds.

Just As Rattlesnake Season Starts In Wyoming, Pet Vaccine Drying Up

A vaccine that helps protect dogs against rattlesnake venom might soon be unavailable, just as rattlesnake season begins in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2025

Wolves in California are costing ranchers millions of dollars far beyond just the price of cattle killed, according to a new study. A Wyoming rancher says the secondary costs of predation are well-known here.

Study Says One Wolf Can Cost Ranchers More Than $160,000 In Losses

Wolves in California are costing ranchers millions of dollars far beyond just the price of cattle killed, according to a new study. A Wyoming rancher says the secondary costs of predation are well-known here.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2025

Kevin Christopherson has used trail cameras to capture numerous images of wildlife on land he owns in the Box Elder Canyon area south of Glenrock.

Proposed Limits On Landowner Hunting Tags Could Cut Out Many Property Owners 

Hunters worry that a plan to more than double the amount of land that people need to own to qualify for landowner hunting tags could cut out property owners across Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2025

Anatolian Shepherds are huge livestock guardian dogs fierce enough to chase off grizzlies and wolves. And it turns out that they’re also great at keeping an eye on toddlers.

Local Rancher Not Surprised Anatolian Pyrenees Dog Rescued Lost Arizona Toddler

Montana rancher Lauren Stoddard told Cowboy State Daily that she wasn’t the least bit surprised by the account of an Anatolian Pyrenees rescuing a lost toddler in Arizona this month. “These dogs identify need," Stoddard said.

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2025

Ammunition for sale at Frontier Arms & Supply in Cheyenne. Displays like this, where customers can grab their own ammunition while shopping, will be illegal in Colorado under a new law.

New Ammo Sales Restriction In Colorado Could Push More Customers To Wyoming

A new Colorado law will require retailers to lock up the ammunition in their stores. A Wyoming gun store manager says Colorado’s firearms policies could push more customers toward Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 23, 2025

A lot of elk getty 4 23 25

Wyoming Rancher Worries More Elk Tags Will Make Herds Hide From Hunters

Elk hunters in northeast Wyoming are facing a quandary — how to give hunters access to kill enough elk to keep the herds in check. An area rancher worries more tags will make the herds hide from hunters.

Mark HeinzApril 23, 2025

Overpass 9 14 22

With Federal Grants In Question, Wyoming Wildlife Crossing Projects Are On Hold

With federal grants frozen as the Trump administration combs through federal budgets, some major Wyoming wildlife crossing projects are on hold.

Mark HeinzApril 22, 2025

Protecting the “Path of the Pronghorn” migration route is vital for the Sublette antelope herd, which is a national treasure, a biologist says. Drilling technology could help keep the path clear for Wyoming’s prized pronghorn.

Horizontal Drilling Could Keep Wyoming’s ‘Path Of The Pronghorn’ Clear

Protecting the “Path of the Pronghorn” migration route is vital for the Sublette antelope herd, which is a national treasure, a biologist says. Drilling technology could help keep the path clear for Wyoming’s prized pronghorn.

Mark HeinzApril 22, 2025

Stacy O’Nell caught photos of this extremely rare black fox in Yellowstone National Park, when it made a brief appearance along the roadside last week. The fox’s unusual coloring is probably the result of a condition called melanism, which can cause black skin, fur or feathers in numerous species.

Rare Black Fox Pops Out Along Roadside In Yellowstone

A fox with rare black fur made a brief roadside appearance in Yellowstone National Park last week. The fox’s coloring is probably the result of a condition called melanism.

Mark HeinzApril 21, 2025

With calving and lambing season underway, Wyoming ranchers must fend off predators. Ravens are among the worst, but can’t be shot because they’re a protected species.

Ravens Attack Lambs, But Are Protected In Wyoming, So You Can’t Shoot Them

With calving and lambing season underway, Wyoming ranchers must fend off predators. Ravens are among the worst with their attacks on lambs, but can’t be shot because they’re a protected species.

Mark HeinzApril 20, 2025

A new study from a group that wants grizzlies reintroduced to California claims the state could handle nearly 1,200 bears. Wildlife officials say that’s unrealistic.

Group Wants Nearly 1,200 Grizzlies In California, But Could It Actually Happen?

A new study from a group that wants grizzlies reintroduced to California claims the state could handle nearly 1,200 bears. Wildlife officials say that’s unrealistic.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2025

The “Path of the Pronghorn,” one of Wyoming’s most-used antelope travel routes, could be designated as an official migration corridor, possibly restricting energy development.

Protecting Wyoming Pronghorn A Balancing Act Of Conservation, Energy Development

The “Path of the Pronghorn,” one of Wyoming’s most-used antelope travel routes, could be designated as an official migration corridor, possibly restricting energy development.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2025

This mamma black bear was sluggish as she emerged from her hibernation den in Yellowstone National Park on Monday with at least one, and possibly two tiny cubs.

Momma Black Bear, Tiny Cub Caught Crawling Out Of Their Yellowstone Den

Female bears with cubs usually don’t emerge from hibernation until May. But a lucky photographer got photos when one momma black bear was "like a sloth" venturing out of the den early with at least one tiny cub Monday in Yellowstone National Park.

Mark HeinzApril 18, 2025

Limpy, aka Tripod or Chester, is a coyote that lives in the Lamar area of Yellowstone National Park. He tries to sucker tourists out of snacks by looking pathetic along the roadside.

Limpy, Yellowstone’s Infamous Coyote Con Artist, Is At It Again

Limpy the coyote is Yellowstone National Park’s greatest con artist. He hangs out along the roadside, greatly exaggerating a leg injury, hoping to get snacks from soft-hearted tourists.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2025

Josh Coursey

Prominent Wyoming Mule Deer Advocate Picked To Serve In Trump Administration

Prominent Wyoming wildlife conservationist Josh Coursey has been tapped to serve in President Donald Trump’s administration in a role he can't yet disclose. He joins a number of people with Wyoming ties picked by the administration.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2025

In the first reported major run-in between a grizzly and a human this year, a man hunting shed antlers in north-central Montana shot and killed a female grizzly bear that he claimed charged him.

Montana Hunter Kills Charging Grizzly In Year’s First Reported Human-Bear Clash

In the first reported major run-in between a grizzly and a human this year, a man hunting shed antlers in north-central Montana shot and killed a female grizzly bear that he says charged him.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2025

Wolves have been switching from hunting elk to hunting bison in Yellowstone National Park. Hunting bison requires larger wolf packs, as seen in this file photo.

Famous Yellowstone Wolf Pack Hunting Calf Nearly Clobbered By Adult Bison

Yellowstone National Park’s Junction Butte wolf pack failed in a recent attempt to bring down a yearling bison calf. The calf and its mother ran to a group of adult bison, which in turn tried to clobber the wolves.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2025

There seems to be some confusion over whether it’s legal to won a kangaroo in Wyoming. It is — but you’ll need a special permit, and as mostly outside pets, kangaroos probably couldn’t handle the Wyoming cold. Here, a kangaroo shivers in a rare dusting of snow in Australian winter.

It’s Legal To Own Kangaroos In Wyoming, But They’d Probably Freeze To Death

There seems to be some confusion over whether it’s legal to own a kangaroo in Wyoming. It is — but you’ll need a special permit, and as mostly outside pets, kangaroos probably couldn’t handle the Wyoming cold.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2025

One of five wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Agencies Tight-Lipped About Second Colorado Wolf Killed In Wyoming

A Wyoming law that protects the identities of wolf hunters seems to be behind an information blackout about the second Colorado wolf killed in Wyoming. That has people in both states frustrated.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2025

It’s widely assumed that an adult mountain lion kills a deer a week, but some seasoned mountain lion hunters question that. They say the big cats are blamed for killing more deer than they actually do.

Mountain Lions Blamed For Killing More Deer Than They Actually Do, Hunters Say

It’s widely assumed that an adult mountain lion kills a deer a week, but some seasoned mountain lion hunters question that. They say the big cats are blamed for killing more deer than they actually do.

Mark HeinzApril 13, 2025

A series of screenshots from a video by Selah and Bruce Tenney shows a bobcat snatching a hen wild turkey out of mid-air in rural Oregon. The incredible scene won the 2025 Trailcampro video of the year award.

Momma Bobcat Makes Incredible Leap To Snag Turkey Out Of The Air

A trail camera captured a rare wildlife moment in Oregon, where a bobcat was recorded making an incredible leap to snag a wild turkey, mid-air. The video won the Trail Cam Pro 2025 video of the year award.

Mark HeinzApril 12, 2025

A 5-month-old dire wolf created by Colossal Biosciences.

Dire Wolves Would Destroy Everything If Reintroduced In Wyoming, Biologists Say

A bioscience company’s announcement this week that it’s brought back long-extinct dire wolves raised a lot of eyebrows. But they would destroy everything if a breeding population of them were reintroduced in Wyoming, biologists say.

Mark HeinzApril 12, 2025

One of five wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Second Colorado Wolf Reintroduced From Canada Dies In Wyoming

A second wolf that was transplanted from British Columbia, Canada, to Colorado crossed the state line into Wyoming and died here Wednesday, Colorado wildlife officials confirmed Friday.

Mark HeinzApril 12, 2025

A pair of Wyoming grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

52-Year-Old Federally-Led Grizzly Study Team May Be On Chopping Block

A federally-led grizzly bear study team that goes back to 1973 could soon be on the chopping block because of ongoing federal cuts. It’s unclear what that might mean for the future of Wyoming’s grizzlies.

Mark HeinzApril 11, 2025

Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is taking heat this week after pointing a rifle at the head of an ICE agent during a photo op. Wyoming firearms exports say that breaks a major gun safety rule.

Noem’s Rifle Pointing At Agent’s Face Broke Major Safety Rule, Wyoming Experts Say

Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is taking heat this week after pointing a rifle at the head of an ICE agent during a photo op. Wyoming firearms experts say that breaks a major gun safety rule.

Mark HeinzApril 11, 2025

A crowd of Laramie residents turned out Wednesday evening to tell their school board that they don’t want concealed firearms allowed in local schools. The board said there’s no choice, because the Legislature did away with gun-free zones in Wyoming.

Laramie Residents Balk At Guns In Schools, School Board Says There’s No Choice

A crowd of Laramie residents turned out Wednesday evening to tell their school board that they don’t want concealed firearms allowed in local schools. The board said there’s no choice, because the Legislature did away with gun-free zones in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 10, 2025

In 1962, the Air Force ejected a bear named Yogi from a jet bomber going 870 mph at an altitude of 35,000 feet. In hindsight, a retired USAF colonel questions how anyone thought that was a good idea.

USAF Tested Its B-58 Jet Bomber By Ejecting A Bear Named Yogi At 35,000 Feet

In 1962, the Air Force ejected a bear named Yogi from a jet bomber going 870 mph at an altitude of 35,000 feet. In hindsight, a retired USAF colonel questions how anyone thought that was a good idea.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2025

Blacktail Ponds in Yellowstone can be a bison death trap in the winter as they fall in and can't get out.

Yellowstone’s Blacktail Pond Is A Bison Death Trap, But A Buffet For Bears

The Blacktail Pond area in Yellowstone National Park can be a death trap for bison if they fall through ice or get trapped in muddy water and drown. But for the area's bears, it's a buffet.

Mark HeinzApril 07, 2025

A skunk is caught on a wildlife trail cam stashing pieces of a turkey carcass in a mountain lion's den.

Fearless Skunk Caught Stashing Its Dinner Of Roadkill In Mountain Lion’s Den

Skunks will eat just about anything and they’re fearless, as evidenced by a video of a skunk stashing its dinner of roadkill turkey in a mountain lion’s den.

Mark HeinzApril 07, 2025

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is using a contraption slung under a helicopter to pluck dead trees out of a state park, not unlike “claw machine” arcade games.

Helicopter Plucks Trees From Colorado State Parks Like An Arcade Claw Game

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is using a contraption slung under a helicopter to pluck dead trees out of a state park, not unlike “claw machine” arcade games.

Mark HeinzApril 06, 2025

As Wyoming black bears emerge from hibernation, bear hunters are tempting them in with bait barrels.

When Hunting Black Bears In Wyoming, Don’t Get Mauled By A Hangry Grizzly

After a relatively mild winter, Wyoming hunters are looking forward to spring black bear season. But lots of hangry and irritated grizzlies are out there, too.

Mark HeinzApril 05, 2025

Think you can survive a charging grizzly just because you have bear spray with you? Wyoming Game and Fish’s “Robobear” is an eye-opener, as Cowboy State Daily reporters Clair McFarland and Mark Heinz recently learned.

Think You Can Survive A Charging Grizzly? Take On Wyoming’s ‘Robobear’

Think you can survive a charging grizzly just because you have bear spray with you? Wyoming Game and Fish’s “Robobear” is an eye-opener, as Cowboy State Daily reporters Clair McFarland and Mark Heinz recently learned.

Mark Heinz & Clair McFarlandApril 05, 2025

A pronghorn struggles to move along a section of woven-wire fencing in deep snow in the Green River Basin of western Wyoming. Pronghorn in the Red Desert faced similar obstacles during their escape movements in the winter of 2022-23, contributing to a mass die-off.

During Brutal Winter Die-Off, Antelope Got Lost, Trapped By Fences And Roads

Many of the antelope that froze or starved during the brutal winter of 2022-2023 got lost and died after they hit fences they couldn’t cross, according to a new University of Wyoming-led study.

Mark HeinzApril 04, 2025

A grizzly tries to get intop this trash can.

Grizzly Killed A Man In Yellowstone In 1916, So They Blew It Up With Dynamite

The first documented fatal grizzly attack in Yellowstone National Park was in 1916 by a bear dubbed Old Two Toes. Federal workers responded by blowing the grizzly into oblivion using a garbage barrel booby-trapped with dynamite.

Mark HeinzApril 04, 2025

Laramie firefighter Dylan Schilt was left temporarily paralyzed when a massive stone chimney chase collapsed on him during a house fire call on Feb. 28. He’s been undergoing physical therapy and is determined to make a full recovery.

Laramie Firefighter Crushed In House Fire Determined To Make A Full Recovery

Laramie firefighter Dylan Schilt was left temporarily paralyzed when a massive stone chimney chase collapsed on him and a colleague on Feb. 28. He said Thursday he plans to make a full recovery.

Mark HeinzApril 03, 2025

Adobe town, south of Rock Springs along rough gravel and dirt roads, is one of Wyoming’s most isolated locations.

Sweetwater County Turns To Hageman For Help On BLM Rock Springs Plan

It remains uncertain how the Bureau of Land Management’s plan for 3.6 million acres in south-central Wyoming will pan out. But Sweetwater County officials hope it stays to their liking.

Mark HeinzApril 02, 2025

With the repeal of Wyoming’s gun-free zones, concealed carrying of firearms will be allowed in University of Wyoming buildings starting July 1. It’s already to legal to carry outside on campus grounds.

UW To End Gun-Free Zones July 1 And Allow Concealed Guns Inside Buildings

With the repeal of Wyoming’s gun-free zones, concealed carrying of firearms will be allowed in University of Wyoming buildings starting July 1. It’s already legal to carry outside on campus grounds.

Mark HeinzApril 02, 2025

The city of Rock Springs has contracted with the Wyoming-based Goat-Green LLC company to bring in 300 goats. The goats are gobbling their way through brush and grass that’s clogging up drainages near the city center.

Rock Springs Hires Goat Army To Munch Its Way Through Clogged Canals

Rock Springs has weeds, brush and grass clogging vital drainage canals through the heart of town. An army of 300 goats has been let loose to gobble their way through.

Mark HeinzApril 01, 2025

There’s a dispute over exactly where the boundary line is between land owned by the South Dakota ranchers Heather and Charles Maude and national grassland controlled by the Forest Service. The couple was served federal indictments alleging theft of government property.

Federal Fence Line Fight With Ranchers Is ‘Odd,’ Wyoming Attorney Says

An ongoing fence line fight between a South Dakota ranch family and the U.S. Forest Service has grabbed national attention. It also seems “odd,” says a Wyoming attorney who has handled land disputes.

Mark HeinzMarch 31, 2025

Candida Haasch runs the Warriors of the Rainbow Horse Sanctuary in Missouri and would love to adopt curly-haired mustangs from Wyoming.

Missouri Trainer Wants All The Wyoming Curly-Haired Mustangs She Can Get

A Missouri horse trainer says she’ll take all the curly-haired Wyoming mustangs she can get. She says they’d be perfect for a prisoner-rehabilitation program similar to what the Wyoming Honor Farm has.

Mark HeinzMarch 30, 2025

Sandhill cranes take flight at Wyoming’s Table Mountain wildlife habitat management area.

Thousands Of Cranes Pour Into Wyoming For Spring Migration, Even A Few Whoopers

Sandhill cranes are pouring into Wyoming by the thousands during spring migration. A few rare whooping cranes are showing up too. Many cranes come here to nest and raise their young.

Mark HeinzMarch 29, 2025

Pulling gun getty 3 29 25

Even In Wyoming, Experts Say Shooting At Someone Stealing Your Stuff Not A Good Idea

It’s best to know what the law says about using a gun to defend yourself, your home and possessions in Wyoming before opening fire, experts say. A Casper man may learn that after unloading at his own truck while a guy was stealing it.

Mark HeinzMarch 29, 2025

Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service.

Wyoming Ranchers Ask Trump For Help In Family's Fence Line Fight With Feds

Wyoming ranchers have asked President Donald Trump to intervene in their daughter and son-in-law’s property dispute with the U.S. Forest Service in South Dakota.

Mark HeinzMarch 28, 2025

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is a backing a bill to lift 90-year-old restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. A Wyoming firearms law expert agrees, calling the restrictions “silly.”

Lummis Wants End To ‘Silly’ Restrictions On Short-Barreled Rifles, Shotguns

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is a backing a bill to lift 90-year-old restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. A Wyoming firearms law expert agrees, calling the restrictions “silly.”

Mark HeinzMarch 28, 2025

A pack of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

If Feds Delist Wolves Everywhere, Will Colorado’s Reintroduction Program Crash?

A push is underway to get wolves delisted from federal protection across the Lower 48, but it remains unclear how that might affect wolf management policies in Wyoming and Colorado.

Mark HeinzMarch 28, 2025

A North Carolina man uses a bear suit black bears off his lawn. Some Wyomingites said trying that with a grizzly would be insane. They could maul you, or worse, try to get frisky.

Man In Bear Suit Scares Off Black Bear; He’s Lucky It Wasn’t A Wyoming Grizzly

A North Carolina man uses a bear suit to scare black bears off his lawn. Some Wyomingites said trying that with a grizzly would be insane. They could maul you, or worse, try to get frisky.

Mark HeinzMarch 27, 2025

Wyoming gun rights advocates are blasting a Wednesday U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Biden-era “ghost gun” rules. The regs require serial numbers and background checks for self-made firearms.

Wyoming Gun Owners Blast Supreme Court For Upholding Biden-Era ‘Ghost Gun’ Rules

Wyoming gun rights advocates are blasting a Wednesday U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Biden-era “ghost gun” rules. The regs require serial numbers and background checks for self-made firearms.

Mark HeinzMarch 26, 2025

Yellowstone’s Bison have merged into a “single breeding population,” according to a new study. It might be necessary to establish new herds in places like Wyoming’s Red Desert to prevent inbreeding.

New Herd In Wyoming’s Red Desert Could Save Yellowstone Bison From Inbreeding

Yellowstone’s bison have merged into a “single breeding population,” according to a new study. Because of that, it might be necessary at some point to establish new herds in places like Wyoming’s Red Desert to prevent inbreeding.

Mark HeinzMarch 26, 2025

Hope is running high in Sweetwater County that millions of acres of federal land won’t be locked up as Harriet Hageman pushes to revise Bureau of Land Management plans across the West, including Wyoming's vast Red Desert.

Rock Springs Land Use Plan On Hold As Congress Revises BLM Western Priorities

Hope is running high in southwest Wyoming that millions of acres of federal land won’t be locked up as Harriet Hageman pushes Congress to revise Bureau of Land Management plans across the West.

Mark HeinzMarch 24, 2025

Yellowstone Wolves 3 18 24

If Colorado Wolves Keep Crossing Into Wyoming, They Might Not Last Long

A transplanted wolf showing up in Wyoming wasn’t unexpected, neither was it being killed for preying on livestock. With Wyoming’s shoot-on-sight policy for wolves in most of the state, that’s not likely to change.

Mark HeinzMarch 21, 2025

An online rumor that children’s Benadryl can save people from rattlesnake bites has gone viral around Wyoming. But it’s false, and a medical expert says taking it after a rattler bites could get you killed.

Taking Benadryl For Rattlesnake Bites Can Get You Killed, Medical Expert Says

An online rumor that children’s Benadryl can save people from rattlesnake bites has gone viral around Wyoming. But it’s false, and a medical expert says taking it after a rattler bites could get you killed.

Mark HeinzMarch 21, 2025

A former Wyoming resident who had moved to Alabama was busted for illegally killing a deer 26 years after the fact, and after dodging a bench warrant for 24 years.

Former Wyoming Resident Busted For Illegal Deer Killing 26 Years Later

A former Wyoming resident who had moved to Alabama was busted for illegally killing a deer 26 years after the fact, and after dodging a bench warrant for 24 years.

Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2025

One of the wolves brought into Colorado from British Columbia in January and released in Colorado was killed in Wyoming on Friday. It had killed five sheep in north-central Wyoming, wildlife officials report.

Transplanted Colorado Wolf Killed In Wyoming Had Been Attacking Sheep

A wolf from Colorado that killed five sheep in north-central Wyoming was killed by USDA Wildlife Services on Saturday. It was one of the wolves brought into Colorado from British Columbia and released there as part of that state's reintroduction program.

Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2025

Environmental groups are pushing to block the nomination of former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But a former FWS warden says he’s the right pick.

Environmentalists Push To Block Brian Nesvik As Pick To Lead Fish & Wildlife

Environmental groups are pushing to block the nomination of former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. But a former FWS warden says he’s the right pick.

Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2025

A federal court will decide whether a herd of rare curly-haired mustangs will be rounded up and removed from southwest Wyoming.

Federal Court To Decide Fate Of Wyoming’s Rare Curly-Haired Wild Mustangs

A panel of three federal judges in 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver is considering whether mustangs, including rare curly-haired horses, will be rounded up and removed from southwest Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2025

Many hope that Spirit, the last cub of Grizzly 399, is still alive and will emerge from hibernation this spring.

Watch Is On For 399’s Cub Spirit: If He Survived, Will Anyone Recognize Him?

Grief over the death of Wyoming’s Grizzly 399 was tempered by hope that her cub, Spirit, might survive on his own. But even if he did, it might be impossible to distinguish Spirit from any other 2-year-old grizzly.

Mark HeinzMarch 18, 2025

A federal appeals court Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ruled in favor of four hunters who “corner-crossed” to access public land next to a Wyoming ranch in 2021. The ruling could have broad implications for public lands use.

Federal Court Sides With Hunters In Wyoming Corner-Crossing Case

A federal appeals court Tuesday ruled in favor of four hunters who “corner-crossed” to access public land next to a Wyoming ranch in 2021. The ruling could have broad implications for public lands use.

Mark HeinzMarch 18, 2025

University of Wyoming sign 5 15 23

UW Breaks Ties With National Ph.D. Group After Trump’s DEI Scrutiny

University of Wyoming has cut ties with a nonprofit allegedly trying to “diversify corporate America.” The move is a response to President Trump’s push for academia to pull away from DEI.

Mark HeinzMarch 17, 2025

Wombat lady responds 3 17 25

Wyoming Baby Wombat Grabber Fires Back At Australia

A Wyoming-based social media influencer who set off international outrage after reportedly grabbing a baby wombat in Australia is firing back, stating that Australia’s government slaughters wombats by the thousands.

Mark HeinzMarch 17, 2025

Close Up Of An Adult Female, An Adult Male, Nymph And Larva Tick. Ticks Cause An Acute Inflammatory Disease Characterized By Skin Changes, Joint Inflammation, And Flu-Like Symptoms Called Lyme Disease.

Tick Bite Victims Say Resulting Diseases Caused Them Years Of Misery

As tick season nears, victims told Cowboy State Daily about years of suffering, and the frustration of going to one doctor after another – with baffling symptoms – and still not getting a proper diagnosis.

Mark HeinzMarch 16, 2025

Wyoming’s oldest coal-burning steam locomotive, Ol’ Sadie

Cheyenne Botanic Garden Founder Says Cheyenne ‘Stealing’ Famous Locomotive

Shane Smith, the founder of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, says plans to move Wyoming's oldest coal steam locomotive to a downtown location would amount to “stealing” it from the facility, as well as from all the people who donated time and money to put Ol’ Sadie there.

Mark HeinzMarch 16, 2025

A pack of wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Why Wolves In Wyoming Aren’t Attacking And Killing People Like They Are In India

While a district in northern India is reeling from wolf attacks that have killed at least 10 people, many of them children, wildlife biologists say the chances of humans being attacked by wolves in Wyoming remain virtually zero.

Mark HeinzMarch 15, 2025

Wildlife photographer Trent Sizemore captured video of a grizzly walking past a trail camera on March 13, 2025

Well-Known Bear Likely First Grizzly Caught On Video This Year, Near West Yellowstone 

Photographers believe the grizzly seen ambling past a trail camera on Thursday night in Yellowstone is the same huge male that is often one of the first bears to make an appearance each spring. 

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

Concealed carry 2 5 25

Gun Advocates Praise Study Showing Citizens Stop More Mass Shooters Than Police

Wyoming gun rights advocate Mark Jones told Cowboy State Daily that a new study showing armed citizens stopped more active shootings than police proved Wyoming was right to repeal gun-free zones.

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

Screenshot of Samantha Strable holding a baby wombat in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Blasts Wyoming Outdoors Influencer For Grabbing Baby Wombat 

Australians, including the prime minister, are livid at a Wyoming-based social media influencer, after a video surfaced of her grabbing a baby wombat. Samantha Strable, who has lived in Pinedale, could lose her visa as a result.

Mark HeinzMarch 14, 2025

Kelsey Mitchell, a biologist with the Teton County Weed & Pest District, collects ticks for research. Scientists are looking for volunteers to do the same.

As Ticks Begin To Emerge in Wyoming, Entomologists On Lookout For Two New Species

Wyoming entomologists say ticks are beginning to come out and are warning about two new species that are particularly awful. One carries Lyme disease and the other likes to “chase you down.”

Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2025

A bald eagle riding a dead skunk like a snowboard isn’t something you see everyday, but a woman in Maine got it on video. It also doesn’t surprise raptor experts, because eagles really like to cling to their food.

Bald Eagle Won’t Let Go Of Its Dinner, Turns Roadkill Skunk Into A Snowboard

A bald eagle riding a dead skunk like a snowboard isn’t something you see every day, but a woman in Maine got it on video. It also doesn’t surprise Wyoming raptor experts, because eagles really like to cling to their food.

Mark HeinzMarch 12, 2025

Trees fused together in an “H” shape, with a single huge branch between them, are extremely rare, tree experts say — and perhaps the result of human meddling. This photo from the 1970s shows "H" trees in Idaho.

Trees Fused Together By Common Branch Extremely Rare, Sometimes Helped By Humans

Trees fused together in an “H” shape, with a single huge branch between them, are extremely rare, tree experts say, but they do happen. Horticulturalist Shane Smith told Cowboy State Daily usually there's some degree of human manipulation, but not always.

Mark HeinzMarch 10, 2025

Buildup of dead timber is a concern on National Forests in Wyoming and other Western States. Some forest users hope that under new leadership, the Forest Service will start cleaning it up. Here, large stands of dead trees in the Medicine Bow National Forest in southern Wyoming pose a wildfire risk.

Wyoming National Forest Users Mixed On Big Changes Under Trump

With the U.S. Forest Service undergoing changes in the new Trump administration, people who use those public lands are mixed. One Wyoming user says she’s worried, while another says he’s hopeful to weed out those “just there for a paycheck.”

Mark HeinzMarch 08, 2025

Hunters and trappers in Montana killed 289 wolves last year, and legislators there are pushing for more. But wolf conservation advocates plan to push back.

After 289 Wolves Killed In Montana Last Year, Bills Push For More Hunting

Hunters and trappers in Montana killed 289 wolves last year, and legislators there are pushing for more. One bill would extend hunting and trapping seasons by three months, and another would allow the use of thermal imaging and night vision scopes. 

Mark HeinzMarch 08, 2025

Farmers and ranchers in eastern Laramie County are worried about whether huge data centers springing up in Cheyenne will leave them with enough water for their cattle and crops.

Cheyenne Farmers Worry Huge Data Center Will Suck Up Their Irrigation Water

Farmers and ranchers in eastern Laramie County are worried that a massive Facebook (Meta) data center, along with similar future projects, will suck up the water they need. Cheyenne's mayor reassures them it won't.

Mark HeinzMarch 07, 2025

State Sens. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, left, and Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, successfully argued to restore money for a world-class shooting range near Cody.

Last-Minute Amendment Brings $19.5 Million Shooting Complex Back From The Dead

A $19.5 million Wyoming state shooting complex was declared dead after the Legislature refused to pitch in $10 million in state funds. A last-ditch amendment revived the project Thursday on the last day of the 2025 legislative session.

Mark HeinzMarch 07, 2025

Otters are no longer classified as a protected species in Wyoming, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be getting killed anytime soon, according to Game and Fish officials.

Wyoming Otters No Longer Protected, But Won’t Get Slaughtered

Otters are no longer classified as a protected species in Wyoming, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be getting killed anytime soon, according to Game and Fish officials.

Mark HeinzMarch 06, 2025

A rabbit species called Omiltemi cottontail thought to be extinct for 120 years was recently found in Mexico, mirroring the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981.

Rediscovery Of ‘Extinct’ Rabbit Mirrors Finding Wyoming Black-Footed Ferrets

A rabbit species thought to be extinct for 120 years was recently found in Mexico, mirroring the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981.

Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025

A “clean-kill” predator law prompted by the high-profile torture of a wolf leads a list of new Wyoming wildlife laws. This 2025 session also saw new regulations for fishing guides and dogs caught in traps.

Wolf Torture Leads List Of New High-Profile Wyoming Wildlife Laws

A “clean-kill” predator law prompted by the high-profile torture of a wolf leads a list of new Wyoming wildlife rules. This 2025 session also saw new regulations for fishing guides and dogs caught in traps.

Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025

Wyoming needs to kick its timber cutting into high gear or risk another catastrophic wildfire season, foresters told the Legislature on Tuesday. The danger is especially high in the Black Hills region, they say. Above, Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris, left, and U.S. Forest Service regional forester Troy Heithecker testify for legislators.

Wyoming Can’t Cut Trees Fast Or Soon Enough, Timber Industry Says

Wyoming needs to kick its timber cutting into high gear or risk another catastrophic wildfire season, foresters told the Legislature on Tuesday. The danger is especially high in the Black Hills region, they say.

Mark HeinzMarch 04, 2025

Dylan Schilt with his four brothers in a Colorado hospital after Schilt, a Laramie firefighter, was hurt when a burning house collapsed on him.

Laramie Firefighter Paralyzed After Being Crushed In House Fire Collapse

A Laramie firefighter is facing a long rehabilitation after being paralyzed when a stone fireplace chase collapsed on him while fighting a house fire late Friday. His father told Cowboy State Daily that doctors believe his spinal cord is still intact.

Mark HeinzMarch 03, 2025

Nate Miller of Thermopolis has hunted numerous Wyoming species – such as elk and wolves. But he never dreamed he’d draw the state’s “super tag trifecta,” which will allow him to hunt three premier trophy game species this fall. He said elk is is favorite, but he's excited for some other tags he's never had before.

Wyoming Hunter Beats Huge Odds, Draws ‘Super Tag Trifecta’ To Hunt 3 Species

Nate Miller of Thermopolis put in for Wyoming’s Super Tag hunting tag raffle, not expecting to win anything. He beat astronomical odds to drew the most coveted prize of all, the three-species “trifecta” tag.

Mark HeinzMarch 01, 2025

With its pending elimination of gun-free zones, Wyoming will join New Hampshire, Alabama, Oregon and Utah in allowing people to carry concealed firearm in public school, without requiring the schools’ permission.

Wyoming Is Fifth State To Allow Guns In Public Schools Without Special Permission

With its pending elimination of gun-free zones, Wyoming will join New Hampshire, Alabama, Oregon and Utah in allowing people to carry concealed firearm in public school — without requiring the schools’ permission.

Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2025

Plans for a huge, world-class shooting complex on this tract of land near Cody, Wyoming, are in limbo. A $10 million allocation for the $19.5 million projecrt was cut when the Legislature decided not to approve a suplemental budget this year. An effort to tag the money onto a nother bill failed, with some like Sen. Chris Rothfus, left, saying the money wasn't supposed to be approved that way. Othes like Sen. Stephan Pappas, right, saying the money's allready been approved.

Plans For $19.5M Wyoming Shooting Complex Stall As Senate Pulls Promised $10M

Boosters of a $19.5 million shooting complex south of Cody, Wyoming, hoped to start construction in April. Those hopes were dashed Friday when the state Senate declined to release $10 million in promised money for the project.

Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2025

Mountain lions are known for their long, thick tails, but experts are baffled over somebody cutting the tail off a mountain lion that might have been killed illegally in Montana.

Nobody Can Figure Out Why Someone Cut Off And Took Mountain Lion’s Tail

Investigators are baffled by the case of somebody killing a mountain lion in Montana, and then cutting off and taking the animal’s head and tail. Taking a head makes sense, officials say, but the tail is baffling.

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025

A snowmobile chases a wolf across a snowy landscape in Canada.

Anti-Wolf Torture Bill Clears The Legislature, Headed To Gordon’s Desk

A bill calling for possible felony charges against people who torture predators cleared the Legislature on Wednesday and is headed to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk.

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025

Randy Moore and Island Lake in Bridger Teton National Forest 2 26 25

Forest Service Chief’s Departure Fine By Us, Says Wyoming Delegation

Wyoming’s congressional delegation say they’re just fine with Wednesday’s surprise announcement that U.S. Forest Service chief Randy Moore is quitting. Rep. Harriet Hageman said it was welcome news as he mismanaged the agency.

Sean Barry & Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025

Spirit was the last cub of Wyoming's most famous bear, Grizzly 399, and was born in 2023. Spirit hasn't been seen since 399 was struck and killed by a car in October 2024, but many people think the cub might have survived the winter and will reappear soon.

Wyoming Grizzlies Could Start Waking Up Any Day, Will Grizzly 399’s Cub Show?

Wyoming’s grizzlies should start emerging from hibernation any time now, but nobody’s sure if Grizzly 399’s cub, Spirit, will be among them.

Mark HeinzFebruary 26, 2025

Concealed firearms carriers can legally shoot attacking dogs but should be prepared to back their stories up, self-defense experts say. It can be more complicated in a populated area, even leading to potential endangering charges.

You Can Shoot A Vicious Dog In Wyoming, But Be Prepared To Back It Up

Concealed firearms carriers can legally shoot attacking dogs but should be prepared to back their stories up, self-defense experts say. It can be more complicated in a populated area, even leading to potential endangering charges.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025

Cowboys compete in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, billed as the "Daddy of 'em All," in this file photo.

Bill Aims To Protect Wyoming Rodeo From Animal Activists

Cody Republican Rachel Rodriguez-Williams says Wyoming’s rodeos need protection from animal rights activists. Her bill to protect rodeo passed out of committee Tuesday, while detractors claim it could open the door to puppy mills and dog fighting.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025

An exchange of roughly 100,000 acres between the federal government and a ranch in southcentral Wyoming would improve recreational access, supporters say. But Cowboy State hunters say the swap would be a raw deal.

Wyoming Hunters Say Proposed 100,000-Acre Land Swap Would Be A Raw Deal

An exchange of roughly 100,000 acres between the federal government and a ranch in southcentral Wyoming would improve recreational access, supporters say. But Cowboy State hunters say the swap would be a raw deal.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025

A fishing guide with a client on the Lewis River in Yellowstone National Park in this file photo.

Bill To Regulate Fishing Guides In Wyoming Clears State Senate

Fishing guides on both sides of the Wyoming-Colorado state line voiced support for a bill that could prevent the mobbing of Wyoming’s prized trout waters. The bill to regulate fishing guides cleared the Senate on Monday.

Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2025

Firearms instructor Jason Crotteau shoots an SDS Tisas 2011 pistol – which is a Turkish clone of a far more expensive Staccatto 2011 pistol.

‘Turkish Revolution’ Hits American Firearms Scene With Cheap, Plentiful Imports

Turkish firearms were once considered a joke in the United States. Now they’re becoming wildly popular with American shooters, frequently selling for a fraction of the price of domestic brands.

Mark HeinzFebruary 23, 2025

Colorado gun ban 2 22 25

Colorado Senate Passes Sweeping Ban On Semiautomatic Firearms

Colorado lawmakers are one step closer to passing a sweeping gun ban on semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and pistols. A Wyoming gun rights advocate called it one of the nation’s most restrictive gun laws.

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2025

A Winchester Model 1894 rifle has been in Bob Budd’s family for a century. It still shoots straight and symbolizes a connection with the past.

Wyoming Family’s Winchester Rifle Has Been Dropping Deer For A Century

A Winchester Model 1894 rifle has been in Cheyenne resident Bob Budd’s family for a century. He says it still shoots straight and symbolizes a connection with the past as his grandfather and father killed their first deer with it, as did Budd and his two sons.

Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2025

For the second year in a row, the Wyoming Legislature is close to giving Gov. Mark Gordon a bill to eliminate gun-free zones in the state. Gordon vetoed it last year, but isn’t saying if he’ll sign, veto or let it pass without a signature this year.

Repeal Of Gun-Free Zones Is Close To Gov. Gordon’s Desk — Will He Veto It Again?

For the second year in a row, the Wyoming Legislature is close to giving Gov. Mark Gordon a bill to eliminate gun-free zones in the state. Gordon vetoed it last year, but isn’t saying if he’ll sign, veto or let it pass without a signature this year.

Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025

A snowmobile chases a wolf across a snowy landscape in Canada.

'Clean Kill' For Predators Bill Advances — Without Wolf-Whacking Ban

A controversial “clean kill” for predators bill advanced Thursday. That it doesn’t include a ban running over wolves with snowmobiles — aka wolf whacking — remains a sticking point for many.

Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025

Opponents of coyote hunting contests say they involve needless killing. But supporters say these events involve ethical coyote hunting, with firearms or archery equipment.

Coyote Hunting Contest Prompts Wyomingites To Weigh Pros, Cons Of Events

Supporters of coyote hunting contests say that they’re helping big game herds. Opponents claim the events accomplish nothing and make Wyoming look bad.

Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025

State Rep. Brian Boner says as bill to allow shooting prairie dogs from vehicles isn't about sport, it's about pest management.

Wyoming Legislator Pushes Back On Claim Shooting Prairie Dogs Is “Psychopathic”

A retired professor told a Wyoming legislative committee Thursday that shooting prairie dogs is “psychopathic.” That raised the hackles of the sponsor of a bill to allow shooting the critters from vehicles. It’s about pest management, he says.

Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2025

Coyotes getty 2 19 25

Coyote Hunt Organizer Says She's Getting Death Threats Over Upcoming Event

An organizer of a coyote predator hunting contest in Sublette County says she’s getting death threats because people are perceiving it to be a “celebration” of the torture and killing of a wolf there last year.

Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2025

Wyoming legislators and lobbyists talk in the hallway at the state Capitol before a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting where repealing gun-free zones was discussed.

Repeal of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Clear Major Hurdle, Headed To Senate

A bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zone was unanimously approved by a Wyoming Senate committee on Tuesday, and will head to the Senate Floor. Testimony included input from “More Guns, Less Crime” author John Lott.

Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2025

Ryan Williams Spencer Albritton killed this 500-pound black bear in North Carolina, where such a bear would be on the small side.

Eastern Black Bears Are Blimps, Dwarfing Wyoming Grizzlies

In Wyoming, a black bear over 400 pounds is considered a rare trophy. But back East, it would be puny. Bears there gorge on fresh crops and sometimes top 800 pounds.

Mark HeinzFebruary 18, 2025

This huge wolf track in Moffat County, Colorado, is thought to have been made by a female wolf that was relocated from Oregon to Colorado in late 2023.

Colorado “Mystery Wolf” Might Be From Wyoming

Fifteen wolves from Canada, have been spreading out across northwest Colorado after being released last month. There’s also reportedly another mystery wolf running around, although nobody is sure where it came from. It might be from Wyoming.

Mark HeinzFebruary 17, 2025

People might think letting their cats out helps their pets live their best kitty lives, but they’re actually murder machines, killing billions of birds and small animals.

Outdoor Cats Are "Murder Machines" Killing Over 1 Billion Birds Every Year, Say Biologists

Letting pet cats out to roam might seem like it’s doing them a favor, but don’t be fooled — Fluffy is a murder machine. “The estimates are that cats in the U.S. kill a billion birds a year. A billion,” one wildlife biologist told Cowboy State Daily.

Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025

Gillette-area machinist Karl Milner builds black powder cannons and mortars, and hosts cannon shoots on his rural property — and kids are included.

Gillette Man Builds Black Powder Cannons, Lets Kids Shoot Them

What began as an outreach for troubled youth led to a Gillette machinist's shop becoming a black powder cannon and mortar factory. Now he builds cannons and lets kids shoot in a safe, controlled environment with adult supervision.

Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025

Though his bill to ban running predators over with snowmobiles failed, Wyoming Rep. Mike Schmid says he’s determined to “close the door” on the practice in Wyoming.

Wyoming Must 'Close The Door' On Running Over Wolves With Snowmobiles, Schmid Says

Though his bill to ban running predators over with snowmobiles failed, Wyoming Rep. Mike Schmid says he’s determined to “close the door” on the practice in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025

Demonstrating a suppressor attached to a Traditions 350 Legend.

Gun Owners Expect Trump To Lift Nearly 100-Year-Old Restrictions On Silencers

Under the Trump administration, Wyoming gun rights advocates hope that a 91-year-old restriction on suppressors — aka silencers — will be lifted. However, nobody expects fully automatic weapons to become readily available.

Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025

ATF big horn 2 14 25

Trump Order Might Help Wyoming Couple Get Back Guns Seized By ATF

Thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump, a Sheridan couple who lost their guns in an ATF raid might get them back.

Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025

Sabrina King with the Wyoming chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers speaks during a rally at the state Capitol in Cheyenne on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Sportsmen Rally Against “Bad Bills” They Say Would Ruin Wyoming’s Outdoor Paradise

With what they call “bad bills” being considered by the Wyoming Legislature, a group of hunters and anglers rallied outside the Capitol on Thursday. They say average people need more political clout to keep Wyoming an outdoor paradise.

Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025

The Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne is a gun-free zone, but a bill is moving through the Legislature that could lift the designation.

With Repeal Of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Likely, Opponents Ask For Exceptions

Even some opponents of a bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones seemed resigned to it likely passing during testimony before legislators Thursday. Now they’re asking for exceptions.

Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik before his retirement Sept. 11, 2024. He began his career with Game and Fish in 1995 and was appointed as director by Gov. Mark Gordon in 2019.

Trump Picks Former Wyoming Game And Fish Chief Nesvik To Head Fish And Wildlife

Only months after retiring as director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Brian Nesvik has been picked by President Donald Trump to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mark HeinzFebruary 12, 2025

Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, talks about the crumbling La Prele Dam on the House floor Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Legislators: If State’s Paying $90M For New La Prele Dam, Public Needs Access

If $90 million of Wyoming taxpayer money is going toward rebuilding the LaPrele Dam near Douglas, the public should have recreational access to the reservoir, legislators say.

Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025

Kevin cox 2 10 25

‘Shot Heard ‘Round The World’ Observance To Honor 250th Anniversary Of Revolutionary War

Kevin Cox has organized an event on April 19 where gun owners in all 50 states will fire their guns at the same time on the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, otherwise known as the "Shot Heard 'Round The World."

Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025

Geno 2 9 25

Wyoming Redneck Chronicles, Part 2: Cheyenne Mechanic's .50 Caliber Black Powder Cannon

A fully-functional miniature black powder cannon sounds like the dream of many a Wyoming man’s inner 14-year-old. Cheyenne mechanic Geno Stecks agrees his .50 caliber piece – modeled after a Revolutionary War Naval gun – is an absolute hoot. 

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025

Debbie Neves is one of many mountain lion hunters who succeeded with the help of hounds. Pursuing mountain lions with hounds remains the most effective way to hunt them.

Are Wyoming Mountain Lions Better At Killing Each Other Than Hunters Are At Killing Them?

The best hunters of mountain lions? Mountain lions. A study of mountain lions in the Snowy Range Mountains suggests that the big cats can control their own population just as well, or better, than hunters can.

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025

Tiny, A 2,000-Pound Texas Longhorn Is An Officially Registered Emotional Support Animal

Meet Tiny, A 2,000-Pound Texas Longhorn And Officially Registered Emotional Support Animal

Fed up with the “emotional support animal crock of crap,” a Texan decided it would be funny to try registering his massive longhorn steer as an emotional support animal. It worked.

Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2025

Mark Gordon and Wyoming red desert 12 4 24

Feds Will Listen To Wyoming This Time About BLM Rock Springs Plan, Former Trump Interior Official Says 

A former high-ranking Dept of Interior official told Cowboy State Daily that the BLM's Rock Springs area plan will likely be heavily revised toward Wyoming’s liking and will be "very respectful" of Gov. Mark Gordon's recommendations.

Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2025

Rep. Bill Allemand testifies in favor of his bill that would increase penalties for trespassing in Wyoming. Feb 6, 2025

Without Stiffer Trespass Law, There Could Be Gunfights, ‘Blood On The Prairie,’ Lawmaker Says

A bill that would have stiffened Wyoming’s hunting trespass penalties died in committee on Thursday. The bill’s sponsor warned of violence if more isn’t done to curb trespassing. "I fear there will be shootouts and blood on the prairie,” Rep. Allemand said

Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2025

Blm land closed 10 6 23

Trump Administration Shuts Down Controversial Biden-Era Rock Springs Management Plan 

Sweetwater County officials were thrilled at news that a controversial federal land management plan had been shut down by the Trump administration. Newly-appointed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum made the decision late Wednesday.

Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce testifies about the potential for grizzly delisting during a Wyoming legislative committee meeting Feb. 4, 2025.

Wyoming Game And Fish Director Says “Stars Are Aligned” For Grizzly Delisting

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce told legislators Tuesday that getting grizzlies delisted is a top priority for the agency. “I think the stars are aligned,” she said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025

Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are one of the greatest things that fishing guides have to offer their clients — but there’s concerned about out-of-state guides without permits crowding Wyoming’s waters.

In Brief: Bill To Regulate Out-Of-State Fishing Passes House

A bill intended to prevent Wyoming’s prized fishing waters from being mobbed by out-of-state guides passed the Wyoming House on Monday and is headed for the Senate.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025

State Rep. Abby Angelos, R-Gillette.

Shooting Complex Budget Swells To $19.5M, Including $3.5M More From State

The anticipated budget for a “world-class” shooting complex near Cody, Wyoming, is up from $10 million to $19.5 million, including another $3.5 million from the state.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025

Concealed carry 2 3 25

Wyomingites Could Concealed Carry In All 50 States Under Bills Trump Favors

Wyomingites might be able to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states, if Trump-backed legislation passes Congress. A pair of bills making their way through Congress would make concealed carry permits valid in all states.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025

Feral cats 2 2 2 25

Like Wolves, Wyoming’s Stray Cats Aren’t Protected From Torture

Wyoming’s stray cats could end up benefiting from a push to protect wolves from torture. Like wolves, they’re considered predators, and some advocate for controlling their numbers through spaying or neutering rather than shooting them.

Mark HeinzFebruary 02, 2025

Prairie dogs 1 31 25

Apparently, Few Knew It’s Illegal To Blast Wyoming Prairie Dogs From A Vehicle

A Casper-area man said it took him by surprise to learn that shooting prairie dogs from a vehicle is illegal. Another avid hunter said he also didn’t know because it’s such a common practice in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzFebruary 01, 2025

Frontier Arms and Supply owner Ryan Allen, right, conducts a credit card transaction with a customer at the Cheyenne gun shop in this file photo.

Lobbyist: Tracking Sales Part Of ESG Scheme To Put Gun Stores Out Of Business

A Second Amendment advocate says Wyoming’s law against tracking credit card sales of guns and ammunition is “weak” and plays into an ESG scheme to put gun stores out of business. He also says it could put people at risk of getting on a federal registry.

Mark HeinzJanuary 31, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish Chief Game Warden Angie Bruce, left, and Afton resident Becky Barber testified Thursday about a trapping reform bill. Barber's dog Jester died in a trap last February.

Less Than A Year After Dog Named Jester Died In Trap, Trapping Reform Moves Forward

A tearful Becky Barber of Afton, Wyoming, testified for a state Senate committee about how her dog Jester had his throat crushed by a beaver trap last February. She was among those supporting a trapping reform bill, which unanimously passed.

Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2025

Michelle Woerner from K9s 4 Mobility testifies for on a service dogs bill Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Legislators Say They Want To Protect Real Service Animals, Not “Fluffy Dog” Pets

A bill passed by a Senate committee Wednesday says people should be allowed to train their service dogs in public in Wyoming. It also calls for severe penalties for those who want allowances for their “fluffy dog” pets.

Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2025

A legislative bill proposes lifting most of the restrictions on mountain lion hunting in Wyoming. Opponents worry that would lead to a slaughter of too many of the big cats.

Open Season On Wyoming Mountain Lions Would Be Overkill, Hunters Say

A proponent of an open season on mountain lions says a bill allowing year-round hunting would save Wyoming’s prized mule deer. But some mountain lion hunters argue it could wipe out the big cats.

Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025

Prairie dogs getty 1 29 25

Bill Would Reverse Ban On Shooting Prairie Dogs From Your Truck

A Wyoming man told legislators that he and his friends were flabbergasted when a game warden confronted them about illegally shooting prairie dogs from a pickup. A House committee voted Tuesday for a bill that would make that legal.

Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025

Wolf in bar 1 1 28 25

Some Say Legislative Response To Wyoming Wolf Torture Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would outlaw torturing wolves and other predators Tuesday. But some Wyomingites say running animals over with snowmobiles should also be banned.

Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025

A whitetail deer, left, and mule deer, right.

Bill To Split Whitetail-Mule Deer Season Dies On Senate Floor

After another round of debate over whether to split hunting seasons for Wyoming’s white-tailed deer and mule deer, the latest effort to do so died on the Senate floor Monday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 28, 2025

Fly turkey 1 27 25

Casper Turkeys Wear Out Their Welcome: 145 Removed So Far Through Trapping Program

If a trap-and-release program succeeds, Casper will no longer be wild turkey central. So far, 145 of the big, obnoxious birds have been caught and released back into the wild.

Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2025

Elk hunting 9 16 22

Allowing Landowners To Sell Hunting Tags Would Make Wyoming Wildlife Sport For The Rich, Opponents Say

A proposal to allow landowners to sell their hunting tags would make hunting in Wyoming the sport of kings, opponents say. It would amount to “nothing more than the exploitation and monetization of our wildlife resources," said Muley Fanatics Foundation CEO Josh Coursey.

Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2025

Harriet Hageman and others say there’s a chance Wyoming’s grizzlies will be delisted from endangered status after all with President Donald Trump back in office. His pick for Interior secretary says “I’m with you” on delisting.

With Trump Back In Office, Hageman Says Grizzly Delisting Back On The Table

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman and others say there’s a much better chance grizzlies will be delisted from endangered status with President Trump back in office. His pick for Interior secretary says “I’m with you” on delisting.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025

Guns for Christmas owner of Frontier Arms IMG 1905 12 23 copy

Wyoming Shooters Say They Don’t Support Eliminating Sales Tax On Guns, Ammo

A proposal to eliminate sales tax on guns and ammo in Wyoming is a nice gesture, some sportsmen say, but cutting taxes across the board would be better.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025

A pack of gray wolves in Wyoming.

Bills Could Help Wyoming's Image After Wolf Abuse, Say Retired Wildlife Officers

In response to the abuse of a wolf near Daniel last year, Wyoming aims to outlaw allowing animals to suffer. Some retired wildlife officers say the state's image is still tarnished, and that running wolves down with snowmobiles should also be banned.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025

Fishing guides 1 23 25

More Than Just Fishing Guides May Need To Be Regulated, Legislators Say

A bill calling for more regulation of fishing guides in Wyoming prompted a broader discussion about whether all forms of outdoor recreation need more oversight here -- including rock climbers, mountain bikers and others, legislators said Thursday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025

State Rep. Bill Allemand, R-Midwest, wants to close a loophole in Wyoming's wildlife laws that technically makes it illegal to trap and kill a mouse in your vehicle. You could get a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Killing A Mouse In Your Truck Can Get You A Year In Jail In Wyoming

A Wyoming legislator wants to close some loopholes in Wyoming wildlife laws. That includes eliminating one that technically could get someone a year in jail and fined $10,000 for killing a mouse inside a vehicle.

Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025

After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.

Inspired By ‘Little Siberia’ Schoolhouse, Support Grows For Rural Wyoming Schools

After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2025

Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service.

Hageman Blasts Feds For “Weaponized” Intimidation Of Ranch Family Over Fence

Harriet Hageman is calling out federal officials for an armed federal agent in tactical gear showing up on a South Dakota ranch over a fence line dispute. She condemns the “weaponized” response and wants the feds to explain themselves.

Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2025

Load more