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Headshot of Cowboy State Daily's outdoor and wildlife reporter, Mark Heinz.
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. Hes 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.

Latest from Mark Heinz

Concealed carry and University of Wyoming Union 2 6 26

Wyoming Bill Could Let 18-Year-Olds Carry Concealed Guns On UW Campus

Wyoming Legislature voted last year to allow concealed firearms on the University of Wyoming campus. Bills this year would allow 18-year-old students to carry, while those 21 and older could do so without permits.

Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2026

Wyoming outdoorsman Guy Eastman says that hunting trophy-sized animals puts the hunters’ skills and abilities to the test.

Why The Outrage Over Trophy Hunting?

"Trophy hunting" has become a loaded term as the possible delisting of Wyoming’s grizzlies looms. Hunters say it represents the pinnacle of their sport. Critics say it’s all about ego.

Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2026

Wildlife photographer Marcela Herdova loves the remote areas of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Photographer Who Broke Leg In Remote Area Of Yellowstone, Is Grateful She Wasn't Alone

A wildlife photographer who broke her leg in a remote area of Yellowstone last Sunday said it taught her the importance of not venturing out alone, especially in areas without cellular service. Her companion was able to get her back to their car safely.

Mark HeinzFebruary 05, 2026

Groundhog 2 4 26

Wyoming Chef Says The Best Way To Cook Groundhog Is With A Pork Rub

Groundhogs don't have to be just ceremonial animals that allegedly predict when spring arrives. They can be good eating too. One of Wyoming’s top chefs says groundhog is best when cooked in a smoker with a pork rub.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2026

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Feds Pushing Grizzly Rules To December Could Be Step Toward Delisting

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

A recent grizzly bear study in Yellowstone National Park involved 120 remote cameras set up around the park, to capture photos of the bears’ activity.

From Bear Wrestling To Wildlife Monitoring, AI And Tech Evolution Fuels Research

Wildlife researchers are using technology to take a hands-off approach to studying wildlife, stressing animals less and saving researchers from eye-blurring data crunching. It's a huge leap from the days of wrestling bears in the name of science.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

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