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
Wyoming's Turkey Vultures Do Much More Than Hang Around Looking Creepy
The turkey vultures are back. They return to Wyoming each spring, roosting by the hundreds on the UW campus and in Casper. Researchers say they do more than just poop all over trees, barf up pellets of leftover gristle, and hang around looking creepy
Mark HeinzMarch 21, 2026
Yellowstone Ravens Cleverly Predict Where Wolves Will Make Kills
A new study finds Yellowstone’s ravens don’t just follow wolves but use mental “maps” to predict likely kill sites. Researchers say the birds’ memory and human food sources may shape their scavenging habits.
Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2026
Utah Law Makes People Buy Hunting/Fishing Licenses To Use State Lands
Utah passed a law that could require anyone using its wildlife management areas to buy hunting or fishing licenses, even if they’re not hunting or fishing. Some Wyoming outdoors enthusiasts say that’s unfair and prefer general user fees instead.
Mark HeinzMarch 20, 2026
Wyoming Anglers Excited For State Hatchery To Produce 1.28 Million Walleye Per Year
A Wyoming fish hatchery is expected to churn out well over 1 million walleye per year, and anglers are excited. Wyoming might be primarily known for trout, but walleye are also a favorite game fish.
Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2026
There Were More Than 6,000 Human-Grizzly Conflicts In Wyoming Over The Last 40 Years
According to a report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission earlier this week, there were more than 6,000 human-grizzly conflicts in Wyoming from 1982 to 2025, including 220 in 2025. Neither attack last year resulted in life-threatening injuries.
Mark HeinzMarch 19, 2026
Elk Boldly Climbs On Sod Roof To Graze In Gardiner As Locals Watch In Amazement
A cow elk walked out onto the roof of a building in Gardiner, Montana, just outside of Yellowstone National Park to the amazement of onlookers. Apparently, she wanted the roof’s sod all to herself.
Mark HeinzMarch 18, 2026
