AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
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

Fly-fishing guide Dustin White, left, and Ugly Bug Fly Shop owner Blake Jackson show off White’s Orvis Fly Fishing Guide of the Year Award.

Casper Angler Named World’s Best Fly-Fishing Guide By Orvis

Dustin White, a guide for the Ugly Bug Fly Shop in Casper, was named the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide of the Year, regarded in the industry as recognition of the best guide in the fly-fishing world. He said making people happy through his job is better than any award.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2026

A female grizzly that was captured and moved from the Glacier National Park are to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem emerged with two cubs this month. Wildlife managers say it’s important step toward genetic exchange between northern Yellowstone bear populations.

Grizzly Transplanted To Yellowstone Has Cubs, Raising Hopes For Genetic Exchange

A female grizzly transplanted from near Glacier National Park to Yellowstone has emerged with two cubs, initiating genetic exchange between bear populations. Some say it’s not enough to impact the debate over delisting grizzlies from federal protection.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2026

Elk on the beach are a common sight at Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Tourists Try To Ride Elk Which Are Taking Over Beaches In Coastal Oregon Town

As herds of elk have overtaken a beach in a small Oregon coastal town, tourists have tried to put their children on them to ride and others attempt to feed them carrots. “We have visitors who don't know elk are wild animals,” said the local chamber.

Mark HeinzApril 16, 2026

Fed up with raccoons killing his chickens, Cheyenne-area resident Kevin Gunter built a “chicken fortress,” which he dubbed “The Henitentiary."

Laramie County Man Declares War On Killer Raccoons, Builds ‘Chicken Fortress'

A Cheyenne-area man says he’s “not messing around anymore,” declaring war on the raccoons that keep killing his chickens. He spent $1,300 building an impenetrable “chicken fortress” to protect his flock.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026

This refurbished 1971 Ford Bronco Sport sold at auction in Nebraska for $56,000 on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

Vintage Ford Broncos Are Still All The Rage, Easily Selling For $50,000 Or More

First-generation Ford Broncos are all the rage with collectors, easily fetching $50,000 or more. A 1971 Ford Bronco Sport sold at a Nebraska auction Tuesday for $56,000, which a Wyoming vintage Bronco fanatic says was a bargain.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026

After a Laramie man totaled his car colliding with a moose, he and his fiancée hoped that they could at least claim the meat. But then somebody else came along and stole their roadkill.

A Moose Totaled Laramie Couple's Car, Then Somebody Took Their Roadkill

After a Laramie man totaled his car colliding with a moose in the dark early morning hours Monday, he and his fiancée hoped that they could at least claim the meat. But then somebody else came along and stole their roadkill.

Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026

View All