Longtime Wyoming Wildlife Biologist Joe Sandrini Retires After 33 Years of Service

After 33 years with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Newcastle wildlife biologist Joe Sandrini has announced his retirement, marking the end of a distinguished career in wildlife management, Oil City News reports.

Sandrini has been a vital presence in northeastern Wyoming, contributing significantly to the department’s work in the region.

A graduate of the University of California, Davis, where he was an All-American track and field athlete, Sandrini later earned his master’s degree from the University of Colorado. His career with Game and Fish began in 1992 when he worked as a game warden trainee in Casper, followed by a reassignment to Green River. He eventually served as a senior game warden in Newcastle before transitioning to the role of wildlife biologist in 2002.

“Joe’s commitment to wildlife and professionalism is second to none… His work in northeastern Wyoming provided a strong foundation for managing wildlife in the Black Hills, home to some of the state’s busiest deer, turkey, and mountain lion seasons,” said Justin Binfet, deputy wildlife chief.

Throughout his career, Sandrini played an essential role in shaping wildlife regulations. He was recognized as one of the state’s leading experts on wild turkeys and served as a liaison to the National Wild Turkey Federation. His deep field experience and thoughtful contributions to policy have had a lasting impact on Wyoming’s wildlife management.

Sandrini’s achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the Life Saving Award in 1998, Conservation PaceSetter Award in 2002, Wildlife Division Employee of the Year in 2016, and the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Henry S. Mosby Award in 2017.

As Sandrini steps into retirement, his expertise and dedication will be greatly missed by his colleagues and the wider wildlife management community in Wyoming.