Dan Smith Appointed New Chief of Wildlife for Wyoming Game, Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has appointed Dan Smith as its new chief of wildlife, Oil City News reports.

Smith will oversee the department’s largest division, which is responsible for managing the state’s diverse wildlife.

A Wyoming native, Smith began his college education at the University of Wyoming and later earned a degree in wildlife conservation biology from Arizona State University in 1993. After working as a game warden in Arizona, Smith returned to Wyoming to join the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He has spent 22 years living in Cody, where he has held various positions, including game warden, regional access coordinator, and regional wildlife supervisor.

Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce expressed confidence in Smith’s abilities, saying:

“We were fortunate to have an excellent group of candidates prepared to fill this role. Dan has been a champion of wildlife management in Wyoming for many years, and he will excel in leading the wildlife division and contributing to the leadership of Game and Fish.”

The wildlife division is responsible for managing wildlife-related issues, including big game, nongame species, carnivores, and wildlife health. The division includes game wardens, wildlife biologists, and habitat specialists.

Smith succeeds Rick King, who retired after 29 years with the department. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Smith said:

“I am honored and excited about the new challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities this role will bring. I look forward to continuing to work with the people of Wyoming to conserve the wildlife resource we all deeply value and care about.”