Meet Katie!

What do you do for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department?

I am the Hunter Education Coordinator. I oversee the volunteer training and certification, provide support to the volunteers, update and verify teaching curriculum and resources, maintain databases of hunter education certificates and work with other states to make sure our curriculum and policy are in compliance with national standards. I also occasionally get to teach hunter education, wildlife conservation and basic archery and firearm instruction in the classroom and at the range.

Why is the work you do important?

Hunter Education is important because it is the first legal step to safe hunting. Without teaching the next generation of hunters to be safe, responsible, and ethical, we as a society risk repeating mistakes made in history. Without hunter education, fewer people will understand where conservation dollars come from and how hunting is used as a management tool for wildlife.

What is your favorite Wyoming wildlife species?

If I had to pick, I would say it would be a Northern Goshawk. It is a secretive bird of prey that nests in mature stands of coniferous trees. They are highly protective of their nests and have amazing agility as they dive through tree branches, pursuing their prey. They are the first wildlife species I worked with in my first wildlife biology job.

Click here to learn more about Katie and her journey into a wildlife-focused career.

Has your family spent time in the outdoors this season?

Share your adventures with us!