JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has announced the appointment of a new wildlife biologist for the South Jackson District, after the recent retirement of long-serving Biologist Gary Fralick.
Sam Stephens began his new role in May. According to a Friday news release from Game and Fish, Stephens has worked with the agency since 2014 in various roles across the state. He previously worked in Cody as a damage technician, in Jackson in the large carnivore section, and as a wildlife biologist in Baggs and Greybull.
“The South Jackson District is unique to the state of Wyoming in both the diversity of wildlife and abundance of habitat, and in particular the vast amount of productive mule deer habitat,” Stephens said in a statement. “Gary Fralick devoted 35 years to the wildlife in this district, where he achieved celebrity status amongst those in the wildlife field. Filling his shoes will be a formidable undertaking, but I’m eager to learn the challenges of the district and apply what knowledge I’ve accrued over my career.”
Throughout his career, Stephens has spent time studying Wyoming’s big game animals and their habitats, attempting to understand wildlife movement and critical habitat areas. He has worked to develop strategies for managing chronic wasting disease in deer populations, and he has played a role in management of bighorn sheep in the Devil’s Canyon area.
“Stephens’ experience initiating habitat improvement projects, conducting research and implementing long-term monitoring will be an invaluable asset to the Jackson Region,” WGFD wrote.
