The Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition reports raising nearly $1.1 million for Wyoming wildlife conservation efforts.  The funds were raised by the sale of the Wyoming Governor’s complimentary big-game licenses.  Governor Mark Gordon praised the contributions made by Wyoming hunters.

“The record amount of funding raised in 2020 is a clear indication of just how much people value Wyoming’s wildlife. I am grateful for the contributions from hunters for projects that sustain our state’s iconic species, as well as the organizations who put these funds on the ground,” Gov. Gordon said.

The Coalition, made up of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Mule Deer Foundation, Muley Fanatics Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, sale the big game licenses, as authorized by state statute.  The sold licenses included five wild bison, five moose, ten deer/elk/antelope and five bighorn sheep licenses.

The revenue is solely dedicated to wildlife conservation, with 90% of the proceeds going back to the Coalition and the remaining 10% staying within the selling organization.  An additional $110,000 will be dedicated to crucial on-the-ground work and other project funding for wildlife because Gov. Gordon refined the allocation in 2020 to cut administrative costs.

“Projects are diverse, including habitat improvements, conservation easements, research, and projects to facilitate wildlife movements across roadways,” the governor’s office said.

Outgoing Coalition Chairman, Justin Binfet of Game and Fish, noted the group’s work to market and sell the donated licenses and then disseminate funds is widely supported in the state.

“The Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition is remarkable because it brings a considerable amount of money to the table and has strong support and participation from a diverse group of leading conservation organizations in Wyoming,” Binfet said. “This model, founded under Gov. Freudenthal and continued by Gov. Mead and Gov. Gordon, should be lauded for the considerable resources it has leveraged to support Wyoming’s wildlife.”

The Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition is accepting project applications for wildlife/conservation projects until January 31, 2021. To apply, visit: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Apply-or-Buy/Commissioner-and-Governor-Licenses