JACKSON – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Jackson Region is excited to announce the appointment of Sam Stephens as the new South Jackson wildlife biologist. He officially began his role in May, following the retirement of Gary Fralick.

Stephens began his career with Game and Fish in 2014 as a damage technician in Cody. He later transferred to Jackson, where he worked in the large carnivore section. In 2017, he secured his first permanent role as a wildlife biologist in Baggs, a position he held for two years before moving to the Greybull wildlife biologist district.

Over the past 10 years, Stephens has dedicated significant time to researching Wyoming’s big game animals and their habitats, enhancing the understanding of wildlife movement and critical habitat areas. He has been instrumental in developing innovative strategies to manage chronic wasting disease in deer populations and has played a key role in managing the Devils Canyon Bighorn Sheep Herd.

“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. “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.”

Stephens’ experience initiating habitat improvement projects, conducting research and implementing long-term monitoring will be an invaluable asset to the Jackson Region.

Stephens can be reached through the Jackson Regional Office at (307) 733-2321 or via email at sam.stephens@wyo.gov.