WLSB, WGFD honor awardees
On Dec. 10, several individuals were honored during an awards luncheon held as part of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Winter Roundup Convention and Trade Show.
Every year, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) joins WSGA in recognizing the efforts of law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond for Wyoming producers.
In addition, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) presents awards to landowners who collaborate with the department to provide hunting access on private land through the AccessYes Program.
Law enforcement recognitions
This year, Lieutenant Herb Irons and Deputy Erik Wacker of the Goshen County Sheriff’s Department were honored with certificates of appreciation from WSGA and WLSB.
WLSB Senior Criminal Investigator Chris Strang and WLSB Criminal Investigator Cody Meyers nominated Irons and Wacker for consideration in recognition of their dedication to protecting producers in Goshen County and beyond.
Strang, Meyers and WLSB Director Steve True were present at the ceremony to congratulate Irons and Wacker.
“Law enforcement are the folks I thank every day, and I know the people in this room feel the same way,” stated True ahead of presenting the awards.
Access Recognition Program awards
Since 2012, WGFD has partnered with the Wyoming Board of Agriculture to honor landowners with Access Recognition Program (ARP) awards.
Four awards are given to landowners enrolled in the AccessYes program in each of WGFD’s designated quadrants, and awardees receive a glass statue and a check as thanks for their contributions to increasing public hunting and fishing access on private lands.
AccessYes coordinators from each quadrant and WGFD Chief of Wildlife Dan Smith were on site to present the awards.
Gary and Judy Raymond
Gary and Judy Raymond of the Ferris Mountain Ranch received the 2025 Southwest Quadrant ARP Award.
The Raymonds live on a ranch outside of Rawlins, where their participation in the AccessYes program provides access to elk, antelope and bear hunting in the Ferris Mountain Range.
They are committed to balancing traditional ranching with wildlife stewardship and promoting hunting which is an integral part of Wyoming’s culture.
The Raymonds’ collaboration with WGFD is crucial to managing big game populations in the area, according to Southwest Wyoming Access Coordinator Jon Desonier.
“The Raymonds are a voice for wildlife and kind folks,” said Desonier.
Jim and Cathy Atkinson
The 2025 Southeast Quadrant ARP Award was presented to Jim and Cathy Atkinson of Atkinson Land and Livestock and Sheep Creek Ranch LLC.
The Atkinsons have been involved with AccessYes program since 2002, providing hunting access on their property near Medicine Bow.
WGFD notes the Atkinsons have gone “above and beyond to assist the department’s wildlife management goals while providing the public with ample opportunities to hunt.”
Southeast Wyoming Access Coordinator Kelly Todd presented the Atkinsons with their award during the luncheon.
Jim Pike
Although he was unable to attend the luncheon in person, Jim Pike was recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Northeast Quadrant ARP Award.
Northeast Wyoming Access Coordinator Brian Olsen noted Pike will receive his award in January 2026.
Pike owns property near Powder River which has been a cornerstone of the AccessYes program since 2005, according to WGFD.
The area supports livestock as well as a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, antelope, chukar, sage grouse and gray partridge.
WGFD further notes Pike is currently working with the department to provide access to a 13-acre pond which has potential to restore angling opportunities for trout and other warm water species.
D.J. Healy, LU Ranch
The 2025 Northwest Quadrant ARP Award was presented to D.J. Healy of the LU Ranch.
According to WGFD, the LU Ranch is a fourth-generation, family-owned operation located in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains in Park and Hot Springs counties.
The LU Ranch has been enrolled in the AccessYes program since 1999, making it one of the first hunter management areas in the state.
WGFD further notes the LU Ranch partners with various organizations to implement wildlife and livestock management projects aimed at improving habitat and water resources, with a focus on long term sustainability and science-based practices.
Northwest Wyoming Access Coordinator Spencer Carstens presented Healy with the award to round out the luncheon.
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
