Writers on the Range: Wildlife watching’s free ride

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Dec. 15, 2022

Volume XXX, number 18

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Wildlife watching has been getting a free ride

by Kelsey Wellington

There’s a new initiative in Wyoming that’s changing the face of wildlife conservation funding, and it’s already seen huge success in its rst year. It’s based on the state’s startling mountains, rivers lled with sh and forests where bears and wolves roam — everything that makes Wyoming unrivaled. at wildlife is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and 85% of the cost is funded by hunters and anglers. is happens largely through the sale of hunting and shing licenses, as well as taxes on related sporting goods through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts.

But as we all know, hunters and anglers aren’t the only people fascinated by wildlife. e number one reason people travel to Wyoming is to view wild animals, and wildlife watching alone accounts for almost half a billion dollars in state revenue. It also employs over 10,000 people.

Yet the tourism industry that I’m part of as a wildlife guide contributes very little when it comes to funding wildlife conservation.

Taylor Phillips, owner of EcoTour Adventures in Jackson, Wyoming, felt this gap was unfair and wanted to do something about it. Since founding his business in 2008, Phillips has donated more than $115,000 to nonpro ts