Dear Friends,
It’s the moments that make Wyoming special — the explosion of a dusky grouse from the brush, the taste of wild game lovingly prepared for friends and family, the laughter and stories around a campfire beneath a sky crowded with stars. They are seared into memory: your daughter’s concentration as she steadies her rifle for her first mule deer, your son’s grin as he lands his first trout, the way time stands still when you draw your bow on a bull elk. There’s the satisfaction of helping a neighbor fix a fence, the camaraderie of packing out an animal together, the freedom of our public lands, and the hard work that goes into every scouting trip and every shot that rings true. The Wyoming Wildlife Federation exists to make sure these moments continue for our children and our children’s children.
My name is Craig M. Benjamin, and as of July 8, I have the honor of serving as the new Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. Like many of you, I am rooted in a love for this place and a deep respect for the traditions that make Wyoming unique. My journey—shaped by years of conservation leadership, coalition building, and a lifelong passion for the outdoors—has always been about bringing people together to protect the wild places and wildlife that define our Wyoming way of life.
Wyoming is more than a state; it’s a promise—a place where hard work, freedom, community, and honesty are not just words, but the backbone of daily life. At WWF, we believe that caring for wildlife and wildlands is a shared responsibility and a point of pride. We are your neighbors, your hunting buddies, your fellow volunteers. For over 85 years, WWF has embodied these values, working side by side with communities, landowners, Tribes, and agencies to ensure that our wildlife, waters, and open spaces remain a legacy for future generations.
But the Wyoming we love faces real challenges. Migration routes and habitats are fragmented, public lands are threatened by privatization, our waters face drought and overuse, and fewer young people are growing up with the chance to hunt, fish, and learn respect for the land. Our work is about more than conservation—it’s about protecting our way of life and ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a Wyoming where wildlife still roam free and people still care.
Together, we can meet this moment. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, a new angler, a land steward, or simply someone who treasures the wild heart of Wyoming, your voice and your actions matter. I invite you to join me and the dedicated WWF team as we roll up our sleeves, tell our stories, and work for the future of our wildlife, our lands, and our communities.
Thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your love for Wyoming. I look forward to meeting you on the trail, at an event in your community, or around the campfire.
With gratitude,
Craig M. Benjamin