The Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF) is proud to welcome Colton Schick of Cheyenne as our new Civic Engagement Fellow for 2025–2026.
A lifelong Wyomingite, passionate outdoorsman, WWF Conservation Ambassador, and 2025 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Youth Conservationist of the Year, Colton represents the next generation of sporting conservation leadership in Wyoming.
Rooted in Wyoming’s Hunting and Angling Heritage
Colton grew up fishing at Curt Gowdy State Park and the Laramie Plains Lakes, and hunting pheasants on family land in central Nebraska. His early experiences in 4-H and FFA – including competing nationally in shotgun and agricultural-issues debates – instilled in him a lifelong respect for wildlife, working lands, and community leadership.
As a WWF Conservation Ambassador, Colton has already taken action on behalf of wildlife and public lands, testifying before the Wyoming Office of State Lands & Investments and the State Board of Land Commissioners on the Kelly Parcel proposal, as well as speaking on wildlife legislation in front of the Wyoming State Legislature. Those experiences shaped his understanding of how policy decisions affect access, habitat, and Wyoming’s outdoor way of life.
“Colton embodies the blend of outdoor-heritage experience, agricultural relationships with wildlife, policy interest, and the leadership we need in Wyoming conservation,” said Craig Benjamin, WWF Executive Director. “He’s a true home-grown leader who already understands the connection between community, policy, and wildlife stewardship. We’re excited to see what he accomplishes working with Jess and our ambassador team.”
About the Civic Engagement Fellowship
Over the next year, Colton will dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to advancing civic engagement and legislative advocacy across Wyoming. Working directly with Jess Johnson, WWF’s Government Affairs Director, and Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Colton will:
- Support Legislative Engagement: Track wildlife and habitat-related bills, assist with hearings and testimony, and help organize WWF’s Camo at the Capitol advocacy day.
- Strengthen the Conservation Ambassador Network: Help coordinate ambassadors statewide, share stories, and support the growth of civic-minded conservation leadership.
- Help Safegaurd America’s Public Lands: Contribute to WWF’s ongoing efforts to engage hunters, anglers, and local leaders in maintaining America’s public lands and outdoor heritage; ensuring access, wildlife habitat, and the Wyoming way of life endure for generations to come.
As part of the fellowship, Colton will receive mentorship from both Jess and Craig, learning the inner workings of state policy, civic advocacy, and coalition leadership while directly contributing to WWF’s mission.
“I’m looking forward to having Colton as colleague during the 2026 Wyoming Legislative Budget Session” said Jess Johnson, WWF Government Affairs Director. “He already understands how Wyoming’s hunting, angling, and policy worlds intersect. This fellowship will give him the experience and platform to strengthen those connections, build relationships of his own, and champion wildlife and public lands for years to come.”
A Word from Colton
“I’m honored to take on this fellowship and continue learning from the incredible team at WWF,” said Colton Schick. “Growing up in Wyoming taught me how important it is to protect the land, water, and wildlife that define our way of life. I’m excited to help bring more voices into this work and stand up for the places and traditions we all care about.”
Investing in the Future of Conservation Leadership
The Civic Engagement Fellowship reflects WWF’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of Wyoming hunting and angling conservation leaders who can bridge sporting traditions, science-based policy, and civic engagement.
“This fellowship represents what we stand for,” Benjamin added. “Wyoming-based leadership, investing in people, and creating opportunities for the next generation to learn how to speak up for the land, water, and wildlife that make this state so special.”
Please join us in welcoming Colton Schick to the Wyoming Wildlife Federation team. His dedication, integrity, and passion for Wyoming’s outdoors embody the very best of our state’s conservation future.