I am a Wyoming woman. I was born and raised in southwest Wyoming where I have had the privilege of hunting, fishing, and recreating with my dad in some of the most beautiful, rugged, and open landscapes in the state.
These special areas include the Greater Little Mountain Area, Red Desert, Big Sandy, and the ever-moving sand dunes. These lands and waters are a part of me. They have seen me grow. As I have become an adult these areas have stayed relatively the same.
These areas are so special because they are the perfect, most complex ecosystems that are home to all species of precious wildlife including mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, and sage grouse. There are so many acres of public land that can be used in many different recreational ways.
I am an avid bowhunter and have been bowhunting in one fashion or another since infancy. My dad would tote me around on his back to all the archery shoots in the area and every ground blind during hunting season when I was too young to follow along. Once I was big enough to draw a bow, I was right beside him every chance I got. Following in his footsteps, I am now a strong, passionate, and lifelong advocate for ethical archery hunting from behaviors and respect in the field to fair chase and harvest.
I am thankful that I live in a place where change isn’t constant, where there is roaming wildlife and unobstructed acres for miles. I am not surrounded by the concrete jungle of big cities. This is the west.
I want to continue hunting and experiencing these special places for many decades to come.
As I have gotten taller, wiser, and am now an adult, I understand that I want to be the voice for the voiceless and advocate for our lands, our wildlife, our waters, and our communities. Growing up in the same area where I know, live, work, and recreate, I understand that it is the responsibility of every person to preserve and protect our precious natural resources. We are so blessed to have such beautiful mountains, streams, and deserts at our fingertips and we shouldn’t take it for granted.
Please take advantage of the public comment period and use your voice to the Bureau of Land Management regarding these special areas along with your special areas within the 3.6 million acres of public land.
About the Author: Shelby Martin is a lifelong Wyomingite, growing up in Southwest Wyoming and following in her dad's footsteps as an avid archer, hunter, angler, and outdoorsman.