Gordon Statement on Order Blocking Wyoming Grizzly Bear Hunt

Treasurer Mark Gordon, the Republican nominee for Governor of Wyoming, released the following statement today after U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ordered a temporary block to the start of Wyoming’s first grizzly bear hunt in 40 years.
“I’m disappointed the federal judge intervened in this way. Wyoming experts, biologists and local stakeholders worked for years to develop a thoughtful approach to keep the population of grizzlies healthy and reduce conflicts to keep residents and visitors safe. As a lifelong sportsman and rancher, I support the conservative policy put into place by Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners earlier this year that struck an appropriate balance in addressing the concerns, and meeting the needs, of our ranching and conservation communities. I hope the judge keeps bears under state management and upholds Wyoming’s sound approach.”
“Wyoming helped lead years of conservation work to recover grizzly bears and has proven time and again our ability to successfully and responsibly steward our lands and wildlife. Fighting overreach by the federal government means education and advocacy about Wyoming’s record of success as much as pushing back against regulations. As Governor, I will work to change the misguided narrative that Wyoming decisions belong anywhere but in Wyoming hands.”
Earlier this year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission voted to allow limited hunting of grizzly bears in Wyoming. Grizzly bears within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem were removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act in June of 2017, with their populations exceeding recovery goals for many years.
Judge Christensen’s order, which applies to scheduled hunts in both Wyoming and Idaho, remains in effect for 14 days while he considers the case further. Under current rules, less than two dozen grizzly bears in both states would be permitted to be hunted.