Wyoming Game and Fish Department announces interim leadership

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced a new interim leadership team following the sudden departure of Director Angi Bruce. Interim Director Eric Wiltanger, who assumed the role on August 10, stated that the agency’s immediate priorities include maintaining internal stability and continuing essential work in habitat restoration, landowner partnerships, and wildlife conservation.

To support this transition, Chief Game Warden Dan Smith will serve as the Interim Deputy Director of Internal Affairs, while Craig Smith will step in as the Interim Wildlife Division Chief and Chief Game Warden. This interim team is expected to remain in place through the upcoming election cycle before the standard appointment process for executive positions begins.

While official statements indicated Bruce resigned to take a newly created role as director of special policy initiatives within Governor Mark Gordon’s office, public records suggest the transition was abrupt. The new position involves a significant salary reduction from her previous director's pay.