Collection Summary | ||
| Title | Wyoming Game and Fish Department Photograph Collection | |
| Dates (Inclusive) | 1945-1988 | |
| Dates (Bulk) | 1957-1972 | |
| Creator | Wyoming Game and Fish Department | |
| Abstract | Since 1921, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, later the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, has been tasked with management of the wildlife and game populations within the state. This collection contains photographs of department personnel performing various duties related to wildlife conservation and management and examples of game, bird and fish populations and scenery around the state. | |
| Collection Number | P98-31 | |
| Size | 16.5 cf (3 drawers prints, 21 boxes negatives) | |
| Repository | Wyoming State Archives | |
| Languages | English | |
Created by Wyoming State Legislature in 1921, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, later the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, was tasked with management of the wildlife and game populations within the state. This includes conservation of species and rangeland as well as maintaining healthy populations of fish, birds and game animals through managed hunting and fishing, and gamebird and fish breeding programs.
The creation of the commission was preceded by an 1869 state legislative act “for the protection of game and fish in the Territory of Wyoming”. This act established hunting seasons and bag limits over and above what was needed for an individual’s “immediate wants.” In 1875, the protected season for many of the large herbivores was expanded, laws strengthened, and it became illegal to waste edible meat, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The office of the Territorial Fish Commissioner was established in 1879 and in 1895 they also became the game and fish warden, tasked with enforcing game laws. In 1899, the game warden was separated from the Fish Commissioner and warden.
In 1979, the Hunter’s Safety/Hunter’s Education program as established by the state legislature, requiring all persons born after January 1, 1966, to take a certified hunter’s safety course before being issued a hunting license.
Original order maintained. Photos organized alphabetically by subject. Item level inventory available on-site.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Collection is made up of photographs taken by department personnel and photographers. Many of the images were used in department publications, such as Wyoming Wildlife, or for education programs. Some images document department personnel performing various duties, like surveying animal and fish populations, giving educational programs, demonstrating safe hunting practices, releasing birds and fish, and hatchery operations across the state. Other images show wildlife and scenery. Many of the photographs taken during the late 1950s are by Marv Fendley, who later ran an independent photograph studio in Cheyenne.
In addition to the expected images of department, there is a series of images of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Laramie, Wyoming, on September 25, 1963. It is supposed that game wardens were pressed into service, as was the department’s professional photographer.
The collection is open for research.
Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Item description, P98-31/print number, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Photograph Collection, Wyoming State Archives.
Processed prior to 2005. Photographs numbered maintaining original order.
Transferred from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Department records, RG0040, Wyoming State Archives.
Bighorn Basin (Mont. and Wyo.)
Devils Tower National Monument (Wyo.)
Fendley, Marvin M. (1917-1966)
Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963
Medicine Bow Mountains (Colo. and Wyo.)
One Shot Antelope Hunt (Lander, Wyo.)
Wyoming State Fair (Celebration) (Douglas, Wyo.)
Wyoming. Game and Fish Commission
Wyoming. Game and Fish Department
| Description | Container | |
|---|---|---|
Series I: Photographic Prints |
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| Description | Container | |
|---|---|---|
Series II: Negatives |
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