The Wyoming Game and Fish Department appointed Deputy Director Eric Wiltanger as Interim Director on Aug. 10, following the resignation of Director Angi Bruce on Aug. 6.
Wiltanger, who retired from 20 years of active duty Air Force service in 2010, joined the State of Wyoming in 2010 with the Department of Corrections, Division of Criminal Investigations. He moved to Game and Fish in 2020 as Services Division Chief and was appointed Deputy Director of Internal Affairs in 2024.
"My focus will be to ensure the staff here have the support they need to continue fulfilling our commitment to Wyoming's wildlife and the public," Wiltanger said, citing internal stability, fiscal responsibility, and public engagement as key priorities. "It is also my priority to continue working with our state's sportsperson community. Their continued involvement and support helps ensure that Game and Fish is able to develop policies and strategies that support wildlife as well as the needs of our hunters and anglers."
Chief Game Warden Dan Smith, who has served with the department since 2002, assumes the role of Interim Deputy Director. Smith previously worked as a regional Access Yes Coordinator and Game Warden in the Cody Region before becoming Regional Wildlife Supervisor in 2017. He became Wildlife Division Chief and Chief Game Warden in 2024.
Craig Smith, Deputy Chief for the Wildlife Division, becomes Interim Wildlife Division Chief and Chief Game Warden. Smith has served with the department for 28 years, starting as a wildlife technician in 1998 and serving as a Game Warden and wildlife supervisor throughout the state before assuming the Deputy Chief role in 2022.
Bruce, who resigned Aug. 6, took on a new role as Director of Special Policy Initiatives for Governor Mark Gordon.