Wyoming Game and Fish honor Fryberger Ranch as landowners of the year

The Wyoming Game and Fish have announced the 2022 landowners of the year. 

According to the department, Game and Fish has recognized landowners who have demonstrated outstanding wildlife management and implemented habitat improvement and conservation techniques on their properties with the landowner of the year awards for nearly three decades. These stewards open access to research and recreation on thousands of acres across the state. Seven landowners were recognized as the 2022 landowners of the year by Game and Fish.

Here in Sheridan County, the 2,600 acre Fryberger Ranch owned and operated by Ron and Sue Martin have this year’s distinction of being landowners of the year. 

According to Game and Fish, the ranch consists of irrigated hay fields, riparian areas and rolling, grass-covered hills that provide habitat for a variety of big game, bird and nongame species.

The property has been enrolled in Game and Fish’s Access Yes walk-in area program since 2005 and provides hunters access on 2,445 acres for deer, pronghorn and game-birds in an area where it is increasingly difficult to find access.

The Martins have been active in the control and elimination of invasive plants on their property, particularly ventenata. The family has partnered with Game and Fish, Sheridan County Weed and Pest and the University of Wyoming Sheridan Research Station to combat invasive grasses in the region. The Martins also have participated in mapping, treating and educational outreach of the ventenata invasion on their property.

The department wrote in a release that the family has supported the ongoing North Bighorns Mule Deer Study since 2020. The study’s goals include identifying mule deer movements in the northern Bighorn Mountains, evaluating seasonal range and habitat use, identifying habitat improvements and conservation opportunities and documenting vital rates on individual animals.

To learn about the other landowners of the year throughout the Cowboy State, click here.