Blood Origins Podcast: Episode 573 - Angie Bruce || Let’s Do It The Right Way!

Release Date: July 8, 2025

In Episode 573 of the Blood Origins podcast, hosted by Larry Potterfield, Angie Bruce, the first female Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, joins to discuss her groundbreaking role, innovative conservation strategies, and the intricate balance between policy, science, and public engagement in wildlife management.

1. Introduction

Larry Potterfield opens the episode by introducing Angie Bruce, highlighting her historic achievement as the first female Director in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He emphasizes the intent to have an authentic and engaging conversation, steering clear of formalities to delve into Angie’s experiences and insights.

2. Angie Bruce’s Background and Trail to Leadership

Angie Bruce shares her journey from a farm in Iowa to leading Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department. With two decades of experience in Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and external affairs work with The Nature Conservancy, Angie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her current role.

Notable Quote:

“I have been the first whatever in many things,” Angie reflects at [03:22], underscoring her pioneering spirit and the significance of her role for other women in the industry.

3. Challenges and Insights on Wildlife Management and Policy

The conversation delves into the complexities of wildlife management, emphasizing that it extends beyond biological data to encompass policy and people management. Angie articulates the importance of integrating scientific findings with public expectations and political realities.

Notable Quotes:

Angie states at [10:21], “If I could influence one federal decision or one state law, the impact to the fish and wildlife resource was so huge.”

At [14:58], she elaborates, “We want to manage it for us or the people. And so, it’s a good thing.”

Larry shares his frustrations from an academic perspective, highlighting the gap between scientific training and practical policy implementation, reinforcing Angie’s points about the need for comprehensive education that includes policy and relationship management.

4. Wyoming’s Wildlife Crossings Initiative

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Wyoming’s innovative initiatives to create safe passages for wildlife across highways. Angie details the science-driven approach to identifying wildlife movement patterns and implementing effective structures like overpasses and underpasses, which have proven 85-90% effective.

Notable Quote:

“Maintaining the movement of wildlife is the priority because when they move, then they can get from winter habitat to summer habitat,” Angie explains at [29:06].

Angie references the documentary Unwired as a powerful tool that visually conveys the challenges wildlife face due to barriers like fences, illustrating the tangible benefits of such conservation projects.

5. Funding and Collaboration for Wildlife Crossings

Funding these large-scale projects involves a multifaceted approach. Angie discusses the reliance on PR dollars, hunter contributions, and innovative funding methods like conservation license plates. Additionally, significant federal funding through the Infrastructure Act has bolstered Wyoming’s efforts, enabling projects like the $28 million wildlife crossing in Dubois.

Notable Quote:

“Our state legislators allocated $10 million to us, which was wonderful,” Angie shares at [37:28], highlighting the crucial role of governmental support.

She also emphasizes the importance of collaborating with landowners and local communities to ensure project success and sustainability.

6. Storytelling and Public Engagement

Effective communication is paramount in Angie’s strategy. She underscores the necessity of translating scientific jargon into relatable language to educate and inform the public. Angie advocates for using compelling narratives and visual data to garner support and understanding for conservation efforts.

Notable Quote:

“Our goal should not be to impress, not to sound smart, but to achieve what we want to achieve, which is usually to educate and inform the public,” Angie states at [20:19].

Larry echoes this sentiment, discussing his efforts in marketing the hunting narrative to non-hunters by tailoring his language and approach to different audiences.

7. Future Plans and Vision

Looking ahead, Angie outlines a comprehensive mule deer strategy aimed at increasing populations and enhancing habitat resilience. She also touches on the management of wild horses in Wyoming, showcasing successful collaborations with sovereign nations to implement effective population control measures.

Notable Quote:

“This vision for a mule deer strategy in Wyoming is bigger than game and fish. It is about all those stresses and what could help address them,” Angie explains at [44:02].

Angie emphasizes the proactive approach of working with various industries, such as energy development, to ensure sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and economic interests.

8. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Larry commends Angie for her leadership and visionary approach to wildlife management. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but expresses optimism about the positive impact of Wyoming’s initiatives under Angie’s direction.

Final Thoughts:

“Jeff, congratulations. You’re the first female director of the Wyoming Game and Fish. You should be proud of yourself,” Larry concludes at [49:38], reinforcing the significance of Angie’s role and the promising future of Wyoming’s conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership and Representation: Angie Bruce’s role as the first female Director paves the way for more inclusive leadership in conservation.

• Integrated Approach: Successful wildlife management requires a blend of scientific data, effective policy-making, and public engagement.

• Innovative Solutions: Wyoming’s wildlife crossings showcase how targeted infrastructure projects can significantly reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and promote habitat connectivity.

• Sustainable Funding: Diverse funding sources, including legislative support and community contributions, are essential for large-scale conservation projects.

• Effective Communication: Simplifying scientific information and using compelling narratives are crucial for public education and support.

This episode of Blood Origins offers a deep dive into the multifaceted world of wildlife conservation, highlighting the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in fostering sustainable environments for both wildlife and human communities.