Mark Heinz
Mark Heinz covers the outdoors and wildlife for Cowboy State Daily.
He previously worked or freelanced for numerous newspapers and magazines across Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, covering all manner of news and feature stories. He has a strong background in topics related to wildlife, hunting, and wildlands conservation. He's written extensively since the 1990s about the controversies surrounding wolves, grizzly bears and mustangs.
He also enjoys people-centric stories with quirky edge of humor and has written several such pieces for Cowboy State Daily.
Mark lives in Laramie with his wife, Kendy, and the youngest of their five children.
Latest from Mark Heinz
Rediscovery Of ‘Extinct’ Rabbit Mirrors Finding Wyoming Black-Footed Ferrets
A rabbit species thought to be extinct for 120 years was recently found in Mexico, mirroring the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981.
Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025
Wolf Torture Leads List Of New High-Profile Wyoming Wildlife Laws
A “clean-kill” predator law prompted by the high-profile torture of a wolf leads a list of new Wyoming wildlife rules. This 2025 session also saw new regulations for fishing guides and dogs caught in traps.
Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2025
Wyoming Can’t Cut Trees Fast Or Soon Enough, Timber Industry Says
Wyoming needs to kick its timber cutting into high gear or risk another catastrophic wildfire season, foresters told the Legislature on Tuesday. The danger is especially high in the Black Hills region, they say.
Mark HeinzMarch 04, 2025
Laramie Firefighter Paralyzed After Being Crushed In House Fire Collapse
A Laramie firefighter is facing a long rehabilitation after being paralyzed when a stone fireplace chase collapsed on him while fighting a house fire late Friday. His father told Cowboy State Daily that doctors believe his spinal cord is still intact.
Mark HeinzMarch 03, 2025
Wyoming Hunter Beats Huge Odds, Draws ‘Super Tag Trifecta’ To Hunt 3 Species
Nate Miller of Thermopolis put in for Wyoming’s Super Tag hunting tag raffle, not expecting to win anything. He beat astronomical odds to drew the most coveted prize of all, the three-species “trifecta” tag.
Mark HeinzMarch 01, 2025
Wyoming Is Fifth State To Allow Guns In Public Schools Without Special Permission
With its pending elimination of gun-free zones, Wyoming will join New Hampshire, Alabama, Oregon and Utah in allowing people to carry concealed firearm in public school — without requiring the schools’ permission.
Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2025
Plans For $19.5M Wyoming Shooting Complex Stall As Senate Pulls Promised $10M
Boosters of a $19.5 million shooting complex south of Cody, Wyoming, hoped to start construction in April. Those hopes were dashed Friday when the state Senate declined to release $10 million in promised money for the project.
Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2025
Nobody Can Figure Out Why Someone Cut Off And Took Mountain Lion’s Tail
Investigators are baffled by the case of somebody killing a mountain lion in Montana, and then cutting off and taking the animal’s head and tail. Taking a head makes sense, officials say, but the tail is baffling.
Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025
Anti-Wolf Torture Bill Clears The Legislature, Headed To Gordon’s Desk
A bill calling for possible felony charges against people who torture predators cleared the Legislature on Wednesday and is headed to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk.
Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025
Forest Service Chief’s Departure Fine By Us, Says Wyoming Delegation
Wyoming’s congressional delegation say they’re just fine with Wednesday’s surprise announcement that U.S. Forest Service chief Randy Moore is quitting. Rep. Harriet Hageman said it was welcome news as he mismanaged the agency.
Sean Barry & Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025
Wyoming Grizzlies Could Start Waking Up Any Day, Will Grizzly 399’s Cub Show?
Wyoming’s grizzlies should start emerging from hibernation any time now, but nobody’s sure if Grizzly 399’s cub, Spirit, will be among them.
Mark HeinzFebruary 26, 2025
You Can Shoot A Vicious Dog In Wyoming, But Be Prepared To Back It Up
Concealed firearms carriers can legally shoot attacking dogs but should be prepared to back their stories up, self-defense experts say. It can be more complicated in a populated area, even leading to potential endangering charges.
Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025
Bill Aims To Protect Wyoming Rodeo From Animal Activists
Cody Republican Rachel Rodriguez-Williams says Wyoming’s rodeos need protection from animal rights activists. Her bill to protect rodeo passed out of committee Tuesday, while detractors claim it could open the door to puppy mills and dog fighting.
Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025
Wyoming Hunters Say Proposed 100,000-Acre Land Swap Would Be A Raw Deal
An exchange of roughly 100,000 acres between the federal government and a ranch in southcentral Wyoming would improve recreational access, supporters say. But Cowboy State hunters say the swap would be a raw deal.
Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025
Bill To Regulate Fishing Guides In Wyoming Clears State Senate
Fishing guides on both sides of the Wyoming-Colorado state line voiced support for a bill that could prevent the mobbing of Wyoming’s prized trout waters. The bill to regulate fishing guides cleared the Senate on Monday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2025
‘Turkish Revolution’ Hits American Firearms Scene With Cheap, Plentiful Imports
Turkish firearms were once considered a joke in the United States. Now they’re becoming wildly popular with American shooters, frequently selling for a fraction of the price of domestic brands.
Mark HeinzFebruary 23, 2025
Colorado Senate Passes Sweeping Ban On Semiautomatic Firearms
Colorado lawmakers are one step closer to passing a sweeping gun ban on semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and pistols. A Wyoming gun rights advocate called it one of the nation’s most restrictive gun laws.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2025
Wyoming Family’s Winchester Rifle Has Been Dropping Deer For A Century
A Winchester Model 1894 rifle has been in Cheyenne resident Bob Budd’s family for a century. He says it still shoots straight and symbolizes a connection with the past as his grandfather and father killed their first deer with it, as did Budd and his two sons.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2025
Repeal Of Gun-Free Zones Is Close To Gov. Gordon’s Desk — Will He Veto It Again?
For the second year in a row, the Wyoming Legislature is close to giving Gov. Mark Gordon a bill to eliminate gun-free zones in the state. Gordon vetoed it last year, but isn’t saying if he’ll sign, veto or let it pass without a signature this year.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025
'Clean Kill' For Predators Bill Advances — Without Wolf-Whacking Ban
A controversial “clean kill” for predators bill advanced Thursday. That it doesn’t include a ban running over wolves with snowmobiles — aka wolf whacking — remains a sticking point for many.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025
Coyote Hunting Contest Prompts Wyomingites To Weigh Pros, Cons Of Events
Supporters of coyote hunting contests say that they’re helping big game herds. Opponents claim the events accomplish nothing and make Wyoming look bad.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025
Wyoming Legislator Pushes Back On Claim Shooting Prairie Dogs Is “Psychopathic”
A retired professor told a Wyoming legislative committee Thursday that shooting prairie dogs is “psychopathic.” That raised the hackles of the sponsor of a bill to allow shooting the critters from vehicles. It’s about pest management, he says.
Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2025
Coyote Hunt Organizer Says She's Getting Death Threats Over Upcoming Event
An organizer of a coyote predator hunting contest in Sublette County says she’s getting death threats because people are perceiving it to be a “celebration” of the torture and killing of a wolf there last year.
Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2025
Repeal of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Clear Major Hurdle, Headed To Senate
A bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zone was unanimously approved by a Wyoming Senate committee on Tuesday, and will head to the Senate Floor. Testimony included input from “More Guns, Less Crime” author John Lott.
Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2025
Eastern Black Bears Are Blimps, Dwarfing Wyoming Grizzlies
In Wyoming, a black bear over 400 pounds is considered a rare trophy. But back East, it would be puny. Bears there gorge on fresh crops and sometimes top 800 pounds.
Mark HeinzFebruary 18, 2025
Colorado “Mystery Wolf” Might Be From Wyoming
Fifteen wolves from Canada, have been spreading out across northwest Colorado after being released last month. There’s also reportedly another mystery wolf running around, although nobody is sure where it came from. It might be from Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 17, 2025
Outdoor Cats Are "Murder Machines" Killing Over 1 Billion Birds Every Year, Say Biologists
Letting pet cats out to roam might seem like it’s doing them a favor, but don’t be fooled — Fluffy is a murder machine. “The estimates are that cats in the U.S. kill a billion birds a year. A billion,” one wildlife biologist told Cowboy State Daily.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025
Gillette Man Builds Black Powder Cannons, Lets Kids Shoot Them
What began as an outreach for troubled youth led to a Gillette machinist's shop becoming a black powder cannon and mortar factory. Now he builds cannons and lets kids shoot in a safe, controlled environment with adult supervision.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025
Wyoming Must 'Close The Door' On Running Over Wolves With Snowmobiles, Schmid Says
Though his bill to ban running predators over with snowmobiles failed, Wyoming Rep. Mike Schmid says he’s determined to “close the door” on the practice in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025
Gun Owners Expect Trump To Lift Nearly 100-Year-Old Restrictions On Silencers
Under the Trump administration, Wyoming gun rights advocates hope that a 91-year-old restriction on suppressors — aka silencers — will be lifted. However, nobody expects fully automatic weapons to become readily available.
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025
Trump Order Might Help Wyoming Couple Get Back Guns Seized By ATF
Thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump, a Sheridan couple who lost their guns in an ATF raid might get them back.
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025
Sportsmen Rally Against “Bad Bills” They Say Would Ruin Wyoming’s Outdoor Paradise
With what they call “bad bills” being considered by the Wyoming Legislature, a group of hunters and anglers rallied outside the Capitol on Thursday. They say average people need more political clout to keep Wyoming an outdoor paradise.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
With Repeal Of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Likely, Opponents Ask For Exceptions
Even some opponents of a bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones seemed resigned to it likely passing during testimony before legislators Thursday. Now they’re asking for exceptions.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
Trump Picks Former Wyoming Game And Fish Chief Nesvik To Head Fish And Wildlife
Only months after retiring as director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Brian Nesvik has been picked by President Donald Trump to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mark HeinzFebruary 12, 2025
Legislators: If State’s Paying $90M For New La Prele Dam, Public Needs Access
If $90 million of Wyoming taxpayer money is going toward rebuilding the LaPrele Dam near Douglas, the public should have recreational access to the reservoir, legislators say.
Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025
‘Shot Heard ‘Round The World’ Observance To Honor 250th Anniversary Of Revolutionary War
Kevin Cox has organized an event on April 19 where gun owners in all 50 states will fire their guns at the same time on the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, otherwise known as the "Shot Heard 'Round The World."
Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025
Wyoming Redneck Chronicles, Part 2: Cheyenne Mechanic's .50 Caliber Black Powder Cannon
A fully-functional miniature black powder cannon sounds like the dream of many a Wyoming man’s inner 14-year-old. Cheyenne mechanic Geno Stecks agrees his .50 caliber piece – modeled after a Revolutionary War Naval gun – is an absolute hoot.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025
Are Wyoming Mountain Lions Better At Killing Each Other Than Hunters Are At Killing Them?
The best hunters of mountain lions? Mountain lions. A study of mountain lions in the Snowy Range Mountains suggests that the big cats can control their own population just as well, or better, than hunters can.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025
Meet Tiny, A 2,000-Pound Texas Longhorn And Officially Registered Emotional Support Animal
Fed up with the “emotional support animal crock of crap,” a Texan decided it would be funny to try registering his massive longhorn steer as an emotional support animal. It worked.
Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2025
Feds Will Listen To Wyoming This Time About BLM Rock Springs Plan, Former Trump Interior Official Says
A former high-ranking Dept of Interior official told Cowboy State Daily that the BLM's Rock Springs area plan will likely be heavily revised toward Wyoming’s liking and will be "very respectful" of Gov. Mark Gordon's recommendations.
Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2025
Without Stiffer Trespass Law, There Could Be Gunfights, ‘Blood On The Prairie,’ Lawmaker Says
A bill that would have stiffened Wyoming’s hunting trespass penalties died in committee on Thursday. The bill’s sponsor warned of violence if more isn’t done to curb trespassing. "I fear there will be shootouts and blood on the prairie,” Rep. Allemand said
Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2025
Trump Administration Shuts Down Controversial Biden-Era Rock Springs Management Plan
Sweetwater County officials were thrilled at news that a controversial federal land management plan had been shut down by the Trump administration. Newly-appointed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum made the decision late Wednesday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2025
Wyoming Game And Fish Director Says “Stars Are Aligned” For Grizzly Delisting
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce told legislators Tuesday that getting grizzlies delisted is a top priority for the agency. “I think the stars are aligned,” she said.
Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025
In Brief: Bill To Regulate Out-Of-State Fishing Passes House
A bill intended to prevent Wyoming’s prized fishing waters from being mobbed by out-of-state guides passed the Wyoming House on Monday and is headed for the Senate.
Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025
Shooting Complex Budget Swells To $19.5M, Including $3.5M More From State
The anticipated budget for a “world-class” shooting complex near Cody, Wyoming, is up from $10 million to $19.5 million, including another $3.5 million from the state.
Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025
Wyomingites Could Concealed Carry In All 50 States Under Bills Trump Favors
Wyomingites might be able to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states, if Trump-backed legislation passes Congress. A pair of bills making their way through Congress would make concealed carry permits valid in all states.
Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2025
Like Wolves, Wyoming’s Stray Cats Aren’t Protected From Torture
Wyoming’s stray cats could end up benefiting from a push to protect wolves from torture. Like wolves, they’re considered predators, and some advocate for controlling their numbers through spaying or neutering rather than shooting them.
Mark HeinzFebruary 02, 2025
Apparently, Few Knew It’s Illegal To Blast Wyoming Prairie Dogs From A Vehicle
A Casper-area man said it took him by surprise to learn that shooting prairie dogs from a vehicle is illegal. Another avid hunter said he also didn’t know because it’s such a common practice in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 01, 2025
Lobbyist: Tracking Sales Part Of ESG Scheme To Put Gun Stores Out Of Business
A Second Amendment advocate says Wyoming’s law against tracking credit card sales of guns and ammunition is “weak” and plays into an ESG scheme to put gun stores out of business. He also says it could put people at risk of getting on a federal registry.
Mark HeinzJanuary 31, 2025
Less Than A Year After Dog Named Jester Died In Trap, Trapping Reform Moves Forward
A tearful Becky Barber of Afton, Wyoming, testified for a state Senate committee about how her dog Jester had his throat crushed by a beaver trap last February. She was among those supporting a trapping reform bill, which unanimously passed.
Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2025
Legislators Say They Want To Protect Real Service Animals, Not “Fluffy Dog” Pets
A bill passed by a Senate committee Wednesday says people should be allowed to train their service dogs in public in Wyoming. It also calls for severe penalties for those who want allowances for their “fluffy dog” pets.
Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2025
Open Season On Wyoming Mountain Lions Would Be Overkill, Hunters Say
A proponent of an open season on mountain lions says a bill allowing year-round hunting would save Wyoming’s prized mule deer. But some mountain lion hunters argue it could wipe out the big cats.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025
Bill Would Reverse Ban On Shooting Prairie Dogs From Your Truck
A Wyoming man told legislators that he and his friends were flabbergasted when a game warden confronted them about illegally shooting prairie dogs from a pickup. A House committee voted Tuesday for a bill that would make that legal.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025
Some Say Legislative Response To Wyoming Wolf Torture Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would outlaw torturing wolves and other predators Tuesday. But some Wyomingites say running animals over with snowmobiles should also be banned.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025
Bill To Split Whitetail-Mule Deer Season Dies On Senate Floor
After another round of debate over whether to split hunting seasons for Wyoming’s white-tailed deer and mule deer, the latest effort to do so died on the Senate floor Monday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 28, 2025
Casper Turkeys Wear Out Their Welcome: 145 Removed So Far Through Trapping Program
If a trap-and-release program succeeds, Casper will no longer be wild turkey central. So far, 145 of the big, obnoxious birds have been caught and released back into the wild.
Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2025
Allowing Landowners To Sell Hunting Tags Would Make Wyoming Wildlife Sport For The Rich, Opponents Say
A proposal to allow landowners to sell their hunting tags would make hunting in Wyoming the sport of kings, opponents say. It would amount to “nothing more than the exploitation and monetization of our wildlife resources," said Muley Fanatics Foundation CEO Josh Coursey.
Mark HeinzJanuary 27, 2025
With Trump Back In Office, Hageman Says Grizzly Delisting Back On The Table
Congresswoman Harriet Hageman and others say there’s a much better chance grizzlies will be delisted from endangered status with President Trump back in office. His pick for Interior secretary says “I’m with you” on delisting.
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025
Wyoming Shooters Say They Don’t Support Eliminating Sales Tax On Guns, Ammo
A proposal to eliminate sales tax on guns and ammo in Wyoming is a nice gesture, some sportsmen say, but cutting taxes across the board would be better.
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025
Bills Could Help Wyoming's Image After Wolf Abuse, Say Retired Wildlife Officers
In response to the abuse of a wolf near Daniel last year, Wyoming aims to outlaw allowing animals to suffer. Some retired wildlife officers say the state's image is still tarnished, and that running wolves down with snowmobiles should also be banned.
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025
More Than Just Fishing Guides May Need To Be Regulated, Legislators Say
A bill calling for more regulation of fishing guides in Wyoming prompted a broader discussion about whether all forms of outdoor recreation need more oversight here -- including rock climbers, mountain bikers and others, legislators said Thursday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025
Killing A Mouse In Your Truck Can Get You A Year In Jail In Wyoming
A Wyoming legislator wants to close some loopholes in Wyoming wildlife laws. That includes eliminating one that technically could get someone a year in jail and fined $10,000 for killing a mouse inside a vehicle.
Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025
Inspired By ‘Little Siberia’ Schoolhouse, Support Grows For Rural Wyoming Schools
After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2025
Hageman Blasts Feds For “Weaponized” Intimidation Of Ranch Family Over Fence
Harriet Hageman is calling out federal officials for an armed federal agent in tactical gear showing up on a South Dakota ranch over a fence line dispute. She condemns the “weaponized” response and wants the feds to explain themselves.
Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2025
Bill To Split Whitetail And Mule Deer Seasons Passes, But Some Hunters Not Sold
A bill that will split whitetail and mule deer seasons passed out of a legislative committee Tuesday. But some Wyoming hunters say that won’t help.
Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2025
Bill Aims To Stop Wyoming’s Prime Trout Waters Getting Mobbed By Out-Of-Staters
Wyoming’s prime trout fishing spots are getting mobbed by out-of-staters. Backers of a bill said Tuesday it could stop that by restricting the number of boats allowed on prime sections of the state’s rivers.
Mark HeinzJanuary 21, 2025
“Grape Jelly” Blood Clots And Dismemberment Can Determine What Kills Wildlife
Investigating possible grizzly, wolf and lion kills can be a messy business. But there are vital clues in bloody, dismembered wildlife carcasses, experts say.
Mark HeinzJanuary 19, 2025
Snowmobilers Stoked Snow Is Finally Piling Up Around Wyoming
After a slow start to the snowmobiling season, with little of the white stuff in December, Wyoming snowmobilers are stoked it’s filing piling up. It’s good news for Cowboy State lodges, too.
Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2025
Big Horn ATF Raid Eerily Similar To "Clown Show" In 2002, Former Sheriff Says
A former Sublette County Sheriff says an ATF raid on a couple in Big Horn, Wyoming, mirrors a 2002 incident in his county. He says his office was misled by the federal agency and calls the response a “clown show.”
Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2025
Repealing Gun-Free Zones Won’t Mean AR-15s In Wyoming Capitol, Sponsor Says
The debate over whether to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones heated up again Friday. A bill before the Legislature similar to one Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed last year is back, but its sponsor says it wouldn’t mean AR-15s in the state Capitol.
Mark HeinzJanuary 17, 2025
Responding To Daniel Wolf Torture, Wyoming Hunters Back "Clean Kill Bill"
In response to the notorious case of a wolf being run over with a snowmobile and tortured, a bill before the Wyoming Legislature aims to make wildlife abuse a felony offence. It’s backed by a coalition of Wyoming hunters.
Mark HeinzJanuary 17, 2025
“It Was Hell,” Wyoming Couple Says About Pre-Dawn Raid By ATF Agents
A Big Horn couple says an ATF raid for their firearms “was hell.” But the state of Wyoming says their firearms were legal, and they have the paperwork to prove it. A bill planned for this session aims to “clarify” that state-federal conflict.
Mark HeinzJanuary 17, 2025
Harshman Introduces Bill To Build A Mount Rushmore-Type Monument In Wyoming
Rep. Steve Harshman told Cowboy State Daily that his bill to build a "Monument to America" in Wyoming would create a monument "similar in size and scope to Mount Rushmore" and feature important historical American figures.
Mark HeinzJanuary 15, 2025
Bill Would Hike Wyoming Hunting License Application Fees By 300% To 400%
Hunting license application fees could see huge increases in Wyoming, jumping 300% for Wyomingites and 400% for nonresidents under a legislative bill. Game and Fish would put that money to good use, proponents say.
Mark HeinzJanuary 15, 2025
Wyoming Closely Watching Aggressive Colorado Bill To Ban Semiautomatic Weapons
Wyoming gun owners are watching the progress of an aggressive proposed ban on semiautomatic firearms in Colorado. It would ban many guns with detachable magazines, including many modern pistols and even some duck hunters' shotguns.
Mark HeinzJanuary 14, 2025