Brian Olsen Bids Farewell To Wyoming Game and Fish

In 1984, George Strait recorded a song titled 'The Cowboy Rides Away.' Here

And my heart is sinkin' like the setting sun
Setting on the things I wish I'd done
It's time to say goodbye to yesterday
And this is where the cowboy rides away

Today is the day Brian Olsen, Regional Supervisor of the Casper Region for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, rides away into the land of retirement after 38 years with WGFD.

He began the journey in 1988 in Sheridan, moved to Alpine, WY, then back to Sheridan for a short time, and came to Casper in 1994, where he has been ever since. His role has changed a few times, but he's called the Casper region home for over three decades.

In 2001, Brian became the Casper and Sheridan Regions Private Lands/Public Wildlife Coordinator, a position he often described as the most rewarding and meaningful work of his career with the Department. In 2011, he was promoted to Regional Wildlife Supervisor.

Upon moving to Casper, one of his roles was, and still is, to be on the radio. Olsen was a frequent guest on KTWO radio with the legendary Brian Scott, and for the last five years, he's often appeared on Wyoming Hookin' & Huntin' Outdoors, spreading his vast outdoor knowledge to the public. It's been an honor getting to know Brian and learning the important information about outdoor life in Wyoming.

When you work in the same industry for nearly four decades, you're likely to make a huge impact, and there's no doubt that Brian has. Here's a look at some of the big impacts that he's been a part of, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Career Highlights

• Helping Shape “Worth the Watching” — Early in his career, Brian played a key role in helping shift the conversation around Wyoming wildlife, encouraging residents and visitors alike to appreciate all species — from iconic big game animals to the smallest songbirds — as important parts of Wyoming’s outdoor heritage.

• A Trusted Presence in the Field — Whether investigating complex poaching cases, including a high-profile pronghorn case in the Casper area, or educating the public on responsible waterway use, Brian became known as a steady and trusted presence among local communities, law enforcement partners, and conservationists. His calm approach and ability to connect with people earned him respect across the state.

• Building Relationships and Expanding Public Access — Guided by his belief that “relationships are the bedrock of conservation,” Brian played a major role in expanding the Walk-In Access and Hunter Management Area programs throughout the Casper and Sheridan regions. He was also involved in developing and supporting several permanent and long-term access agreements. Through strong partnerships and mutual respect with landowners, conservation groups, and other partners, he helped secure thousands of acres of public hunting and fishing access for Wyoming residents and visitors alike.

• Recognized for Leadership and Service — Throughout his career, Brian earned the respect of peers and coworkers through his dedication to both the Department and the people it serves. He received multiple Peer Recognition nominations, was named Educator of the Year by the Murie Audubon Society, and served as Personnel Council President, where he advocated for employees working on the front lines of Wyoming’s outdoors.

• Lasting Friendships Across Wyoming — Brian rarely met a landowner he couldn’t relate to or a ranching story he didn’t enjoy hearing. Over the years, he built long-lasting friendships with many of Wyoming’s most respected stewards of the land. He often jokes that retirement may keep him busier than ever, with countless visits still owed to friends across central and eastern Wyoming.

In his final appearance on Wyoming Hookin' & Huntin' Outdoors, Brian mentioned that he'll miss the folks he's worked with, but he's looking forward to doing things he hasn't been able to do in 38 years.

After all the years of not being able to take advantage of the outdoors for more than an hour at a time or a day at a time, and do some hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and things I didn't take advantage of, which I should've. Now I'm going to do that because I have the time to do that. I can actually go out fishing for a whole day without getting a phone call.��Just the little things like that where you can actually go out and be outside and enjoy the outdoors for multiple days in a row.

Today may be Brian's final day at the office; he will spend it with the people of the Casper region, as he has throughout his career. The public is invited to an open house at the Game and Fish Regional Office in Casper from 1 pm to 4 pm to get one more chance to chat with him before he rides off into retirement.