JACKSON, Wyo. — After 33 years with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Jackson-Pinedale Community Information and Education Specialist Mark Gocke recently retired.
Gocke began his career in game fish and the field on April 1, 1991 as a habitat extension biologist. He is one of his two biologists hired to launch a new habitat expansion program, a partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service designed to take advantage of Game and Fish and his NRCS. It was one of his. Other funding sources primarily to improve wildlife habitat on private lands in Wyoming. Mr. Gocke transferred to Jackson in his Pinedale Regional Information and Education position in 1995 and has held that position ever since.
In this role, Gocke played a formidable role in conducting the department's educational camps at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp Facility near DuBois. He also conducted countless wildlife education programs for youth and adults in the Jackson, Pinedale, and Star Valley areas.
Gocke's career has focused on educating the general public through a variety of media outlets on many high-profile wildlife management issues, including elk feeding grounds, grizzly bears, wolves, fisheries, aquatic invasive species, grouse, wildlife movement, and wildlife disease. It was also highlighted by his work in conveying information to the. such as brucellosis and chronic wasting disease.
Gocke may be best known for his contributions to the state's fish and wildlife resources through photography. His passion for photography shined through his photography of the state's wildlife and coverage of countless county activities. Many of his photos and videos have been featured in various publications, exhibitions, and presentations throughout the state.
Gocke was recognized as Service Department Employee of the Year in 2007, as a member of the Wyoming Mountain Deer Team of the Year in 2010, and in 2013 received the Jackson-Pinedale Area Peer Recognition Award. I received an award. Gocke has also received several awards. For his photography and writing, he has received awards from the Conservation Information Society and the Wyoming Publishing Association.
Gocke and his wife plan to continue living in Jackson and hope to continue contributing to the department's Wyoming Wildlife Magazine through photography and writing.
