Bush Ranch named landowner of year

The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has recognized the Bush Ranch as one of seven landowners named 2024 Landowners of the Year. They were honored during a reception in Douglas. 

For nearly 30 years, Game & Fish has recognized landowners throughout the state who have demonstrated outstanding wildlife management and implemented habitat improvement and conservation techniques on their properties with the Landowner of the Year Awards. These stewards of the land open access to research and recreation on thousands of acres across Wyoming and, more importantly, maintain habitat for wildlife.

Jim and his mom, Tiny, operate their family ranch in northwest Crook County focusing primarily on bison alongside some cattle. Their expansive property boasts diverse wildlife habitats including large sections of native shortgrass prairie intermixed with healthy sagebrush.

The Bush Ranch is a haven for native species like mule deer, pronghorn, sage-grouse and various grassland birds. Intact sagebrush on their land plays a crucial role for sage grouse and helps to maintain genetic connectivity across Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota. 

Since 2010, Jim has collaborated closely with Game & Fish in sage-grouse conservation after he reported a sage-grouse lek the department did not have in its database during a critical period of federal bird listing considerations, at a time when many people did not want to volunteer known locations of sage-grouse.

The Bush Ranch became pivotal in collecting genetic data from sage-grouse leks. 

Beyond data contributions, the Bush family has actively enhanced sage grouse habitat. They were early participants in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's sage-grouse initiative program aimed at habitat improvement.

Currently, Jim works with multiple agencies to remove encroaching conifers to further their conservation efforts. 

The Bush family, including Jim's late father, Dean, have always welcomed the department onto the ranch, supporting various activities from hunting access to conservation initiatives. They are known for their hospitality, especially accommodating veterans seeking hunting opportunities.