Scott Talbott Remembered for Elevating Wildlife Advocacy During Distinguished Game and Fish Career

Scott Talbott, former director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, is being remembered for his impactful leadership and his commitment to wildlife advocacy during a nearly four-decade career in public service, WyoFile reports.

Talbott died on April 25 at the age of 63 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Appointed by then-Governor Matt Mead, Talbott led the state’s wildlife agency from 2011 to 2019, becoming the second-longest-serving director in its history. Starting his career with the department in 1985, he held a range of positions including elk feeder, game warden, regional supervisor, and deputy chief before taking the helm as director.

One of Talbott’s most enduring legacies, according to colleagues, was his directive that staff act as advocates for the state’s wildlife. Dan Thompson, who oversees large carnivores at the department, noted that Talbott’s vision encouraged employees to speak up on behalf of the animals they managed.

“When he became director, he made a point for us to be advocates for wildlife,” Thompson said. “It was a direction that everybody appreciated.”

Talbott’s leadership style was widely praised as inclusive and supportive. Colleagues such as Janet Milek, who now works in public affairs for the department, credited him with recognizing and nurturing talent.

“He would say things like, ‘Go do public speaking, because you’re good at it,’ or, ‘Apply for a supervisor job because you have the skills,'” she recalled.

That encouragement helped shift her career from education into a broader communications role.

Known for his hands-on approach, Talbott often attended regional meetings unannounced to listen and learn about the work being done on the ground. Former colleagues describe him as approachable and egalitarian, treating staff with equal respect regardless of rank.

“He was a superior my whole career, but it was never hung over my head,” said Scott Edberg, a former deputy chief.

Talbott’s background in agriculture and his upbringing on a ranch gave him a balanced perspective on wildlife and land-use issues, noted Terry Cleveland, a former director who mentored Talbott. That insight was considered key to his success in navigating complex conservation challenges in Wyoming.

Even after retiring, Talbott remained active in the conservation community, serving as a liaison for Safari Club International. He was once rumored to be a potential nominee to lead the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Talbott’s passing follows the recent loss of another former Game and Fish employee, Steve Kilpatrick, who also succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Kilpatrick was recognized statewide for his decades-long work in wildlife habitat conservation.

A memorial service for Talbott will be held at 2 p.m. on May 30 at the Albany County Fairgrounds in Laramie. Details for Kilpatrick’s service have yet to be announced.