NRA, Partner Groups Support President Trump’s Nominee for USFWS Director

As America awaits the U.S. Senate confirmation of former Wyoming Game and Fish Director (WYGFD) Brian Nesvick as the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the NRA and 41 other hunter- and angler-backed organizations added their support of President Donald Trump’s nominee this week, signing onto a letter to the Honorable Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member, underscoring Nesvick’s qualifications. The groups, many of which are members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners coalition, wrote on behalf of the millions of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, natural resource professionals, state fish and wildlife agencies and other outdoor enthusiasts they represent, calling Nesvick “immensely qualified” for the challenges facing our nation’s fish and wildlife resources.

Upon graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in wildlife and fisheries biology and management, Nesvick began his career as a game warden and spent three decades with the WYGFD. In 2019 he was appointed by Gov. Mark Gordon to serve as the agency’s director until his retirement in 2024.

“During this time, Mr. Nesvik demonstrated a unique ability to manage complex challenges with fish and wildlife, private landowners, businesses and industries, and importantly, sportsmen and women,” the letter notes. “We believe that he will be able to leverage his educational and professional science backgrounds and his experience leading a state fish and wildlife agency to deliver on-the-ground, collaborative and durable conservation across the country.”

Highlighting his dedication to public service in both state government and the U.S. military, the letter also references Nesvick’s 35 years of service in the Wyoming Army National Guard. It notes that the fact he retired as a brigadier general, a rank that demonstrates his strong leadership, sound decision-making and the respect of his peers in our military, points to his role not just as a leader in conservation but in all aspects of his life.

In closing, the letter explains that the USFWS needs a strong leader to guide its able staff as they address the many challenges facing our nation’s wildlife resources. “Consequently, we would like to reiterate our strong support for the nomination of Mr. Brian Nesvik to serve as the next director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The importance of the FWS to sportsmen and women, fish and wildlife, private landowners, state fish and wildlife agencies, among others, is difficult to overstate, and that is why we are pleased to see Mr. Nesvik being considered for this critical position.”

In addition to the 42 groups that signed onto the letter and the numerous sportsmen and women across America who are voicing support of President Trump’s nomination, Nesvick also received a nod from Gov. Mark Gordon.

“I congratulate Brian Nesvik on his nomination to serve as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Gov. Gordon in a news bulletin upon learning of his nomination. “I am delighted that my friend—who was looking forward to more pack trips, fishing and hunting—answered the call to serve his country again in this important capacity.”

With such high praise all around, the hunting community looks forward to Brian Nesvick’s Senate confirmation as early as this week.