Experience and excitement are trademarks of new area wildlife biologist

From the prairie potholes of northeastern North Dakota to the Blackfoot Valley, new Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist Lee Tafelmeyer has already had a varied career in wildlife biology.

"I grew on a cattle ranch, hunting and trapping and developing a passion for the outdoors, wildlife and ecosystems," Tafelmeyer said. "A family vacation trip to Yellowstone as a youngster played into my interest in the Rocky Mountains and wildlife."

When college entrance forced the beginning of a career choice, Tafelmeyer chose biology with an emphasis on wildlife at University of Jamestown in...