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 North Dakota. His first summer job in college off the family ranch was in Lewistown, Montana, followed by two summers on the trail crew at Glacier National Park.

"Seeing the mountains, glaciers, bears, moose and bighorn sheep in Montana was very exciting," Tafelmeyer said.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, Tafelmeyer spent 10 years in Wyoming with Wyoming Game and Fish in the Laramie and Lander areas. Jobs included research on wolverines, ferrets, pygmy rabbits and whitetail deer. These jobs inspired Tafelmeyer to pursue a master's degree at the University of Wyoming, "In order to increase my skill set and learn more as a biologist," he said.

One of the highlights of his career so far was the opportunity to be part of a two winter long study of wolverines across the northwest part of Wyoming.

"It was an exceptional opportunity to work with a species that is so charismatic, rare and elusive," Tafelmeyer said. "And to be in the wildest parts of Wyoming in the winter was amazing."

Tafelmeyer studied pronghorn antelope as a graduate student. After receiving his master's in wildlife biology, Tafelmeyer took a job working jointly with the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Game and Fish studying 1,000 GPS collared mule deer to track mortality and habitat research. After that job he applied for and got the job with FWP in Montana.

"I'm excited to be here and work in this amazing place with wildlife. It's kind of a dream come true for this North Dakota ranch kid," Tafelmeyer said. "One thing I've noticed in just a short time is that there's a large group of people from the Blackfoot Challenge, The Nature Conservancy, Forest Service, user groups, ranchers and land users that are trying to work towards a similar goal and I'm excited about that."

So far in his career, Tafelmeyer has learned that a lot of pressure is put on resources and wildlife managers tend to be in the middle of it. With his background he feels like he's in a position where he can effectively manage and work with people, animals and different user groups while having the perspective to bring it all together.

"Growing up on a cattle ranch has given me a unique perspective of seeing the producer's side," Tafelmeyer said. "Then going to school and learning the wildlife biology and management aspect just added to it."

Being new on the job Tafelmeyer has yet to determine a normal day. People might think a wildlife biologist spends all their time tracking deer but typical days will differ seasonally. One day he might be surveying deer populations from the vehicle, mapping invasive weed species, surveying elk from the helicopter in the winter, or running a check station in the fall and talking to hunters.

"Part of the beauty and fun of the job is that it's interesting and keeps you on your toes," Tafelmeyer said.