Mike Schmid

Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioner Mike Schmid, from LaBarge, has been removed from the board by Gov. Mark Gordon.

“Mike unfortunately exhibited a pattern of actions and statements that undermined the decisions and effectiveness of the board,” Gordon said in a prepared release.

In a Facebook post, Schmid said he was notified of his removal from the commission by email on Tuesday.

“I believe I deserved more than an email, possibly a meeting to explain my position, and/or give me a chance to make corrections without compromising my values and beliefs is what I would have expected,” he wrote. “But, as they say, it is what it is.”

The commission’s responsibility is overseeing the management of Wyoming’s wildlife and wildlife resources and it is tasked with soliciting multiple viewpoints, said Michael Pearlman, the governor’s communications director.

“The governor appreciates and welcomes varied opinions,” Pearlman said, “however it is critical that the commission functions as effectively as possible.”

In his Facebook post, Schmid said that “My outspoken thoughts and how I carried them out did not sit well with the commission and leadership. I wasn’t a good enough team player, I was told by a fellow commissioner, which evidently made it hard for the commission to carry a consistent message. It was also stated that my role as a commissioner and freedoms as an American were too conflicting.”

Calls to Schmid by the Tribune were not returned. 

Schmid was appointed in 2017 by former Gov. Matt Mead for the position, which serves Teton, Sublette, Lincoln and Uinta counties. He owns Solitude Ranch & Outfitters near Devils Tower in Crook County. He’s also president and CEO of SOS Well Services. While Schmid served on the commission, it was named the 2020 Commission/Board of the Year by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, which represents 24 states and Canadian provinces.

Schmid admits being outspoken about a variety of issues, including politics. He was among the thousands of protestors who went to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 in an effort to overturn the vote and support the Trump administration. He documented his trip on social media, sharing images of peaceful protesting.

“The storming of the Capitol was unfortunate, but I think I understand why it was done,” Schmid wrote. “People are frustrated like never before. Small businesses are dying a slow death all over the country. They’ve had it with our government. Something was bound to happen.”

Pearlman said the decision to remove Schmid was based solely on the duties and expectations related to a commissioner’s position on the board and the overall functioning of the commission. 

“The governor’s office is aware of his participation in the Washington, D.C., events, but it had nothing to do with his removal,” Pearlman said.

On Wednesday, the governor named Kenneth D. Roberts, a Lincoln County Republican, as Schmid’s replacement. Roberts will fill the final two years of the term, with the position then rotating to the next county in line, Pearlman said.

Roberts will immediately begin his duties, participating in the commission’s Thursday-Friday virtual Zoom meeting.

Gov. Gordon will be picking two additional commissioners soon, as this week’s meeting will be the last for David Rael of Cowley and Patrick Crank of Cheyenne, who have finished their six-year appointments. Updates on the timing of appointments should come in the next few days, Pearlman said.