Wyoming's skies have been kinder than usual this February, and I, Mark Hamilton, can't wait to recount the unexpected blessings brought forth by the serene weather. Not only have our local cattlemen reaped the benefits, but the ski trails at Metalark and Antelope Butte are witnessing a remarkable season. While the weather plays nice, the same can't be said for the Wyoming Cowboys on the basketball court. But it's not all lost; there's a spark of hope for a grand showing in the Mountain West Conference Tournament. And as we cheer from the stands, my heart shares a tale of resilience closer to home—Luca, my rescue dog, his battle with injury, and the incredible journey to his new leash on life. And the passing of Toby Keith!

Our state's history resonates with the echoes of figures like Stephen Nelson Leake, a man whose life reads like a novel, filled with twists of fate from trapper to a herald of wildlife conservation. It's his story that takes us back to the grassroots of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole and reminds us of the complex dance between human ambition and nature's chorus. While we ponder the moral questions that his legacy poses, we can't help but admire how his actions carved out a sanctuary for wildlife amidst the rugged landscape of Wyoming. No tale in our state is simple, and Leake's involvement in a grim conflict, which some labeled as murder, reveals history's thorny texture.

Completing our journey through Wyoming's past, we reflect on the intertwining fates of Stephen Leake and George Eastman, whose pioneering spirit in photography became a catalyst for wildlife preservation. Their stories culminate in a contemporary call to action, to continue the stewardship of our natural wonders and the creatures that call them home. From the historical challenges that almost stripped us of our elk, deer, and antelope, to the triumphs of the National Elk Refuge, we link arms with the Code of the West and reaffirm our enduring commitment to the land that shapes our identity and the values we hold dear. Join me as we honor the spirit of Wyoming and the legacy that we strive to uphold for generations to come. If you have any comments, please contact us at mark.hamilton@letstalkwyoming.com.