In this episode, Aquatic Section Assistant Chief over Native Species Randy Oplinger talks about three native fish species found in Utah: bluehead suckers, roundtail chub and flannelmouth suckers. Learn how they are similar, what makes each species unique and how the DWR and partners are helping these fish.
In this episode, DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson talks about bighorn sheep in Utah: where they are located, interesting facts about them and why it has been difficult to manage this big game species.
In this episode, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois and DWR Northern Region Habitat Restoration Biologist Shane Hill give an in-depth look into the fascinating biology, behavior and management of beavers in Utah. This episode was originally recorded in March 2025.
In this episode, DWR Aquatics Section Assistant Chief Craig Walker and Muskies Inc. Mountain West Muskie Chapter President Blake Millett talk about tiger muskies in Utah, including why they were introduced, the management surrounding these giant fish and their favorite encounters with them.
In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby and Ashley National Forest Wildlife Biologist Natasha Hadden talk in-depth about hummingbirds, including what species are found in Utah, the work being done to study their migrations and how people can help these important pollinators. This episode was originally recorded in November 2024.
In this episode, DWR Southern Region District Wildlife Biologist Morgan Hinton and DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus talk about pronghorn in Utah: where they are found, recent management efforts and surprising things you may not know about these big game animals.
In this episode, DWR Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra jumps into the world of the reptiles and amphibian species found in Utah: the most common ones you will see, misconceptions about them and how you can help these unique species. This episode was originally recorded in September 2024.
In this episode, DWR Walk-in Access Coordinator Bryan Christensen and DWR Northern Region Wildlife Recreation Specialist Rachael Tuckett talk all about the Walk-in Access Program, including what it is, why it's a benefit to the public and how to get involved as a landowner. This episode was originally recorded in October 2024.
In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Native Aquatics Project Leader Mike Partlow and DWR Northeastern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Saidee Hyder talk about the success they have had helping endangered razorback suckers to recover through two related tools: controlled water flow releases and a unique waterfowl management area.
In this episode, DWR Aquatics Assistant Section Chief Craig Walker and Utah Spearos President Ryan Peterson give some insights into the fascinating sport of spearfishing, including its growth in Utah and also some common misconceptions about this niche fishing activity.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Veterinarian Ginger Stout takes a deep dive on chronic wasting disease: what it is, how it’s spread, where it is currently found in Utah and how hunters can help decrease its impacts to deer populations in the state.
In this episode, DWR Southern Region Conservation Biologist Danielle Finlayson talks about lead ammunition and some of the impacts it is having on different birds of prey in Utah and also things that hunters can do to help these important bird species.
In this episode, DWR Central Region Aquatics Manager Chris Crockett and Utah Lake Authority Deputy Director Sam Braegger talk about all things Utah Lake: the recreational opportunities offered there, the current management plans for the fishery and lake, interesting history surrounding the lake, and some common misconceptions people have.
In this episode, Northeastern Region Assistant Aquatics Manager Garn Birchell and Regional Aquatics Biologist Bryan Englebert talk about cutthroat trout in remote areas of northeastern Utah and some of the work being done to restore this species to its native ranges in this corner of the state.
In this episode, DWR Flaming Gorge Project Leader Ryan Mosley and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Regional Fisheries Biologist John Walrath talk all about the Blue-Ribbon rated, world-class fishing destination that is Flaming Gorge Reservoir. They talk about what types of fish species are found there, what the reservoir is known for, common misconceptions that anglers have and some upcoming management plans for the fishery.
In this episode, DWR Private Lands Public Wildlife Coordinator Chad Wilson dives into two unique programs in Utah that offer an important solution for some of the conflicts between wildlife and private lands: the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program and the Landowner Association program.
In this episode, DWR Southern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Melinda Bennion and Steve Meismer, the Virgin River Program Local Coordinator for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, talk about a unique and collaborative program that is helping six native fish and two bird species in the Virgin River Basin.
In this episode, DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson and DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey talk about the largest big game animal found in Utah: Moose! They share interesting moose facts, how we manage their populations and some important safety tips.
In this episode, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois and Randy Larsen, a BYU Professor in the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, talk about mountain lions in Utah and the fascinating things we are learning about them through ongoing research studies.
In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley provides everything you need to know about pheasants in Utah: when they were introduced, how they are managed, the release program across the state and also tips for hunting them.
In this episode, DWR Migratory Bird and Falconry Programs Coordinator Jason Jones talks all things waterfowl in Utah: which species we have, when they migrate through the state, where to see them and how important the waterfowl management areas are in providing crucial habitat for these birds.
In this episode, DWR Videographer Phil Tuttle shares some tips for anyone wanting to get into wildlife photography, including places to see different wildlife species in Utah, gear recommendations and the best times of day to photograph. He also talks about some wild experiences he’s had during his videography career, which has taken him around the world. (Note: The travel mentioned in this episode is part of Phil’s freelance videographer work. He only captures footage of fish and wildlife in Ut...
In this episode, DWR Recovery Programs Director Sarah Seegert and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Colorado River Recovery Program Deputy Director Paul Badame talk about two unique and collaborative programs that are helping four fish species in the Colorado River and San Juan River basins.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie talks all about desert tortoises in Utah: where they can be found, fun facts about this unique species, factors that led to their decline in population and how people can help.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie dives into fascinating facts about the elusive Gila monster. She talks about where these unique heavy-bodied lizards can be found in Utah and why it’s so rare to see one.
In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley and Lynn Worwood, Utah State Chapter President of the National Wild Turkey Federation, talk all things turkey. They dive into the history of turkeys in Utah, fun facts about these birds, recent changes to turkey management in Utah and hunting tips.
In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Fisheries Biologist Natalie Boren and local radio personality and fishing enthusiast Amy Richards talk all about fishing: how they got into it, why they love it, great places to go in Utah, and tips for beginners just getting into it.
In this episode, DWR Assistant Habitat Chief Paul Thompson and June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program Assistant Program Director Russ Franklin with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District talk about two very important related programs that help species of greatest conservation need. They explain what the Wildlife Action Plan and Endangered Species Mitigation Fund are, how they work and some of the success stories of wildlife species that have been helped through these efforts. Note: At ...
In this episode, DWR Shooting Sports Manager Levi Bassett talks about the two different shooting sports programs that the Division oversees: the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Learn about these two unique programs, how they work and how to get involved. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of the program was the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. In 2025, the program was rebranded to the Utah Hunting Skills Challenge.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney explains the Utah big game drawing and also walks listeners through some common misconceptions (and mistakes) that we see in the application process.
