In this episode, DWR Hardware Wildlife Management Area Manager Brad Hunt and Wildlife Recreation Programs Coordinator Marni Lee talk about one of Utah’s lesser-known attractions: taking a sleigh ride through elk at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area. They talk about when this Cache Valley tradition started, why we feed elk in this area during the winter and what we have learned from doing this over the years.
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus explains how elk are managed in Utah and walks through the latest major updates to the Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan.
In this episode, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Blair Stringham and Utah Department of Transportation Natural Resource Manager Matt Howard talk about how the state is working to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by implementing different types of wildlife crossings across Utah. These structures not only help make roads safer for Utah drivers, but they also allow wildlife to make important annual migrations across the landscape.
In this episode, DWR Dedicated Hunter and Walk-In Access Coordinator Bryan Christensen talks about Utah’s Dedicated Hunter Program: what it is, how it works, why it is a win-win for wildlife conservation and avid hunters, and how to get involved. Note: At the time of this recording, the buyout price for one hour of service was $20. As of July 1, 2023, the buyout time for one hour of service is $40.
In this episode, Utah Department of Natural Resources Watershed Program Director Tyler Thompson and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Conservation Coordinator Daniel Eddington talk about some of the proactive land management taking place in Utah and the program that helps make it possible. They also address some of the misconceptions regarding tree removal and the times when fire is beneficial for habitats.
In this episode, DWR District Wildlife Biologists Xaela Walden and Sydney Lamb share their experiences with hunting: How they got into hunting, why they hunt, how hunting is used by wildlife agencies as a management tool and some common misconceptions about hunting. They also offer tips for someone who is interested in getting into hunting, including a few resources like Utah’s Trial Hunting Program.
In this episode, DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout talks about the different types of diseases currently impacting wildlife species in Utah. She also explains how the Division works to detect and monitor diseases and how management techniques can help to reduce those impacts.
In this episode, DWR Chief Pilot Craig Hunt talks about his thrilling job, which includes soaring through the air to aerially stock fish at high-elevation lakes and how the work he does helps biologists manage wildlife around the state. He also shares some of the coolest experiences he’s had while flying for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, so stay tuned for those stories at the end!
In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Assistant Wildlife Manager Randall Thacker explains why biologists make the difficult trek out to snowy bear dens early each spring to check on hibernating black bears across the state. He also shares one of his own nerve-wracking experiences of being face to face with a bear.
In this episode, DWR Fish Culture Coordinator Roger Mellethin and DWR Northern Region Aquatics Manager Chris Penne explain what goes into managing the state’s fishing. They talk through the overall process from extracting eggs from wild fish to growing them in fishing hatcheries to eventually stocking the fish. They also explain the management of why we raise and stock the fish species we do and the factors that play into some of those decisions, as well as how the DWR is making proactive change...
In this episode, DWR Native Species Coordinator and Herpetologist Drew Dittmer and DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Scott Gibson take a serious deep dive talking about Utah rattlesnakes: the myths about them, interesting facts and what you should actually do if you happen to be one of the few who gets bitten by one.
In this episode, DWR Biometrician Heather Bernales explains why the Division requests that hunters send in teeth sometimes from animals they have harvested. She talks about what we do with the teeth, what we learn, and how that helps shape certain wildlife management plans in Utah.
In this episode, DWR Hunter Education Program Manager Ralynne Takeda and DWR Wildlife Recreation Coordinator Gary Cook go in-depth about the two public shooting ranges that the Division manages: the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City and the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range in Logan. They talk about the amenities at each facility, some unique things that people may not know about the ranges and some of their favorite memories there.
In this episode, DWR Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Biologist Adam Kavalunas and DWR Impact Analysis Biologist Jessica Kinross talk about the unique balancing act of managing prairie dogs in Utah. There are three prairie dog species in Utah, one of which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. DWR and its partners are working to help the species recover, which often includes trapping and relocating the animals when they cause damage to private property with their elaborate burrows. ...
In this episode, DWR Central Region Sportfish Project Leader Mike Slater talks all about electrofishing — what it is, how it works, and what this unique fish surveying method tells biologists about fish in different waterbodies around Utah.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Adam Brewerton talks about what is possibly Utah’s most misunderstood species: bats. He explains what goes into surveying these animals, debunks some of the myths surrounding bats and talks about some of their unique features. This episode was originally recorded in August 2021.
In this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Coordinator Danny Summers talks about a one-of-a-kind facility in Utah: The Great Basin Research Center and Seed Warehouse. He explains the purpose of the facility and how it benefits landscapes — especially those burned in a wildfire.
In this episode, DWR Law Enforcement Capt. Wyatt Bubak explains some misconceptions that people have about conservation officers, some of the various duties they perform, and the most common mistakes hunters and anglers make (and how to avoid them.)
In this episode, DWR Central Region Habitat Program Manager Mark Farmer and DWR Wildlife Lands Coordinator Chelsea Duke talk about the division-owned Wildlife Management Areas — what they are, the purpose of these lands and the activities that are allowed there. Note: Since this interview was recorded, a legislative change — in effect as of May 7, 2025 — requires anyone 18 years old or older to possess a hunting, fishing or combination license to access a wildlife management area or waterfowl ma...
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Section Chief Justin Shannon, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Troy Forrest, the director of the Grazing Improvement Program with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, talk about some of the impacts of drought conditions on big game animals, livestock, and their habitat and grazing areas. They also discuss how limited food and water during drought years can cause competition between livestock and elk for those resources, and how the two st...
In this episode, DWR Habitat Section Assistant Chief Paul Thompson and Trout Unlimited Communications Director for Science, Western Water & Habitat and Headwater Programs Brett Prettyman talk all about Utah’s exciting fishing challenge — the Utah Cutthroat Slam. They explain why the program was started, how it works and how it’s helping native cutthroat trout.
In this episode, DWR’s Eccles Wildlife Education Center Site Coordinator Billy Fenimore talks about the beautiful facility at Farmington Bay, what visitors can do there, what types of birds you can expect to see and how to get into birdwatching.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Technician Steve Gray showcases one of the division’s grossest jobs: roadkill removal. He explains the process of removing these dead animals, some of the difficulties of the job, and tips drivers should be aware of to help avoid a collision. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
In this episode, DWR Fisheries Experiment Station Director Wade Cavender talks about the unique research and fish health certification work being done at the facility. (And no, despite the name, it does not include experiments creating new Frankenstein-esque fish.) This episode was originally recorded in October 2020. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of this facility was the Fisheries Experiment Station. As of April 2023, the facility has been renamed the Aquatic Animal Health and R...
In this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft talks about one of Utah’s largest birds — how they are unique, why they choose to nest along the Great Salt Lake, and how the DWR helps manage them. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
In this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft and DWR Conservation Officer Trevor Doman talk about the multi-million dollar industry on the Great Salt Lake that many people may not even be aware exists and how the DWR helps manage this unique resource. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
In this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Trout Unlimited Project Manager Jordan Nielson explain the innovative and effective method of building artificial beaver dams to help restore river landscapes. This unique technique was actually conceptualized right here in Utah and decreases erosion, raises river levels and even improves water quality!
In this episode, DWR Avian Conservation Program Coordinator, Russell Norvell, talks all about some lesser-known wildlife in Utah: Birds of prey. Ranging from tiny flammulated owls to the large endangered California condors, these birds all have unique characteristics and play a large part in the ecosystem. You will also get a look at the unique sport of falconry — using raptors as a weapon in hunting upland game — as well as ways you can help these incredible birds.
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator Daniel Olson, talks about why it is important for wildlife to migrate, things that can obstruct that migration, and how the DWR and its partners are helping wildlife to make those necessary movements across Utah — as well as some unique stories of things learned while tracking wildlife!
In this episode, DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Nathan Owens and DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Field Operations Lt. Bruce Johnson talk about quagga mussels in Utah — what they are, why they are bad, how DWR is fighting to keep them from spreading to other waterbodies, and what boaters should know.
