Latest News
2012 Antelope Island Bison Roundup, October 26-27
Wed, 17 Oct 2012
Friday, Oct 26, will be the main push to move the bison from the southern portion of the Island to the handling facilities on the North end of the island. Saturday any bison left on the range will be moved to the handling facilities.
Hyrum Dam Scary Run - October 20th
Fri, 12 Oct 2012
Come in your costume and encounter ghosts, goblins and other ghastly beings along a 1.5 mile route through the shadowy streets of Hyrum City and Hyrum State Park! Register online by Oct. 19th for this first-ever haunted walk/run.
Application for trapping on Waterfowl Management Areas
Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Every year, trappers apply for permits to trap muskrat, beaver and other furbearers on Utah's Waterfowl Management Areas (WMAs). You may only trap on a state WMA if you have the necessary permit.
Rifle deer hunt starts Oct. 20, 2012
Fri, 05 Oct 2012
The general rifle buck deer hunt—Utah's most popular hunt—starts Oct. 20. More than 52,000 hunters, along with their family and friends, are expected to be in Utah's backcountry that day.
Youth get first crack at pheasants
Fri, 05 Oct 2012
On Oct. 13—three weeks before the regular pheasant hunt starts—those who are 15 years of age or younger can hunt pheasants in Utah. Quail can also be taken that day.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Offers Some Great Recreational Opportunities
Tue, 02 Oct 2012
The vast landscapes of GSENM offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities for a wide range of users. From the solitude of lonesome canyons to the excitement of winding rugged backways, the Monument is truely a treasure.
Plenty of bull elk in Utah: The rifle hunts starts October 6, and a few permits are still available.
Mon, 01 Oct 2012
Utah's 2012 general rifle bull elk hunt kicks off Oct. 6. Permits for the hunt are almost gone. On Sep. 26, about 2,600 permits to hunt on any-bull units were still available. About 2,400 permits were available to hunt spike-only units.
Fish poacher pleads guilty and receives 10-year license suspension
Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Christopher Winslow of Iron County, Utah was illegally fishing at Panguitch Lake on April 29, 2011, when a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officer contacted him. Winslow possessed an expired combination license, which he unlawfully purchased while on suspension for a 2004 hunting violation.
DWR director announces his retirement
Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Karpowitz has served as the agency's director since 2005. He's been in his position longer than any state wildlife director who's currently serving in the western United States. And he's one of the longest serving state wildlife directors in the country.
Ogden River section now "Blue Ribbon"
Tue, 25 Sep 2012
The Utah Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council voted Sept. 20 to designate a newly restored section of the Ogden River as a "Blue Ribbon Fishery." (photo by Phil Douglass)
Provo River Watershed Festival at Wasatch Mountain State Park
Tue, 25 Sep 2012
This hands-on and interactive festival with live music and food is free to the public.Wasatch Mountain State Park Visitor Center is located in Midway between Snake Creek and Pine Canyon on Warm Springs Rd.
Trout from Loa Hatchery to be stocked
Fri, 21 Sep 2012
Loa–Trout from the Loa State Fish Hatchery will be stocked soon into waters in Utah that already have New Zealand mud snails in them.
The Moab area provides an inviting venue for horseback riding
Fri, 21 Sep 2012
Horseback riders have several established trails that are regularly used. The Moab Field Office maintains a campground in the Onion Creek area with rustic equestrian facilities.
A partridge hunt for young hunters
Mon, 17 Sep 2012
Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the DWR, says holding special youth days—before the birds have been hunted and when adults aren't allowed to hunt—is a great way to get young people interested in hunting.
The viewing event will be held Sept. 22 at the U.S. Forest Service visitor center at Strawberry Reservoir. The visitor center is along U.S. Highway 40, about 20 miles southeast of Heber City.
Childrens' fishing pond, cabins, golfing and other amenities available at Wasatch Mountain State Park
Fri, 07 Sep 2012
There is a children's fishing pond at the visitor's center. Bring your own pole or rent one from the park. Cost is $3 per pole and $3 for a dozen worms. Children 11 years old and younger DO NOT need a fishing license.
DWR Publishes 2012-13 Furbearer Guidebook
Fri, 07 Sep 2012
Division conservation officers and biologists monitor the harvest and possession of furbearers. They may also stop hunters and trappers to ensure they have the required permits, firearms and trapping equipment. You should expect to encounter conservation officers and biologists checking hunters in the field and at checkpoints.
Officers seeking information in deer wasting investigation
Tue, 04 Sep 2012
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers are seeking information regarding the dumping of an entire deer in a dumpster near Main Street in Sunset, Utah.
Archery deer permits still available
Tue, 04 Sep 2012
If you enjoy hunting deer with a bow and arrow—but you don't have a permit yet—the Division of Wildlife Resources has some good news: More than 700 general archery buck deer permits are still available, and you can get one now.
Posey Lake Campground is located next to its beautiful namesake lake high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8,800 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local trails.
Camping at the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Fri, 31 Aug 2012
The 3,000-foot escarpment of the Vermilion Cliffs reveals seven major geologic formations in layer-cake fashion. This remote, unspoiled 294,000-acre national monument is a geologic treasure of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and spectacular sandstone formations, containing the Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon.
Find Available Hunter Education Courses
Fri, 31 Aug 2012
The Utah Hunter Education program helps you learn essential safety skills and develop techniques useful for hunting. A basic hunter education course is required to obtain a hunting license in Utah if you were born after Dec. 31, 1965.
Utah Forest Health Conditions Report
Thu, 30 Aug 2012
This report focuses only on the impacts of insects, diseases, and other disturbances on the various tree species of the state.
Great Basin Science Delivery Project Delivers
Fri, 24 Aug 2012
The amazing work in Utah’s Color Country District of dedicated fire and restoration staff gives hope to the attainment of statewide and Great Basin objectives to re-establish healthy, functional, and productive ecosystems
Don't go near a sick animal
Fri, 24 Aug 2012
If you spend time in the outdoors, there's a good chance you'll eventually come across a wild animal that's sick. If you find a wild animal or bird that's sick, what should you do?
The headwaters of the Middle Fork of Sheep Creek will be closed to the public during four different days in September.
Fri, 24 Aug 2012
The Division of Wildlife Resources will be using a helicopter to treat waters in the area to remove unwanted fish. The closure is a precaution to ensure the safety of those working on the project and anyone else who might be in the area.
Fishing for crawdads at Strawberry Reservoir
Mon, 20 Aug 2012
Our adventure happened at Strawberry Reservoir, but you can find crawdads in many waters throughout the state. There isn’t much to it, but there are two rules you must remember. First, if you’re 13 or older, you’ll need a fishing license. Second, do not transport live crayfish.
A great option for upland game hunters
Fri, 17 Aug 2012
Both grouse species offer a great hunting opportunity for young hunters. At times, the grouse will flush out of the forest vegetation right under your feet. When they erupt into flight, their strong, loud wing beats are sure to startle you, even if you're among the calmest of hunters.
Rabbits on the rebound
Fri, 17 Aug 2012
As the hunts draw closer, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources have some encouraging news: Cottontail rabbit numbers are up in many areas of the state. Forest grouse and mourning dove populations are doing well too.
Smithfield Canyon Road Closed August 14 - September 15
Wed, 15 Aug 2012
Purpose for the closure is to provide for public safety while construction crews and equipment are replacing multiple culverts, grading and resurfacing portions of the road.
Utah's general archery buck deer hunt starts August 18, 2012
Tue, 14 Aug 2012
Deer herds on many units are doing well—lots of fawns were born in 2011, and most of the fawns survived the mild winter of 2011-2012. Good numbers of young bucks should be available on many of the state's 30 general-season units.
What would you do if you came face to face with a cougar?
Thu, 09 Aug 2012
Cougars can live just about anywhere in Utah. You’ll find them in the mountains, deserts and foothills. If you’re heading into any of these areas, it’s a good idea to be prepared for an encounter with a cougar.
Antelope Island Stampede Festival
Wed, 08 Aug 2012
Nearly non-stop music & entertainment: Imagine a Beatles Tribute band on the island! Really, the band Imagine will perform on Saturday night.
Great high-elevation summer fishing
Wed, 08 Aug 2012
While high-elevation waters throughout Utah provide quality fishing in the summer, the Uinta Mountains and the Boulder Mountains are among the best places to try.
Capitol Reef National Park Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Thu, 02 Aug 2012
The park and our partner, the Capitol Reef Natural History Association are teaming up to celebrate this noteworthy milestone August 2-4, 2012 with special events and activities. Join us for the fun!
Excellent Fishing Reported at Scofield Reservoir
Thu, 02 Aug 2012
Scofield provides anglers the opportunity to catch fish from either the shore or boat. Best baits from the shore include PowerBait and worms.
Timpooneke Trailhead in American Fork Canyon to close Aug 5 - Sep 5
Fri, 27 Jul 2012
Hiking Mount Timpanogos is a favorite summer tradition for thousands of visitors each year. This year from August fifth to approximately September fifth, the Timpooneke Trailhead in American Fork Canyon will be closed due to construction activity. The Timpooneke Trailhead is one of two trailheads that are utilized for hiking Mount Timpanogos.
Native trout restoration project
Fri, 27 Jul 2012
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is gearing up for the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project for the Middle Fork of Sheep Creek in the Uinta Mountains. The project is scheduled for September 2012.
DWR and Hogle Zoo to hold bat event
Mon, 23 Jul 2012
The Division of Wildlife Resources and Hogle Zoo will hold a bat lecture on July 26 at Hogle Zoo's EdZoocation Station (located just west of the zoo's main entrance).
Rattlesnake Safety Tips
Fri, 13 Jul 2012
Eight rattlesnake subspecies live in Utah. The most common is the Great Basin rattlesnake, which is found across the state. Rocky, talus slopes are the places in Utah where you'll most likely encounter rattlesnakes.