Wild

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 designation 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 Utah for his job with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.)

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.

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. (Despite the name, YHEC is also open to adults!)

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.

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.

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 changes to address drought impacts on fishing in Utah.

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. This episode was originally recorded in July 2021.

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.

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 state agencies work to minimize those conflicts.

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.