Another project that will be completed using Cutthroat Trout Slam funds involves removal of the Porter Fork weir, which is a fish barrier in Mill Creek Canyon. Revenue from the Cutthroat Slam will be combined with grant money from the National Forest Foundation to remove the weir.

This stream now boasts >600 fish per mile and has several fish growing over the 18-inch mark. Due to the lack of fishing pressure, or what I call “education,” these fish will take about anything.

Wow. Holy smokes. I was almost having an out-of-body experience. I couldn’t quite understand this as I walked up to this huge and beautiful creature. To be able to hike around the same places the elk frequent and learn so much about them and their environment was an amazing experience. I love the mountains.

But among the other 75 percent, many boaters are getting the bigger picture. They know that prevention is the best way to keep Utah’s waters healthy. Many feel that Clean, Drain and Dry is just part of taking proper care of their boat.

It’s been great to talk with anglers on where to catch the four cutthroat trout subspecies and it is even more rewarding when they follow up with me once they’ve completed the slam. For the most part, everyone has truly enjoyed completing the slam and they feel that the challenge makes the reward that much more enjoyable.

Many fish lose weight during the winter months and when ice off occurs, they’re hungry and eager to put the lost weight back on. What this means for anglers is that during ice off, fish are hungry, active, concentrated and willing to take almost anything you throw.

Many DWR biologists (including me!) started off as university students working on projects funded by the DWR, and that led them to a career with the agency. It’s a great path if you are truly serious about becoming a professional biologist.

I instinctively pulled up my shotgun and fired a very quick shot, almost like I would on a flying grouse. The recoil on turkey guns it quite powerful and it took me off the turkey for just a split second. Then more than 30 turkeys erupted from the junipers. Chaos and beauty at the same time.

A wide variety of wildlife species, as well as humans, are drawn to the rich and dynamic wildlife habitats created by beavers. Unfortunately, people who earn their living by applying water to the land, or maintaining roads around beaver habitat, are not as likely to consider beavers their friends.

One of the best things about Utah is that about 70 percent of it is public land. It’s not difficult to get away from other hunters during archery season. I like to do research, look at maps and hike the mountains within my hunting unit before the season. I also use trail cameras and a block of salt (which are both legal to use).

Artificial nesting boxes have been used by people all across the county to provide nesting habitat for wood ducks. Nesting boxes have also proven to be very successful in Utah.

Dropping a fluffy dry fly onto the surface of a small pool and watching a trout burst from its hiding place to quickly devour the fake bug was a thrill. It’s amazing what a memory can do — I just relived those heart-pounding moments!