Upcoming events

Fish With a Biologist

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for a fun and educational day at Blanding Reservoir No. 4! This is a great opportunity to meet DWR fisheries biologists and learn about fishing in six different reservoirs in the area. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this event is perfect for all ages and skill levels.

What to expect

Location: Blanding Reservoir No. 4. (meet at the dock)

Learn the Basics: Get expert tips on fishing techniques, recommended gear, lure selection, and the best fishing spots in local reservoirs.

Equipment: Fishing gear will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.

License Requirement: Anyone 12 years and older who plans to fish must have a valid fishing license.

Come cast a line, ask questions and enjoy a day by the water with the experts!

Event Contact

Ashley Kennedy This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-630-2484

Calvin Black This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-650-5106

Every year from February to June, great blue herons nest in a rookery near the Eccles Wildlife Education Center parking lot. Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for a chance to see these striking birds rearing their young!

What to expect:

• Viewing of great blue herons and their babies.
• Utah DWR staff will be on site to provide information on great blue herons.
• Family-friendly activities and crafts! Including egg decorating!
• We will have viewing scopes and binoculars available for use but you are welcome to bring your own too!

Event contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Swasey's Boat Ramp area of the Green River, located just outside Green River, UT.

What to expect:

• Meet Utah DWR personnel at Swasey's Boat Ramp to learn about Utah's Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
• There will be a chance to see bighorn sheep along the river and mountain side, mostly female sheep known as ewes, and their new lambs.

• Restrooms are available onsite.

• This location requires traveling approximately six miles on a relatively flat dirt road.

What to bring:

• Viewing equipment, such as binoculars or a spotting scope (we will have a limited supply for free use).

• Water, a hat, jacket and camera!

Please note: Bring your binoculars and scan the mountain side to spot these unique animals located along the Green River. Please remember to view these animals from a safe distance.

See you there!

Event Contact:

Ashley Kennedy at 435-630-2484 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brandon Behling at 435-650-2081 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It's that time of year again! The Utah Hunting Skills Challenge, previously part of the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge, will take place June 20 -21, with events at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City, Utah. This fun, hands-on challenge is a great event for beginner to advanced shooters of all ages. If you've completed a hunter education course, you're eligible to participate!

Please register by May 30, so we can plan accordingly.

Participation

Due to the amount of equipment and staffing required to put on the event, we will require a minimum of 35 participants. The number of participants will determine how many events are set up. An email will be sent out the week before the event to inform those registered what (if any) changes will take place.

Cost

$35 per participant. Please register via Eventbrite with a credit card.

NOTE: We will accept cash for those registering day of the event. Please bring exact change.

As a special incentive, if an adult/alumnus also registers a first-time youth competitor, they can get $10 off their registration! Please contact Troy Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to receive your $10 off.

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 20: Lee Kay Public Shooting Range

• Check in — 11:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.: Come to the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range Main Building to finish your registration.

• Written Exam — 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.: After you finish registration, you will head directly to take the written exam. You will pause to have the opening ceremonies at 3 pm but will have a chance to finish after.

• Opening Ceremony — 3 p.m.

• Games & activities — 6:30 p.m.– close: We will start some fun games, and have a chance to hang out and chat. Information will also beprovided for those who want to explore Salt Lake City and the beautiful area.

Saturday, June 21: Lee Kay Public Shooting Range

• Opening and safety briefing — 8:30 a.m.

• Event breakouts — 9:15 a.m.: Break into our groups and rotations to finish the rest of the events.

• Awards ceremony — TBA. When everyone is finished with events, we will have an awards ceremony. The location is to be determined but we will have all the information for you when you show up and complete your registration.

Note: Dinner will be provided for participants on Friday night. Lunch will be provided for participants on Saturday. Family members may purchase additional meal tickets for $10 per person.

Rules and Regulations

There will be eight events set up, depending on participation numbers. At each event, participants will bring their specific equipment for that event. If a participant does not have their own equipment, some will be provided for them to use. Find the official rules for specific events and equipment limitations on the YHEC Regional Rules page. Participants are eligible to compete in the NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge competition held this year in Betonville, Arkansas.

For more information and practice help, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hunting Skills Challenge resource page.

The following events will take place:

.22 Long Rifle

This event will consist of six stations where five shots will be taken at each station (for a total of 30 shots). Shots will range from 0-75 yards. Each station may use a different shooting position (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone). Stations may use props or shooting scenarios (standing using a post, tripods, shooting from a ground blind, prone using a log, etc.). Targets will be standard rimfire silhouette targets (chicken, turkey, pig and ram).

Shotgun

This will be a sporting clays-style competition. Expect clay targets to be thrown from all directions. Most targets will be true doubles but some report pairs (second bird is launched at the sound of the first shot) may be thrown. A total of 30 shots will be taken. The best practice for this would be 5-stand or a walk-through sporting clays course.

Muzzleloader

The muzzleloader event will consist of 10-12 shots. You will shoot at metal silhouette or knockdown style targets. Shot distances will range between 0-75 yards. Each station may use a different shooting position (standing, kneeling, sitting and prone). Stations may use props or shooting scenarios (standing using a post, tripods, shooting from a ground blind, prone using a log, etc.). There will be a possibility for a written exam.

Archery

The archery event will be a walk through a 3D-style course. Targets will range from 0-40 yards. A total of 30 shots will be scored. Scoring will use the traditional 3D rings and will be scored 10-8-5. Targets will be standard Delta or Reinhart targets. Rangefinders are not allowed.

Written Exam

The written exam will consist of 60 questions. All questions will be taken from Utah Hunter Education Student Manual and Utah Hunting Guidebooks. The questions will go over everything from ethics to information on wildlife species. This will not be an open book test so be sure to study. Contact Troy Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for your free copy of The Utah Hunter Education Student Manual.

Safety Trail

The safety trail is designed to test the young hunter’s ability to make safe and ethical decisions. It will go over basic safety scenarios and have you react to each of them. You will find anything from crossing a fence or ditch properly to encountering animals in the wild. You may even be tested on judging an animal's distance in yards.

Orienteering

Orienteering is the ability to use a map and compass. You will be tested on how well you can use a compass to find waypoints along with how well you read a map to find different landmarks. Traditional and modern technology methods will be used.

Wildlife Identification

Wildlife identification is the ability to identify the game animals of North America. You could encounter all sorts of things from scat and tracks to a small piece of fur, skulls or bones. The best way to study is to study The Hunter's Guide, and visit different areas that have taxidermy mounts.

Divisions

• Junior Division: Under 15. Individuals turning 15 years of age on or before August 15 shall be in the Senior Division classification.

• Senior Division: Ages 15 to 18 years old.

• Adult/Alumni Division: Age 19 and above. Open to any adult that would like to compete.

Prizes

Overall prize eligibility is limited to registrants who observe all safety rules and event regulations.

Prizes will be awarded in each of the following categories:

Junior Division

• First through 5th place in the individual events
• Top five overall

Senior Division

• First through 5th place in the individual events
• Top five overall

Adult/Alumni Division

• First through third

This event will be held regardless of the weather, please dress accordingly.

Event Lodging

Discounted hotels and camping options are available. Please contact Troy Anderson for more information.

Event contact:

Troy Anderson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 385 280-5007