Information for landowners

Walk-in-Access (WIA) areas are tracts of private land which the Division of Wildlife Resources leases for the purpose of providing free public access for fishing, hunting or trapping.

Landowner qualifications

In order to qualify for the WIA program, the property must provide suitable habitat that can support the wildlife species and the intended wildlife activities.

There is no minimum acreage requirement, but the land or water area must be contiguous and practical to use. The landowner must also be able to provide a parking area suitable for expected visitors. WIA property leases may also be created if a corridor can be established which opens public land, which is otherwise inaccessible to the public.

Additional details can be found in DWR Administrative Rule R657-56, which governs the WIA program.

Compensation

Landowners enrolled in the WIA program receive monetary compensation based upon suitable habitat and wildlife, the amount of land or water made available, quality of opportunities, and the length of time of an agreement. In addition to, or in lieu of annual monetary payments, some landowners may also qualify for habitat restoration projects designed to benefit wildlife species.

Discretionary conservation officer patrols and liability coverage under Utah State law are also benefits to participating Walk-in Access landowners.

Payments

Fishing access

Hunting or trapping access

Landowners finalizing WIA hunting or trapping contract agreements on or after April 1, 2021, are negotiated according to the following format:

• Each hunting or trapping property receives a standard annual base payment of $440 plus $1.10 per acre — with a maximum annual payment of $5,000 per year.
• As outlined in a cooperative contract, landowner payments may be reduced from the standard rate for landowner-imposed reductions of opportunities, seasons, species or other special restrictions.

WIA hunting or trapping contract agreements finalized prior to April 1, 2021, were negotiated under the following payment rates:

Contact us

Landowners that are interested may contact the regional WIA program managers for more information:

• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Northern Region
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Central Region
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Northeastern Region
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Southeastern Region
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Southern Region

Getting an authorization number

You must register for a free authorization number

Get authorized

Anyone entering a WIA property for hunting, trapping or fishing must first obtain the annual Walk-in Access Authorization number.

There is no fee to obtain the authorization, but you must have it with you while on any WIA property. You can be asked to leave any WIA property — and could receive a citation for trespassing — if you cannot provide your number.

Keep in mind — each property is still privately owned land and has specifically permissible activities, access dates, and boundaries. Having an authorization number does not permit use of the property for any purpose except what is listed on the Division's WIA map webpage.

The authorization number is used by the Division to determine which properties are of most value to the public.

You can obtain a WIA authorization number online through our license sales system. The authorization is free, but must be added as an item to check out via your online sales cart like any other license or permit (no credit card is required). After logging in, click on "Available Licenses," then under the categories "Hunting" or "Fishing" you will see the option to add "Walk-in Access" to your cart for a $0 charge.