Upcoming events

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in partnership with Vernal's The Fox 98.5 FM radio station, holds this annual family-friendly fishing contest to encourage anglers — local and far — to fish at designated Uintah Basin waterbodies. Grab your fishing tackle, make sure to bring along your valid Utah fishing or combination license (for anglers aged 12 and older) and get outside for a fun day on the water. You could catch one of the hundreds of tagged rainbow trout and largemouth bass stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at these three lakes socked in 2025 with tagged fish:

• Browne Lake (Daggett County) (rainbow trout)
• Lower Stillwater Pond(Hourglass Pond)(Duchesne County)(rainbow trout)
• Steinaker Reservoir(Uintah County)(largemouth bass)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a green tag that says '2025 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 18 through Aug. 3, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical green tag to win. You can catch-and-keep any fish with the tag or catch-and-release the tagged fish. If you choose catch-and-release fishing, please swiftly pull or clip the tag from the fish, then release it.
• Register for the contest. Register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket," which must accompany all tags submitted.*

*If you do not have a printer, call the Vernal DWR office at 435-781-9453 (or visit during office hours), and staff will assist you with getting your tag(s) registered. Once tags and registration tickets are received, a confirmation email will be sent from the DWR to the registered party's email address confirming your entry for the grand prize finale.

How to register your tag

All tags registered by midnight on Aug. 3 are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 7, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing.

1. If you haven't already, register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket" which must accompany all tags submitted.*
2. Submit your tagged fish registration ticket and physically turn in the green tag for verification. Important: Make sure your tag is secured to the registration ticket somehow — use staples, tape or place them in a ziplock bag.
3. There are several ways you can turn in your tag and registration:

• Option 1 – Mail in your tagged fish registration ticket and attached yellow tag (both must be included). Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
• Option 2 – Drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached green tag (both must be included). Stop by the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) or Stewart’s Ace (245 US-40, Roosevelt) gun counter and drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached yellow tag in a designated "Fishing with the Fox" dropbox. Remember to make sure your tag is firmly secured somehow — by staples, tape or sealed in a ziplock bag.
• Option 3 – Email your fish registration ticket and then mail or bring in your green tag.
• • Screenshot or download your completed fish registration ticket and email it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., then
  • mail the numbered green tag (along with your name, phone number and email address) to the Vernal DWR office — Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
  • or turn in your green tag (along with your name and email address) at the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

The deadline to register your tag is August 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 from 6–8 p.m. for the prize drawing!

All tags registered are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing.

Even if you don't catch a tagged fish, going fishing at one of the three designated locations will get you a stamp in the 2025 Uintah County Dinosaurland Passport to Summer!

All state fishing rules and regulations apply

Reminder: Utah fishing rules and regulations apply throughout the contest.

• You must possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license if you are aged 12 or older. Children ages 12-17 get a discounted rate on their license. You may purchase or renew your Utah fishing license at any DWR office, online or at a licensed vendor.
• All bag and possession limits apply; please see the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
• See the DWR website for more information on fishing regulations, and download the Utah Hunting and Fishing app to store your license on your mobile device.
• Check on conditions, regulations, fishing reports and emergency closures specific to any Utah waterbody by visiting the Fish Utah interactive map.

Thank you to participating sponsors

• Wildlife Conservation Foundation
• Basin Recycling
• Heaton Tire and Wheel
• Mort's Car Wash
• Red Mountain Cycle
• Stewart's Marketplace/Ace Hardware
• The Fox 98.5 radio station
• Special Service District 1 - The Recreation Center
• Basin Sports

Please watch your email and follow the DWR on social media for the latest updates.

Directions to participating waterbodies:

Browne Lake: From Vernal, go north on U.S. Highway 191 (Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway) for 34 miles. Continue straight (north) onto UT-44 for 14 miles. Turn left onto W. 3240 South/W. Sheep Creek Geological Loop for 3 miles (FR 218). Follow the U.S. Forest Service signs to Hickerson Road(FR 221), take a quick left-then-right jog, and follow Hickerson Road/FR 221 for 4 miles. At the Browne Lake sign, turn left onto FR 096. Follow FR 096 for 2 miles until you reach your destination. There is a forest service campground located at this reservoir. Note: All forest service applicable fees will apply.

Lower Stillwater (Hourglass Pond): From Duchesne, Utah: Take Highway 87 north for 15 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn left and continue 2.5 miles north to the Rock Creek Store. Turn left at the stop sign, toward Rock Creek Canyon and proceed approximately 15 miles. From Vernal, take Highway 191 to the UT-87 turnoff in Roosevelt. Proceed 22 miles to the Mountain Home turnoff. Turn left and continue 2.5 miles north to the Rock Creek Store. Turn left at the stop sign, toward Rock Creek Canyon and proceed approximately 15 miles.

Steinaker Reservoir: From Vernal, take U.S. Highway 191 north for 7 miles. Turn left into Steinaker State Park to enter into the park to fish. Note: All state park fees will apply. You may also fish at several locations along the east side of the reservoir.

Contact us

For more information about this event, please contact the DWR event organizers:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 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 — 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.: Come to the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range Main Building to finish your registration.

• Written Exam — 1 p.m.- 5 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.
• Dinner — 5 p.m.

• Games & activities — 5:30 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. We have a room block at the Springhill Hotel in West Valley. Please reach out to Troy Anderson for more information.

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

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with Moon Lake Resort to celebrate 100 years of operation on Moon Lake, located north of Mountain Home. Join DWR staff to learn basic angling techniques, tip and tricks on Moon Lake, nestled at the southern base of the Uinta Mountains.

Come celebrate a little piece of the Uintah Basin's history by fishing with the experts, along with other fun-filled activities.

What to expect

• Compete for the largest fish caught during the fishing event.
• Participate in the other activities: a live falconry show, a petting zoo and more.
• Bring sunscreen and a chair.

There will be fishing gear provided by the DWR and partners, but you are welcome to bring your own equipment to participate. Anglers may choose catch-and-release practices or keep the fish they catch (daily limits will be observed).

Please keep in mind:

Anglers must be 17 years old or younger to register.

Anglers between the ages of 12 and 17 will need a valid Utah fishing or combination license to participate.

All youth must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate in the event.

Directions:

Moon Lake Reservoir: From Duchesne, take State Hwy 87 north for 19 miles. Turn north onto to 20780 W towards Mountain Home, then continue north 13 miles to the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 131. Follow road 131 for 5 miles to the lake. The lake is about 37 miles from Duchesne on paved roads - although some spots have potholes.

Event contacts:

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is excited to host a photography competition and exhibit in celebration of the beautiful Farmington Bay wetlands and Utah's native wildlife.

This contest and exhibit will provide wildlife photographers a place to showcase their skills and display their images in our auditorium.

The photo(s) you enter must be turned in by 4 p.m., June 21st, 2025 at EWEC. The photography exhibit will be open to the general public for viewing Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

What kind of photos are eligible for the contest?

The photography contest features three types of wildlife or wildlife-related activity commonly found in or near Great Salt Lake Wetlands, including Farmington Bay, Ogden Bay, and Bear River Bird Refuge. For each category, the winning photographs will be displayed in the EWEC auditorium during the June 26–28 wildlife photography exhibit.

Categories include

• Birds of GSL (shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds, etc.)
• Elk, Moose, and Deer
• Bear and Cougar

Contest rules and photo submission requirements

• Each photographer can only enter one photo in each of the three categories
• The bird cateogry must be photos taken at Great Salt Lake Wetlands (This includes Farmington Bay to Bear River Bird Refuge)
• All wildlife (non-birds) must be taken in Utah
• Resolution requirement of 300 DPI
• You must submit a printed copy of your photo (10" x12" minimum required; maximum dimensions 12" x 15") to be entered into the contest
• Photos are encouraged to be portrait format
• Photos must be mounted on a backing board, such as cardboard or foam core (no frames, please)
• The photo(s) you enter must be turned in by 4 p.m., June 21, 2025 at EWEC
• EWEC open hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Sunday, Monday and holidays)

Judging will be based on the following:

• Creativity
• Technique
• Lighting
• Animal Behavior
• Overall quality

Judging for the photography contest — including general voting for the "public's choice" awards in each category — will take place on June 26, 2024 during the center's open hours.

Other contest details

• The top three winners in each category will receive recognition. Three overall photos will be selected as the contest winners and will have their photograph displayed in the auditorium.
• By submitting your photo for the contest, you agree that it may be shared by the DWR in the exhibit, reproduced (with photographer credit) on print and digital platforms, and you will receive no financial compensation.

Questions about this contest or the exhibit?

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

Join us for our annual Osprey Watch! This free event will be held July 12 next to the parking lot at the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center. Viewing will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The visitor center is located at the south end of Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah.

What to expect

• You'll have a high chance of sighting osprey using the spotting scopes and binoculars provided, but we encourage you to bring your own!
• DWR and U.S. Forest Service biologists will be on hand to answer questions and identify osprey and other wildlife.
• Educational displays will be available so you can learn more about these unusual fish-eating birds.
• Some of the osprey nests and great blue heron rookeries are located on the backside of the nearby islands, so they are best viewed from a kayak or paddleboard.

What to bring

• We suggest bringing a lunch/snacks and sunscreen.
• Binoculars or a scope (we will have some provided).
• Kayaks or paddleboards with your life jackets.

See you there!

Flaming GorgDam Visitor Center info:

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information on scheduling tours of the dam, please call the visitor center: 435-885-3135.

Event contacts

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources staff and local experts for a tiger muskie clinic focused on how to catch this exciting species at Scofield Reservoir.

What to Expect:

• This event will be held at the Historic Scofield Public School in Scofield, Utah.
• Learn about tiger muskie fishing, including recommended equipment, lure selection and fishing techniques.
• All ages are welcome! Youth under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What You Will Learn:

• Information about the Scofield Reservoir fishery
• Tips and tactics for catching tiger muskie at Scofield Reservoir
• Proper fishing equipment recommendations
• Tiger muskie handling and release techniques

Thank You to Our Participating Sponsors:

• Mtn West Muskies
• Sportsman’s Corner
• KJ’s Catch and Snack
• The Town of Scofield

Event Contact:

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

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

Join the Ashley National Forest, Red Canyon Lodge, and UDWR staff as we partner up to host this up-close experience with one of nature’s most fascinating birds! We've invited Terry Tolbert, a retired Bureau of Land Management biologist from Escalante, and Lisa Young, a Dixie National Forest Service biologist to band wild hummingbirds at the Red Canyon Lodge in Dutch John, Utah, on July 19, starting at 7 a.m.

During the event, the hummingbirds are captured and given small leg bands. Placing a tiny band on the leg of a hummingbird requires a lot of focus and careful handling. These aluminum bands are stamped with a unique number that identifies each bird throughout its lifetime. The information gathered from the banding efforts helps biologists learn more about migration patterns and other crucial data about the birds.

What to expect:

• You will closely witness wild hummingbirds being banded.
• This will be a fun, family event and the banding portion will be free.
• There is a high possibility of seeing bighorn sheep from the Red Canyon Visitor Center.
• You can also enjoy a self-guided tour as you drive the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway through the “TravelStorys” app. This app will play throughout your ride and explain everything from the wildlife you may see to the geologic history of the area.

Before the event:

• Download the "TravelStorys" app to your phone if you wish. Be sure and download it before embarking on your journey, as service along the byway may vary.
• Sign up early to reserve your spot. Space is limited per hour and you must be registered in order to attend this event.

Directions:

• From Vernal: Travel approximately 40 miles north on Highway 191. Then turn right onto Highway 44. Go four miles until you see the signs for Red Canyon Lodge. Turn right, and the event will be held outside of the lodge restaurant area.
• From Manila: Travel approximately 25 miles south on Highway 44, until you see the signs for Red Canyon Lodge. Turn left and proceed 4 miles to the Red Canyon Lodge.

See you there!

Event Contacts:

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.