Join us for an exciting night to see one of the state's coolest nighttime creatures: bats!

Join Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologist for an up-close look at some of the state’s most amazing nighttime creatures: bats! at this free, family friendly event, you will be able to observe biologists during bat surveys as they capture bats with fine mist nets. Participants will then be able to examine the bats up close as biologists identify the bats, collect data and then release them unharmed.

What to expect

• We will start with a presentation by DWR biologist, Josh Fife, talking about Utah bats. This will take place in the parking lot on an outdoor screen, so bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on.
• After the presentation, participants can join us at the processing stations to observe different species of bats.
• Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own.
• Bring warm clothes, snacks, water and camp chairs or blankets to sit on. We also recommend bringing a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• This event is weather dependent and subject to cancellation. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.
• Meet at Christensen Ranch/Cottonwood Glen (39.78587, -110.41151) on Nine Mile Road

Event Contact

Ashley Kennedy | 435-630-2484 | akennedy3@utah.gov

Join us for an exciting waterfowl workshop!

Are you new to waterfowl hunting or just looking for a refresher? This is the first part of a two-part series to help waterfowl hunters prepare for the season! Join an expert to learn more about waterfowl identification.

What you'll learn:

• How to identify common Utah waterfowl species
• Key field marks, behaviors and tips to tell ducks apart
• Hands-on practice

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in waterfowl hunting! Whether you're just starting out or looking to brush up on your technique, this workshop is the perfect place to begin.

Event Contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | hayleypace@utah.gov

Come learn the game of trap shooting in this friendly and informative free hands-on trap shooting clinic! Instruction includes shotgun shooting safety and practical experience handling and firing shotguns at clay targets, also known as trap shooting. This is an intermediate event for participants who are 16 and older, with prior shooting experience! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to expect

• Firearm safety and instruction given by seasoned trap instructor, Ed Wehking.
• For the trap, clay targets will be thrown for shooters to practice and learn the discipline and strategies needed to be successful in a game of trap.
• Shooters will rotate to accommodate other participants.
• 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotshells will be provided by DWR.

What to bring with you

• Participants will need to provide their own shotgun, as well as their own eye and ear protection.
• Ammunition and entrance to the range are provided by DWR.
• Please dress prepared for hot weather and closed-toe footwear appropriate for the field.

Learn the game of trap in a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere focused on safe firearm handling and building your shooting skills.

Participation is limited to the first 20 participants — ages 16 and older (minors must have an adult accompany them) — who register online.

For questions about this event, please contact:

Nicole Passeri | 385-277-2966 | npasseri@utah.gov

Michael Packer | 385-225-4322 | michaelpacker@utah.gov

Learn some cool facts about Utah bats!

Go deep into the world of Utah bats at Mammoth Cave! Join us for a fun, free and informative field night on Aug. 21 to discover the incredible bat species that call Utah home! You’ll get a front-row seat to active research as the team uses specialized fine-mesh nets to safely catch these fascinating mammals. After we collect some data, all bats will be returned to the wild. If we're lucky, we might even cross paths with some of Utah’s rarest, seldom-seen bat species!

What to expect

• Participants will be required to wear an N95 mask when near (within 6 feet) of the bats to help prevent health concerns to the bats. Masks will be provided or participants can bring their own.
• Bring a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• Bring warm clothes, snacks, water and some camp chairs or blankets to sit on.
• If weather permits, our biologists will be using mist nets to capture bats, identify species types and examine the bats.
• Since this event is weather dependent, it is subject to cancellation. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.

Hopefully, you'll get a close up look at a wild Utah bat or two!

Event Contact

JC Ballard | 435-590-6729 | jcballard@utah.gov

Gear up for upland season with our free Pointing Dog Clinic! Whether you’re raising a new pup or tuning up an experienced hunter, avid bird dog trainer Bret Wonnacott is here to help you build a solid foundation with your pup. Bret will cover the following techniques:

• Hand signals
• Running to the front
• Bird introduction
• Gun breaking
• Accountability
• Preseason conditioning
• The bird means whoa
• Steadiness training
• Stop to flush
• Backing/honoring, and more!

Puppies — Laying a foundation with your new puppy, teaching hand signals and running to the front, bird introduction, gun breaking and more.

Dogs — Adjust training for the individual dog, hold them accountable, the importance of timing in your corrections, preseason conditioning, stopping to flush, the bird means whoa and steadiness training.

What you need to know:

• Please do not bring your dog to the event.
• Bret will have dogs and puppies that will be used throughout the clinic.
• Please sign up online; space is limited and you must be registered to attend.
• This is an amazing opportunity to improve you and your dog's hunting skills for free!

⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ATTENDEES: Please leave your personal dogs at home! Live demonstration dogs will handle all the field work for the morning.

Event Contact:

Jodie Anderson | 801-791-8589 | jodieanderson@utah.gov

Join us for an exciting waterfowl workshop!

Are you new to waterfowl hunting or just looking for a refresher? This event is for you! Dive into the world of waterfowl hunting with our comprehensive workshop, designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge.

What you'll learn:

• General waterfowl hunting tips: Discover key strategies and techniques to enhance your hunting experience.
• Hunting regulations: Get up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations to ensure you're hunting legally and ethically.
• Field dressing demonstration: learn how to clean and dress your bird.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in waterfowl hunting! Whether you're just starting out or looking to brush up on your technique, this workshop is the perfect place to begin.

Event Contact:

Hayley Pace | 385-515-6447 | hayleypace@utah.gov

Do you want to learn more about wildlife photography, but don't know where to start? Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and guest instructor Lizzie Wilson for an Introductory Wildlife and Landscape Photography Workshop! This class is perfect for beginner to intermediate photographers and will take place indoors at the DWR's Cedar City office.

You will learn:

• Basic principles of nature photography
• Methods for improving both landscape and wildlife photos
• Learning how to use light to your advantage

Whether you already have experience or just want to learn the basics, all are welcome. Cameras are not provided, so bring your own gear and take your skills to the next level! Visit our Eventbrite page for details and register today!

Event Contact:

JC Ballard | 435-590-6729 | jcballard@utah.gov