Upcoming events
Here's a list of all upcoming events that require registration. For a complete list of past and future DWR events, see the Utah wildlife calendar.
May
Bighorn Sheep Viewing — Southern Utah
Bring your binoculars and spotting scopes to see Desert Bighorn Sheep in Beaver County! Date & timeSaturday, May 3 AddressMineral Mountains More...Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at the Mineral Mountains for an opportunity to see bighorn sheep! This free family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00am-1:00pm. We will meet at the Pahvant Travel Stop, west of exit 135 (Cove Fort) at 10:00am and drive about 12 miles west to the viewing location. What to expect:
What to bring:
Please note: The sheep in this area are visible year-round, so if you cannot make the event —or if we are at capacity— feel free to visit the area on your own time! Bring your binoculars/spotting scope and scan the mountain side to spot these unique animals located on the Mineral Mountains. Please remember to view these animals from a safe distance. See you there! Event Contact: JC Ballard at 435-868-8205, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Warmwater Fishing Clinic
Come join us for a day of warmwater fishing at Gunlock Reservoir — it's going to be 'reel' fun! Date & timeSaturday, May 10 AddressGunlock State Park More...Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources staff for a warmwater fishing clinic focusing on how to catch, clean, and cook crappie and other warmwater fish! Jon Hudson, an aquatics biologist with the DWR, will cover the basics of angling techniques for these fish and help you prepare your catch for the fryer. Young anglers are encouraged to attend as well to get "hooked" on fishing! What to expect:
What you will learn:
Please note: You will need a valid Utah fishing license if you are 12 years of age or older. Event Contact: Johnny Neil at 435-868-8756, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
World Migratory Bird Day at Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Hey bird lovers! Join us for World Migratory Bird Day and celebrate our feathered friends from around the world. Date & timeSaturday, May 10 AddressGeorge S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center More...World Migratory Bird Day at Eccles Wildlife Education Center Join us for a special celebration of World Migratory Bird Day! Farmington Bay is home to a wide variety of birds, with nearly 330 species migrating through the area each year. This year's theme focuses on creating bird-friendly cities and communities. What to Expect:🦜 See migratory birds up close — binoculars available for use. Come celebrate the incredible journey of migratory birds and discover ways to help protect them! Learn more about World Migratory Bird Day: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/ Event Contact Hayley Pace at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Beginner Fly-Tying Clinic — Cedar City
Discover the art of tying flies! It's the perfect time of year to prepare for summer angling. Join us and learn the basics of fly tying! Date & timeThursday, May 15 AddressSouthern Region Division of Wildlife Resources Office More...The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting an introductory fly tying clinic. Spring is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and prepare for warmer weather angling. If you have ever been interested in learning the art of tying flies, this is your chance! We will discuss everything a beginner needs to know to get started tying flies. This clinic covers recommended equipment, materials, setup and hands-on instruction on tying two tried-and-true patterns that every angler should know. This event will be held at the DWR office building in Cedar City. Capacity is limited to 15 participants, and we will provide equipment — vices, thread, and materials — for tying two basic flies. Instructors will coach you step by step through the fly tying process. Participants are welcome to bring their personal fly tying equipment if they choose. What to expect:
Event Contact: Johnny Neil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-868-8756 |
May–August
2025 Fishing with the Fox Contest
Join us for the 15th annual Fishing with the Fox tagged fishing contest in partnership with Vernal's The Fox 98.5 FM radio station. Date & timeMonday, May 19 AddressUtah Division of Wildlife Resources More...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 fishFish at these three lakes socked in 2025 with tagged fish:
What to do if you catch a tagged fishThis year, the trout are tagged with a green tag that says '2025 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.
*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 tagAll 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.
The deadline to register your tag is August 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.Prizes and awardsJoin 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 applyReminder: Utah fishing rules and regulations apply throughout the contest.
Thank you to participating sponsors
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 usFor 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. |
May
Badges and Bobbers 2025
Come spend the morning fishing with local law enforcement officers at our sixth annual Badges and Bobbers event in the Uintah Basin. Date & timeThursday, May 29 AddressLittle Montes Creek Reservoir More...The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the sixth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area. For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youth will fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors! What to expect
Please keep in mind
We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas. Event contacts: 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. |
Badges and Bobbers 2025
Come spend the morning fishing with local law enforcement officers at our sixth annual Badges and Bobbers event in the Uintah Basin. Date & timeThursday, May 29 AddressLittle Montes Creek Reservoir More...The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the sixth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area. For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youth will fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors! What to expect
Please keep in mind
We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas. Event contacts: 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. |
Badges and Bobbers 2025
Come spend the morning fishing with local law enforcement officers at our sixth annual Badges and Bobbers event in the Uintah Basin. Date & timeThursday, May 29 AddressLittle Montes Creek Reservoir More...The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the sixth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area. For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youth will fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors! What to expect
Please keep in mind
We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas. Event contacts: 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. |
Women's Hunting and Fishing Open House
Join us for a free hunting and fishing open house at Lee Kay Public Shooting Range! This event is geared toward women and girls. Date & timeSaturday, May 31 AddressLee Kay Public Shooting Range More...Attention ladies! Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for a free, activity-filled afternoon at our Women's Hunting and Fishing Open House. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorswoman or brand new to hunting and fishing, this event is a welcoming space to learn, connect and get inspired! What to expect: This event is designed to introduce women and girls of all experience levels to a variety of hunting and fishing skills, equipment, women-friendly groups and more!
Schedule of events, demonstrations and clinics: Join us for hands-on activities and demonstrations throughout the day! All shooting range and cooking demonstration activities are first-come, first-served. Please be aware that there may be a wait to participate in some of the events. Scheduled demonstrations:
During the entire open house (1–4 p.m.)
Exhibitors and event sponsors Exhibitors and event sponsors will be on hand all day to answer your questions, share tips and demonstrate equipment:
Please note: The Lee Kay Public Shooting Range will be open to the public during usual facility hours of operation (Saturdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). Range fees and a separate waiver are required for visitors who plan to shoot on their own separate from this DWR Open House event. We can’t wait to see you there! If you have questions, please use the contact information below. Event Contact: Kaylee Mortensen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Meet the team! Morgan is a wildlife biologist for the DWR in Southern Utah. She grew up in Tooele county where her earliest memories of hunting were tagging along with her dad and their dogs as they hunted pheasants in agricultural fields. A love for the outdoors and delicious field-to-table game meat have kept her involved in hunting into adulthood, with mule deer and chukar as her favorite species to pursue. As both a biologist and hunter, she values hunting for the funding and efforts it generates for wildlife conservation. Meet the team! Heather is the upland game coordinator for the DWR; based out of the Salt Lake office, but she lives in South Central Utah. She has always loved animals, and has wanted to work with animals in some capacity since childhood. She grew up in Cedar City, and though this was a small town with a strong hunting community, she didn't get into hunting until she started working for the DWR in her mid 20s. She is partial to hunting forest grouse and elk, but enjoys any pursuit of game, and processes the meat at home for the ultimate cost-savings. Participating in the sport of hunting fulfills her passion of contributing to the conservation and management of wildlife, obtaining organic meat, and sharing an exciting pastime with friends and family. Meet the team! As Communications Team Coordinator for the DWR, Darby Doyle is editor of the Utah’s hunting and fishing guidebooks, the DWR website blog, and the wild game and fish recipes section. She’s an award-winning food, beverage and outdoors writer, and she’s passionate about sharing with fellow locavores the joys of getting the most out of every harvest, from field to freezer to plate. Darby grew up mostly in rural Kentucky, but since 2006 she’s lived in Salt Lake City with her husband and two sons — the whole Doyle bunch are avid hunters and anglers — along with the family’s goofy Labradors, a bunch of backyard chickens and a big garden that’s usually in need of some serious weeding. Meet the team! RaLynne Takeda is the Hunter Education Program Manager for the Division of Wildlife Resources. Her career in Hunter Education spans almost 30 years. She grew up in an outdoor family in Salt Lake County. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, shooting, camping, fishing, kayaking and occasionally finding time to hunt between life and work. Meet the team! Kaitlyn Purington is a native aquatics biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. She is a lifelong lover of rivers, streams, springs and lakes, and is passionate about protecting the species that call these places home. Kaitlyn grew up in California and found her love for fishing at a young age, spending most summers fly-fishing with her family in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. Since moving to Utah, she has continued that tradition, using fishing as a way to explore more of the beautiful landscapes the state has to offer. Whether she is out in the field collecting data or casting a line on a high alpine lake, Kaitlyn is constantly reminded of how special Utah is for fish and wildlife recreation opportunities. Meet the team! Blanche Smith is the manager of the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City, Utah. The range features multiple shooting venues, including a 300-yard range, a 100-yard archery range, and a shotgun venue offering trap, skeet and 5-stand sporting clays. The facility also includes a 900-acre conservation area. Blanche is a member of the Single Action Shooting Society and competes in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Her highest accomplishment is finishing as a Top Ten Lady Frontier Cartridge competitor at the 2016 World Championship. Meet the team! Krystal Tucker is a natural resource officer with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement. She started her career as a field officer for Davis County and is currently a sergeant in the division’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program. Krystal is a wife and mother of two children and never misses an opportunity to take her family into Utah’s great outdoors. When she is not working, she is actively bird hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping and hiking around the state. She has dedicated her career to getting more women and children involved in nature and to conserving Utah’s wildlife. |
June
2025 Utah Hunting Skills Challenge — Lee Kay Public Shooting Range
Youth and adults: Put your firearm, archery and overall hunting skills and knowledge to the test in this fun, hands-on outdoor challenge! Date & timeFriday, June 20 AddressLee Kay Public Shooting Range More...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. ParticipationDue 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 EventsFriday, June 20: Lee Kay Public Shooting Range
Saturday, June 21: Lee Kay Public Shooting Range
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 RegulationsThere 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
PrizesOverall 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
Senior Division
Adult/Alumni Division
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 |