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 stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at these three lakes socked in 2024 with tagged fish:

• Moon Lake (Duchesne County)
• Paradise Park Reservoir (Uintah County)
• Long Park Reservoir (Daggett County)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a yellow tag that says '2024 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 23 through Aug. 6, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical yellow tag to win. You can catch-and-keep trout with the tag or catch-and-release tagged trout. If you choose catch-and-release fishing, please swiftly pull or clip the tag from the trout, 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. 6 are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 8, 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 yellow 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 yellow 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 yellow 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 yellow 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 yellow 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 6, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

*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.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 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 8, 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.

Even if you don't catch a tagged fish, going fishing at one of the two designated locations will get you a stamp in the 2024 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:

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.

Long Park Reservoir: From Manila, at the intersection UT 43 and UT 44; turn south on UT 44. Drive 13 miles to the upper (second) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn right onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 221 and drive to FS 014. Turn north for .6 miles to boat launch area.

From Vernal, turn north on US 191. Drive 34.8 miles to Greendale Junction. Continue onto UT 44. Drive 14.7 miles to the upper (first) road to Sheep Creek Geological Loop. Turn left onto the Loop, drive 2 miles to FS 221 and drive to FS014. Turn north for .6 miles to boat launch area.

Paradise Park Reservoir: From Vernal, travel 16.5 miles west on UT 121. Go 15.25 miles north on county road, then 8.75 miles north on Forest Road 104.

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.

Learn some cool facts about the bats and nocturnal insects of Utah and observe them up-close!

Join us for this fun and informative seminar to learn all about bat species found in Utah. You’ll also be able to observe our biologists during a bat and bug survey as they capture bats with fine mist nets and nocturnal insects using a lighted sheet. You will be able to examine bats and insects up close as biologists collect data for ongoing monitoring. You may even get to see some of Utah's rarely seen bat species.

What to expect

• The seminar portion of the event will take place in the conference room at our Central Region office. DWR biologist Shawn Pladas will be the featured presenter.
• After the seminar, participants can step outside on a patio — which is adjacent to the stream behind the office building — where you can often observe bats and an abundance of insects.
• 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.
• B ring a small flashlight or headlamp; it will be very dark outside!
• If weather permits, our biologists will be using mist nets to capture bats and a lighted sheet to attract nocturnal insects.

Event Contact

Scott Root at 801-376-7076 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Michael Packer at 385-225-4322 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join the Ashley National Forest U.S. Forest Service staff and UDWR 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 U.S. Forest Service biologist to band wild hummingbirds at the Red Canyon Lodge in Dutch John, Utah, on August 3, 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.

Pheasant and chukar hunting seasons are right around the corner, and it’s never too early to train your pointing dog. SportDog upland field staffer and author of “A Millionaire's Dream: A Novel,” Bret Wonnacott, will teach you how to lay a foundation with your dog, and demonstrate ways to help you and your dog with:

• Hand signals
• Running to the front
• Bird introduction
• Gun breaking
• Accountability
• Preseason conditioning
• The bird means whoa
• Steadiness training

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.
• Experienced adult dogs and trained puppies will demonstrate skills.
• 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!

Event Contact:

Jodie Anderson at 801-791-8589 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn some cool facts about Utah bats!

Join us for this fun and informative seminar to learn all about bat species found in Utah. You’ll also be able to observe our biologists outside as they try to capture bats with fine mesh nets and then examine netted bats to collect data for ongoing research. You may even get to see some bats up close.

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!
• If weather permits, our biologists will be using mist nets to capture bats, identify species types and examine the bats.

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

Event Contact

Johnny Neil at 435-868-8756 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.