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.

Learn some cool facts about the bats of Utah during an outdoor presentation and capture event at Alta Ski Area!

Join us for this fun and informative seminar to learn all about bat species found in Utah. You will also be able to observe our biologists during bat surveys as they capture bats with fine mist nets. You will be able to examine the bats up close as biologists collect data for ongoing monitoring of populations. 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 outdoors at Alta's Wildlcat Parking Area. DWR biologist Shawn Pladas will be the featured presenter, talking about Utah bats on our outdoor screen and projector set-up!
• After the seminar, participants can walk over to our 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 some 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. A backup rain date is set for Saturday Aug. 2. Also, as with any wildlife, captures can't be guaranteed.

Disclaimer: This is a limited entry event. Once the event is full, we will not be able to admit additional participants due to permitting.

Event Contact

Nicole Passeri | 385-277-2966 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

Join the Division of Wildlife Resources in the Tushar Mountains for our annual Mountain Goat Watch on Saturday, Aug. 9th. This free event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. meet-up at the Sinclair convenience store and gas station located at 215 N. Main St. in Beaver, UT. From there, we will caravan to the remote viewing spot.

What to expect:

• There will be a chance of seeing as many as 100 mountain goats living close to 11,500 feet above sea level.
• You will explore the alpine-tundra ecosystem uncommon to southern Utah.
• You will possibly spot some yellow-bellied marmots and pika as well.
• Participants will caravan to the top of the Tushar Mountains beginning at the Sinclair convenience store and gas station located at the start of state Route 153 in the center of town.

What to bring:

• Viewing equipment such as binoculars or a scope (we will have a limited supply provided.)
• Water, a hat, a jacket and a sack lunch
• A vehicle with high ground clearance (Note: The road is very rocky towards the top of the mountain.)

See you there!

Event Contact:

Johnny Neil at 435-868-8756 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. Bret Wonnacott, avid bird dog trainer and enthusiast, 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
• Stop to flush
• Backing/honoring

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.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are hosting a free First Shots Clay Targets Trapshooting Clinic! This event is a hands-on class for beginners who have little or no experience shooting clay targets and will take place on August 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

What to expect:

• Learn from Ed Wehking, the former president of the Amateur Trapshooting Association and a certified shooting instructor with many years of experience.
• An introduction to safe shotgun handling and the fundamentals of trapshooting.
• Practice what you learn on the shooting range!
• Improve your shotgun skills in a supportive, encouraging, and comfortable environment.

Things to remember:

• Participants must be 12 years of age or older.
• Dress comfortably. The majority of the clinic will be held outdoors.
• Bring eye and ear protection. You may purchase some at the event if you would like, but there will not be any available for free use.
• You are welcome to bring your personal shotgun and ammunition, but it is not required to participate. We will have shotguns and ammunition available for attendees to use.
• This clinic is for beginners with little or no previous trapshooting experience, and the number of participants is limited. If you are a proficient shooter looking to hone your skills, please stay connected with us for information about more advanced classes in the future.

Please register in advance for this event. Space is limited!

Event Contact:

Daniel Gutierrez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.