Search Wildlife
Information for landowners
A Walk-In-Access (WIA) area is a tract of private land on which the Division of Wildlife Resources has leased hunting, trapping or fishing privileges for public recreation.
Landowners enrolled in the WIA program receive monetary compensation based upon suitable habitat and wildlife, the amount of land, and the length of time the land or water is enrolled in the program. In addition to monetary payments some landowners may also qualify for habitat restoration projects designed to attract and benefit wildlife species.
In most cases access to WIA properties is limited to foot traffic only unless the landowner specifically designates roads for vehicle travel.
The Division will provide discretionary conservation officer patrols and liability coverage under Utah State law.
Landowner qualifications
In order to qualify for the WIA program, a landowner must own contiguous properties that share a common property line and are connected as a single mass, not corner-to-corner. The property must also provide suitable habitat that can support the wildlife species and the recreational activity identified in the lease. A landowner must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Own at least 80 contiguous acres of terrestrial habitat.
- Own at least 40 contiguous acres of wetland or riparian habitat.
- Own or provide access to at least 0.25 miles of stream or river.
- Own or provide access to at least a five-acre pond or lake.
- Provide access to isolated public land.
If a landowner does not meet qualifications for the program individually then two or more landowners with contiguous properties that share a common property line and are connected as a single mass may join together to form a WIA landowner association. In order to be eligible as an association the participating landowners must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Own at least 320 contiguous acres of terrestrial habitat
- Own at least 160 contiguous acres of wetland or riparian habitat.
- Own at least 1 mile of stream.
All land and water enrolled into the WIA program must provide suitable habitat and wildlife for hunting and/or fishing activities. The property must be capable of independently maintaining the respective species and harboring them during the seasons and recreational activities that the property is leased for. A Division representative will evaluate the property.
Liability
Landowners enrolled in the WIA program are afforded liability protection under Utah State law.
Listed below are figures indicating how much an approved landowner can expect in compensation each year for participating in the walk-in access Program. As an added incentive a landowner may receive a bonus for signing the property of additional years. There are also incentives available for landowners that form WIA landowner associations.
Payments
Hunting or trapping access
| Land acres | Base rate | 2 years (per year) | 3 years (per year) | 4 years (per year) | 5 years (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80–250 | $401 | $421 | $440 | $461 | $480 |
| 251–500 | $522 | $548 | $574 | $600 | $626 |
| 501–650 | $693 | $728 | $762 | $797 | $832 |
| 651–999 | $924 | $970 | $1,016 | $1,063 | $1,109 |
| 1,000–2,499 | $1,386 | $1,455 | $1,525 | $1,594 | $1,663 |
| 2,500–4,999 | $1,617 | $1,698 | $1,779 | $1,860 | $1,940 |
| 5,000-plus | $1,848 | $1,940 | $2,033 | $2,125 | $2,218 |
Fishing access
| Water type | Payment |
|---|---|
| Ponds | $200/acre* |
| 1/4- to 1/2-mile stream | $1,000 |
| More than 1/2-mile stream | $250 for each additional 1/4-mile over 1/2-mile* |
| * The maximum payment for fishing access is $5,000 | |
Contact us
Landowners that are interested may contact the regional WIA program managers for more information:
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Northern Region
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Central Region
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Northeastern Region
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Southeastern Region
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Southern Region
