Utah Wildlife News
Updates on Utah's wildlife from the DWR
Each week the DWR publishes interesting and informative stories about Utah's wildlife. If you want these stories delivered to your inbox just as soon as we publish them, please sign up for our weekly email.
Utah Wildlife Board approves changes to fishing regulations for 2027-28, other items
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The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates to several fishing regulations, elk hunting and a few other rule changes during a public meeting on Sept. 18.
27 waterbodies still under watch or warning advisories for harmful algae; what to know when waterfowl hunting this fall
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Utah's waterfowl hunting season kicks off with the northern zone youth waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Sept. 19. (The state's general waterfowl season opens in northern Utah on Oct. 3.) While many hunters are prepared with decoys, dogs, and ammunition, some may not be as prepared to recognize and avoid harmful algal blooms and harmful algae mats currently found on some huntable Utah waterbodies.
Utah Wildlife Board meeting: Sept. 17, 2026
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Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live, beginning Thursday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
What hunters should know about the 2026 Utah waterfowl hunting season
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It's a quiet, still morning as you sit near the edge of a lake in your blind. You hear some birds in the distance and turn your head to see several ducks flying toward you. Your heartbeat quickens, and you slowly raise your shotgun. Waterfowl hunting season is finally here.
Have a hunting or fishing license? Target shoot for free at 2 DWR ranges on Sept. 26 — National Hunting and Fishing Day
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If you have a current hunting, fishing or combination license, you can visit either of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources public shooting ranges on National Hunting and Fishing Day (Saturday, Sept. 26) and shoot for free at the rifle, handgun, archery and shotgun facilities.
Over 9K boats inspected for aquatic invasive species during Labor Day weekend
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During the Labor Day holiday weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources officers, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources technicians and other agency staff were hard at work, inspecting and decontaminating watercraft to prevent quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species from spreading to Utah waterbodies.
Where to see red kokanee salmon in Utah this fall
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Autumn brings a lot of beautiful colors to Utah's landscape, and driving to see the leaves change color is a popular activity for many locals. However, trees aren't the only things that turn a brilliant shade of red in the fall in Utah — kokanee salmon do as well.
Bear incidents doubled from last year in Utah — what to know to prevent conflicts
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Due to several factors — including ongoing severe drought conditions — the number of bear incidents requiring the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to respond this year has doubled from last year. Here are a few important things to know to help prevent conflicts with bears.
What hunters should know about the 2026 Utah upland game hunts
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If you are wanting to try hunting for the first time or if you are a seasoned hunter looking for a new opportunity, upland game hunting is a great option! The majority of the upland game hunts in Utah are open to anyone with a Utah hunting license and don't require an additional permit.
Zebra mussel DNA detected in Utah portions of the Colorado River
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Fragments of zebra mussel DNA were recently detected in the Colorado River in Utah for the first time, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and partner agencies are reminding boaters and other watercraft users to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.