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.
Collecting shed antlers from many big game species, including deer, elk and moose, is a popular pastime in Utah. But before you head outdoors to collect shed antlers during the next few months, you are required to complete the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Antler Gathering Ethics course.
If you don't ski or snowboard, winter in Utah can feel never-ending. But another great way to get outdoors is heading to a nearby lake for an afternoon or weekend of ice fishing.
The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in Utah was confirmed in April 2022, and now the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has confirmed the virus has been detected in birds in four additional counties since September.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Department of Transportation, as well as other partners, are working hard to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions around the state and to make it easier for wildlife and fish to make important annual migrations. In 2022, the agencies and other partners installed six structures to help fish and wildlife migrate in Utah.
February is the best time of the year to see one of America's most iconic birds here in Utah. Bald eagles fly to Utah in the winter to find food and escape colder conditions farther north. By the time February arrives, hundreds of eagles are typically in the state — although you can see bald eagles throughout southern Utah in January, as well.
The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few updates to the rules regarding Utah prairie dogs, as well as a few changes to bear hunting and furbearer seasons during a public meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
Anyone who goes fishing knows how thrilling it is to catch a fish, especially if it is a large, potentially record-breaking one. And this year, anglers set 11 new fishing records in Utah.
If you want to add an extra challenge to your ice fishing this winter, a tournament may be just the thing. Plus, you can help many of Utah's fisheries and often win prizes! There are also a handful of ice fishing seminars you can attend if you want to get started in the sport.
The group that makes the final decisions about hunting, fishing and how wildlife is managed in Utah has two positions to fill, and members of the public who have an interest in wildlife are encouraged to apply.
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