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.
Whether you've just started bird-watching or you are an advanced "birder," consider heading outdoors over the next few weeks to help gather important data about birds during the 124th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
Chronic wasting disease was first detected in mule deer in Utah in 2002 in northeastern Utah, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently confirmed it has now spread to deer in the Payson area of Utah County, as well.
During a public meeting Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Utah Wildlife Board approved several changes to big game hunting that will go into effect in 2024. Some of the changes affect the weapon technology allowed for various hunts, as well as requiring mandatory harvest reporting for general-season deer and elk hunts.
Utah's growing population and related urban expansion have increased the number of wildlife encounters across the state in recent years. However, not every encounter or animal sighting needs to be reported to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live, beginning Thursday, Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing a few changes to the state's black bear management plan and hunting rules and also some updates to the rules that provide a reward to someone who reports a poacher, as well as a few other items. The public is encouraged to give their feedback on the proposals.
If you like the idea of harvesting your own locally sourced turkey — instead of fighting the crowds to buy one at your neighborhood supermarket — you can start planning now for next year's Thanksgiving feast, and apply for an opportunity to hunt turkeys in Utah next spring.
Another season of bundling up and riding on a sleigh through the middle of hundreds of wild elk is almost here! The winter sleigh rides begin at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hardware Wildlife Management Area on Dec. 1.
During this past fiscal year, a whopping total of 148,883 acres were improved across Utah through the Watershed Restoration Initiative.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other partnering agencies worked hard inspecting and decontaminating boats across the state this year to prevent the spread of invasive quagga mussels.
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