Wildlife news
News 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.

11 new Utah fishing records set in 2020

Anyone who goes fishing knows how thrilling it is to catch a fish, especially if it is a large, potentially record-breaking one.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease recently confirmed in Uintah County

After being confirmed in southern Utah in June, rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV-2) has now been confirmed in wild rabbit populations in northeastern Utah too. Prior to the most recent discovery between Fort Duchesne and Lapoint in Uintah County, rabbit hemorrhagic disease in Utah had been found only in San Juan, Wayne, Sanpete and Iron counties.

Utah's swan hunt closes early after harvest limit for trumpeter swans met

Starting Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, hunters are prohibited from killing any swan in Utah. The swan hunting season was closed in Utah 16 days early after the federal quota of 20 trumpeter swans was met on Nov. 27. This is the second consecutive year that the swan hunt had to be closed early.

Apply for Utah's spring turkey hunting permits starting Dec. 1

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 — apply for an opportunity to hunt turkeys in Utah next spring.

DWR proposes changes to 2021 Black Bear Management Plan

The DWR is recommending a few minor updates to the 2021 Black Bear Management Plan in order to comply with legislative changes passed this year, and wildlife managers are asking for the public's feedback.

Quick links
Lee Kay and Cache Valley Shooting Centers
» Shooting centers
Wildlife Blog: Views from DWR employees
» Wildlife Blog
Report poachers — 1-800-662-3337
» Report poachers
Wildlife dates
» Important dates
Hunter, angler mobile app
Hunter Education: Sign up for classes
» Hunter education