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.
DWR completes 133 habitat projects to benefit deer in Utah during FY25
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During fiscal year 2025, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources completed 133 habitat projects, specifically to help mule deer populations in Utah.
Blue Ribbon Fisheries program allocates over $446K to enhance some of Utah’s best fishing spots during 2026-27 projects
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Blue Ribbon Fisheries are waterbodies that provide some of Utah’s most exceptional, high-quality fishing experiences. The program that designates and helps fund these fisheries recently allocated over $446,000 toward 13 projects aimed at enhancing these waterbodies so they remain outstanding places to fish.
What to know about bats in Utah and how to prevent conflicts with them
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Most Utahns probably associate bats with fall and the Halloween season, but you shouldn’t be surprised if you find one in or around your home during the summer months. Utahns may see more bats during July and August because the baby bats (called pups) are learning to fly and leaving their roosts for the first time. Here’s what you should know about bats in Utah and what to do if you encounter them.
Tips to avoid conflicts with mountain goats during high-elevation hikes
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Here are some important safety tips to help keep you safe when recreating around mountain goats and other wildlife in high-elevation mountain ranges.
See hummingbirds up close at upcoming banding event in northeastern Utah
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Join the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ashley National Forest, and Red Canyon Lodge at an upcoming event for the opportunity to get close-up with one of nature's most fascinating birds.
Over 9K boats inspected for aquatic invasive species during Fourth of July weekend
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Statewide, aquatic invasive species technicians with the DWR, Utah State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Park Service, as well as DNR officers, inspected 9,847 boats and performed 386 decontaminations from Friday to Monday.
DWR issues emergency changes to increase daily fishing limits at Pineview Reservoir, 6 other waterbodies due to low water levels
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Due to current low water levels from construction projects and ongoing drought impacts, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued emergency changes to increase the daily fishing limits at seven waterbodies in Utah, effective immediately.
Target shooting with a firearm temporarily restricted on wildlife management areas in 19 counties due to wildfire concerns
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Due to continuing drought conditions and ongoing severe wildfire concerns, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — in coordination with the applicable county sheriff's offices, as required by law — is temporarily restricting recreational target shooting with a firearm on wildlife management areas in 19 counties in Utah.
Want the chance to hunt big game this fall? Remaining 2026 deer, elk permits to be sold beginning July 7
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If you didn't draw a buck deer or bull elk permit during the hunt drawing earlier this year — and you're still interested in hunting deer or elk this fall — your last chance to obtain a big game permit begins next week.
Want the chance to hunt cranes, grouse or swans in Utah this fall? Apply for 2026 permits starting June 30
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If you are looking for a unique experience in Utah's outdoors, consider applying for a permit for the chance to hunt greater sage-grouse, sandhill crane, sharp-tailed grouse or tundra swan this fall. The 2026 application period for these four Utah bird hunts opens on Tuesday, June 30.