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 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.
DWR Habitat Council allocates $3.4 million from hunting, fishing license sales to 2026 habitat restoration projects
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A little over $3.4 million was allocated to 71 selected habitat restoration projects — several of which will benefit mule deer in Utah — at the recent annual Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Council funding meeting on April 29.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease recently confirmed in Summit, Tooele counties
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RHDV-2, a highly infectious, often fatal viral disease that impacts rabbits and hares, was recently confirmed in wild rabbit populations in Summit and Tooele counties.
DWR acquires Book Cliffs roadless area property as wildlife management area
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The purchase of a roughly 50,000-acre parcel of land in the roadless area of the Book Cliffs was officially finalized on June 18 and will become part of an existing Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wildlife management area in northeastern Utah.
Utah Wildlife Board approves introduction of white sturgeon in 2 Utah waterbodies, updates to WMA access rules and other items
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The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates to wildlife and waterfowl management area rules to align with recent legislative changes. The board also approved an experimental introduction of white sturgeon into two Utah waterbodies, as well as a few other rule changes during Thursday’s public meeting.
Utah Wildlife Board meeting: June 11, 2026
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Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live, beginning Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
See 3 native fish species at new DWR event
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The San Rafael Swell is known for its rugged beauty and untamed desert environment. It is also home to some of Utah’s unique native fish species, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be hosting a new event to allow the public to see them up close.