Wild

In this episode, DWR Biometrician Heather Bernales explains why the Division requests that hunters send in teeth sometimes from animals they have harvested. She talks about what we do with the teeth, what we learn, and how that helps shape certain wildlife management plans in Utah.

In this episode, DWR Hunter Education Program Manager Ralynne Takeda and DWR Wildlife Recreation Coordinator Gary Cook go in-depth about the two public shooting ranges that the Division manages: the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City and the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range in Logan. They talk about the amenities at each facility, some unique things that people may not know about the ranges and some of their favorite memories there.

In this episode, DWR Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Biologist Adam Kavalunas and DWR Impact Analysis Biologist Jessica Kinross talk about the unique balancing act of managing prairie dogs in Utah. There are three prairie dog species in Utah, one of which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. DWR and its partners are working to help the species recover, which often includes trapping and relocating the animals when they cause damage to private property with their elaborate burrows. This episode was originally recorded in July 2021.

In this episode, DWR Central Region Sportfish Project Leader Mike Slater talks all about electrofishing — what it is, how it works, and what this unique fish surveying method tells biologists about fish in different waterbodies around Utah.

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Adam Brewerton talks about what is possibly Utah's most misunderstood species: bats. He explains what goes into surveying these animals, debunks some of the myths surrounding bats and talks about some of their unique features. This episode was originally recorded in August 2021.

In this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Coordinator Danny Summers talks about a one-of-a-kind facility in Utah: The Great Basin Research Center and Seed Warehouse. He explains the purpose of the facility and how it benefits landscapes — especially those burned in a wildfire.

In this episode, DWR Law Enforcement Capt. Wyatt Bubak explains some misconceptions that people have about conservation officers, some of the various duties they perform, and the most common mistakes hunters and anglers make (and how to avoid them.)

In this episode, DWR Central Region Habitat Program Manager Mark Farmer and DWR Wildlife Lands Coordinator Chelsea Duke talk about the division-owned Wildlife Management Areas — what they are, the purpose of these lands and the activities that are allowed there. Note: Since this interview was recorded, a legislative change — in effect as of May 7, 2025 — requires anyone 18 years old or older to possess a hunting, fishing or combination license to access a wildlife management area or waterfowl management area in counties that are designated as "class one" or "class two" counties, which includes the following: Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber.

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Section Chief Justin Shannon, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Troy Forrest, the director of the Grazing Improvement Program with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, talk about some of the impacts of drought conditions on big game animals, livestock, and their habitat and grazing areas. They also discuss how limited food and water during drought years can cause competition between livestock and elk for those resources, and how the two state agencies work to minimize those conflicts.

In this episode, DWR Habitat Section Assistant Chief Paul Thompson and Trout Unlimited Communications Director for Science, Western Water & Habitat and Headwater Programs Brett Prettyman talk all about Utah's exciting fishing challenge — the Utah Cutthroat Slam. They explain why the program was started, how it works and how it's helping native cutthroat trout.

In this episode, DWR's Eccles Wildlife Education Center Site Coordinator Billy Fenimore talks about the beautiful facility at Farmington Bay, what visitors can do there, what types of birds you can expect to see and how to get into birdwatching.

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Technician Steve Gray showcases one of the division's grossest jobs: roadkill removal. He explains the process of removing these dead animals, some of the difficulties of the job, and tips drivers should be aware of to help avoid a collision. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.

In this episode, DWR Fisheries Experiment Station Director Wade Cavender talks about the unique research and fish health certification work being done at the facility. (And no, despite the name, it does not include experiments creating new Frankenstein-esque fish.) This episode was originally recorded in October 2020. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of this facility was the Fisheries Experiment Station. As of April 2023, the facility has been renamed the Aquatic Animal Health and Research Center.

In this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft talks about one of Utah's largest birds — how they are unique, why they choose to nest along the Great Salt Lake, and how the DWR helps manage them. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.

In this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft and DWR Conservation Officer Trevor Doman talk about the multi-million dollar industry on the Great Salt Lake that many people may not even be aware exists and how the DWR helps manage this unique resource. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.

In this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Trout Unlimited Project Manager Jordan Nielson explain the innovative and effective method of building artificial beaver dams to help restore river landscapes. This unique technique was actually conceptualized right here in Utah and decreases erosion, raises river levels and even improves water quality!

In this episode, DWR Avian Conservation Program Coordinator, Russell Norvell, talks all about some lesser-known wildlife in Utah: Birds of prey. Ranging from tiny flammulated owls to the large endangered California condors, these birds all have unique characteristics and play a large part in the ecosystem. You will also get a look at the unique sport of falconry — using raptors as a weapon in hunting upland game — as well as ways you can help these incredible birds.

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator Daniel Olson, talks about why it is important for wildlife to migrate, things that can obstruct that migration, and how the DWR and its partners are helping wildlife to make those necessary movements across Utah — as well as some unique stories of things learned while tracking wildlife!

In this episode, DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Nathan Owens and DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Field Operations Lt. Bruce Johnson talk about quagga mussels in Utah — what they are, why they are bad, how DWR is fighting to keep them from spreading to other waterbodies, and what boaters should know.

In this episode, DWR Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger and Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council Chair Herbert Ley talk about the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program in Utah — what it is, its purpose, and how these cream-of-the-crop waterbodies are selected and highlighted as some of the best fishing opportunities in Utah.

In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley talks about one of Utah's most unique bird species, the sage grouse. There are two different species of sage grouse in Utah, and each species has an incredible mating dance. DWR biologists are lucky enough to see it each spring when they do population surveys of the species.

In this episode, DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey explains why the division uses helicopters to catch deer and other big game species each year. This episode was originally recorded in November 2019.

Episode notes: In this episode, Jordan Holcomb, a native aquatics biologist for the DWR, talks about frogs in Utah, specifically the Columbia spotted frog. Native to Utah, this frog is on the Utah Sensitive Species List, due to population declines from loss of habitat as development expands across the Wasatch Front. In order to monitor the frog's population numbers, biologists go on a special kind of "Easter egg hunt" every spring.

In this episode, Brennan Hannifin, the DWR Springville Fish Hatchery Assistant Supervisor, explains all that goes into running a fish hatchery and why they are necessary. He also talks about the different species of fish that are raised in these state hatcheries and the different methods used to stock them around the state.

In this episode, DWR Regional Wildlife Manager Dax Mangus, Big Game Coordinator Covy Jones and Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey answer some common questions about how big game management works in Utah. They explain how big game hunting permit recommendations are made and how the DWR helps maintain healthy deer populations.

In this episode, Pat Rainbolt, a regional habitat manager for DWR, talks about how the agency helps wildlife access water in dry areas that don't have a natural water source. This includes building "guzzlers," which collect rainwater and snow that melt and can be used as drinking water by a variety of species. Some of the areas where these are installed are so remote that the building materials have to be flown in via helicopter or brought in on horseback. This episode was originally recorded in June 2019.

In this episode, Matt Burgess, a conservation officer for DWR, explains how poaching cases are investigated and some of the penalties for illegally killing wildlife in Utah. He also talks about his new K9 partner and how these highly-trained dogs can help assist in an investigation. This episode was originally recorded in June 2019.

In this episode, Rich Hansen, waterfowl banding coordinator for DWR, explains why the division catches geese and other waterfowl around the state once a year and puts bands on them. He also talks about the process of catching them (spoiler: airboats are involved!) This episode was originally recorded in June 2019.

In this episode, Darren DeBloois, game mammals coordinator for DWR, talks about what it's like to relocate a black bear. He explains the process of what happens from the moment the employees first get the call about a bear in someone's yard to how they catch the tranquilized animal when it falls from a tree.