Wild

Have you ever wondered how wildlife agencies catch and track ducks and geese? Are you curious about what happens inside a fish hatchery? “Wild,” a new podcast produced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, will answer these questions and provide insight into the work that Utah does to protect its wildlife. A new episode will be launched the third Tuesday of each month and will feature an inside look at different projects and jobs within Utah’s wildlife agency.

Ep. 62: Recovering razorback suckers 11/19/2024

Ep. 62: Recovering razorback suckers In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Native Aquatics Project Leader Mike Partlow and DWR Northeastern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Saidee Hyder talk about the success they have had helping endangered razorback suckers to recover through two related tools: controlled water flow releases and a unique waterfowl management area. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/34022817

Ep. 61: Spearfishing in Utah 10/15/2024

Ep. 61: Spearfishing in Utah In this episode, DWR Aquatics Assistant Section Chief Craig Walker and Utah Spearos President Ryan Peterson give some insights into the fascinating sport of spearfishing, including its growth in Utah and also some common misconceptions about this niche fishing activity. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/33474812

Ep. 60: Chronic wasting disease 09/17/2024

Ep. 60: Chronic wasting disease In this episode, DWR Wildlife Veterinarian Ginger Stout takes a deep dive on chronic wasting disease: what it is, how it’s spread, where it is currently found in Utah and how hunters can help decrease its impacts to deer populations in the state. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/33093897

Ep. 59: Non-lead ammo 08/20/2024

Ep. 59: Non-lead ammo In this episode, DWR Southern Region Conservation Biologist Danielle Finlayson talks about lead ammunition and some of the impacts it is having on different birds of prey in Utah and also things that hunters can do to help these important bird species. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/32662927

Ep. 58: Visiting Utah Lake 07/16/2024

Ep. 58: Visiting Utah Lake In this episode, DWR Central Region Aquatics Manager Chris Crockett and Utah Lake Authority Deputy Director Sam Braegger talk about all things Utah Lake: the recreational opportunities offered there, the current management plans for the fishery and lake, interesting history surrounding the lake, and some common misconceptions people have. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/32118107

Ep. 57: Cutthroat restoration 06/18/2024

Ep. 57: Cutthroat restoration In this episode, Northeastern Region Assistant Aquatics Manager Garn Birchell and Regional Aquatics Biologist Bryan Englebert talk about cutthroat trout in remote areas of northeastern Utah and some of the work being done to restore this species to its native ranges in this corner of the state. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/31799312

Ep. 56: Fishing the Gorge 05/21/2024

Ep. 56: Fishing the Gorge In this episode, DWR Flaming Gorge Project Leader Ryan Mosley and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Regional Fisheries Biologist John Walrath talk all about the Blue-Ribbon rated, world-class fishing destination that is Flaming Gorge Reservoir. They talk about what types of fish species are found there, what the reservoir is known for, common misconceptions that anglers have and some upcoming management plans for the fishery. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/31406047

Ep. 55: The CWMU & LOA Programs 04/16/2024

Ep. 55: The CWMU & LOA Programs In this episode, DWR Private Lands Public Wildlife Coordinator Chad Wilson dives into two unique programs in Utah that offer an important solution for some of the conflicts between wildlife and private lands: the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program and the Landowner Association program. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/30851588

Ep. 54: Virgin River Program 03/19/2024

Ep. 54: Virgin River Program In this episode, DWR Southern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Melinda Bennion and Steve Meismer, the Virgin River Program Local Coordinator for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, talk about a unique and collaborative program that is helping six native fish and two bird species in the Virgin River Basin. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/30445698

Ep. 53: Let’s talk moose 02/20/2024

Ep. 53: Let’s talk moose In this episode, DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson and DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey talk about the largest big game animal found in Utah: Moose! They share interesting moose facts, how we manage their populations and some important safety tips. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/30037398

Ep. 52: Researching cougars 01/16/2024

Ep. 52: Researching cougars In this episode, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois and Randy Larsen, a BYU Professor in the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, talk about mountain lions in Utah and the fascinating things we are learning about them through ongoing research studies. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/29514683

Ep. 51: Pheasants in Utah 12/19/2023

Ep. 51: Pheasants in Utah In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley provides everything you need to know about pheasants in Utah: when they were introduced, how they are managed, the release program across the state and also tips for hunting them. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/29149228

Ep. 50: Geese, ducks and swans, oh my! 11/21/2023

Ep. 50: Geese, ducks and swans, oh my! In this episode, DWR Migratory Bird and Falconry Programs Coordinator Jason Jones talks all things waterfowl in Utah: which species we have, when they migrate through the state, where to see them and how important the waterfowl management areas are in providing crucial habitat for these birds. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/28725633

Ep. 49: Wildlife photography 10/17/2023

Ep. 49: Wildlife photography In this episode, DWR Videographer Phil Tuttle shares some tips for anyone wanting to get into wildlife photography, including places to see different wildlife species in Utah, gear recommendations and the best times of day to photograph. He also talks about some wild experiences he’s had during his videography career, which has taken him around the world. (Note: The travel mentioned in this episode is part of Phil’s freelance videographer work. He only captures footage of fish and wildlife in Utah for his job with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.) /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/28347488

Ep. 48: Recovery programs 09/19/2023

Ep. 48: Recovery programs In this episode, DWR Recovery Programs Director Sarah Seegert and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Colorado River Recovery Program Deputy Director Paul Badame talk about two unique and collaborative programs that are helping four fish species in the Colorado River and San Juan River basins. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/28082223

Ep. 47: Desert tortoises 08/15/2023

Ep. 47: Desert tortoises In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie talks all about desert tortoises in Utah: where they can be found, fun facts about this unique species, factors that led to their decline in population and how people can help. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/27762720

Ep. 46: Gila monsters 07/18/2023

Ep. 46: Gila monsters In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie dives into fascinating facts about the elusive Gila monster. She talks about where these unique heavy-bodied lizards can be found in Utah and why it’s so rare to see one. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/27499734

Ep. 45: Chasing gobblers 06/20/2023

Ep. 45: Chasing gobblers In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley and Lynn Worwood, Utah State Chapter President of the National Wild Turkey Federation, talk all things turkey. They dive into the history of turkeys in Utah, fun facts about these birds, recent changes to turkey management in Utah and hunting tips. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/27216564

Ep. 44: Fishing in Utah 05/16/2023

Ep. 44: Fishing in Utah In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Fisheries Biologist Natalie Boren and local radio personality and fishing enthusiast Amy Richards talk all about fishing: how they got into it, why they love it, great places to go in Utah, and tips for beginners just getting into it. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/26856837

Ep. 43: Helping endangered species 04/18/2023

Ep. 43: Helping endangered species In this episode, DWR Assistant Habitat Chief Paul Thompson and June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program Assistant Program Director Russ Franklin with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District talk about two very important related programs that help species of greatest conservation need. They explain what the Wildlife Action Plan and Endangered Species Mitigation Fund are, how they work and some of the success stories of wildlife species that have been helped through these efforts. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of one of the programs mentioned was the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund. As of May 2024, the program has been renamed the Species Protection Account. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/26581875

Ep. 42: Shooting sports programs 03/21/2023

Ep. 42: Shooting sports programs In this episode, DWR Shooting Sports Manager Levi Bassett talks about the two different shooting sports programs that the Division oversees: the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Learn about these two unique programs, how they work and how to get involved. (Despite the name, YHEC is also open to adults!) /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/26287602

Ep. 41: Big game drawing 02/21/2023

Ep. 41: Big game drawing In this episode, DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney explains the Utah big game drawing and also walks listeners through some common misconceptions (and mistakes) that we see in the application process. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/26003448

Ep. 40: Sleigh rides through elk 01/17/2023

Ep. 40: Sleigh rides through elk In this episode, DWR Hardware Wildlife Management Area Manager Brad Hunt and Wildlife Recreation Programs Coordinator Marni Lee talk about one of Utah’s lesser-known attractions: taking a sleigh ride through elk at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area. They talk about when this Cache Valley tradition started, why we feed elk in this area during the winter and what we have learned from doing this over the years. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/25639290

Ep. 39: Elk management 12/20/2022

Ep. 39: Elk management In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus explains how elk are managed in Utah and walks through the latest major updates to the Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/25386858

Ep. 38: Wildlife crossings 11/15/2022

Ep. 38: Wildlife crossings In this episode, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Blair Stringham and Utah Department of Transportation Natural Resource Manager Matt Howard talk about how the state is working to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by implementing different types of wildlife crossings across Utah. These structures not only help make roads safer for Utah drivers, but they also allow wildlife to make important annual migrations across the landscape. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/25010871

Ep. 37: Dedicated Hunter Program 10/18/2022

Ep. 37: Dedicated Hunter Program In this episode, DWR Dedicated Hunter and Walk-In Access Coordinator Bryan Christensen talks about Utah’s Dedicated Hunter Program: what it is, how it works, why it is a win-win for wildlife conservation and avid hunters, and how to get involved. Note: At the time of this recording, the buyout price for one hour of service was $20. As of July 1, 2023, the buyout time for one hour of service is $40. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/24715587

Ep. 36: Watershed Restoration Initiative 09/21/2022

Ep. 36: Watershed Restoration Initiative In this episode, Utah Department of Natural Resources Watershed Program Director Tyler Thompson and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Conservation Coordinator Daniel Eddington talk about some of the proactive land management taking place in Utah and the program that helps make it possible. They also address some of the misconceptions regarding tree removal and the times when fire is beneficial for habitats. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/24447045

Ep. 35: Why I’m a hunter 08/17/2022

Ep. 35: Why I’m a hunter In this episode, DWR District Wildlife Biologists Xaela Walden and Sydney Lamb share their experiences with hunting: How they got into hunting, why they hunt, how hunting is used by wildlife agencies as a management tool and some common misconceptions about hunting. They also offer tips for someone who is interested in getting into hunting, including a few resources like /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/24085635

Ep. 34: Investigating wildlife diseases 07/26/2022

Ep. 34: Investigating wildlife diseases In this episode, DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout talks about the different types of diseases currently impacting wildlife species in Utah. She also explains how the Division works to detect and monitor diseases and how management techniques can help to reduce those impacts. /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/23858055

Ep. 33: Wildlife pilot 06/21/2022

Ep. 33: Wildlife pilot In this episode, DWR Chief Pilot Craig Hunt talks about his thrilling job, which includes soaring through the air to aerially stock fish at high-elevation lakes and how the work he does helps biologists manage wildlife around the state. He also shares some of the coolest experiences he’s had while flying for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, so stay tuned for those stories at the end! /episode/index/show/dwrwild/id/23498867

Wild

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