Wild

In this episode, DWR Strawberry Reservoir Project Leader Alan Ward and Northern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Skyler Smith talk about crawdads (also known as crayfish) and where to find these tasty little crustaceans in Utah, as well as tips for catching and cooking them.

In this episode, DWR Aquatics Section Assistant Chief Randy Oplinger and Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra talk about some of the species found in the Beehive State that are not native to Utah — how they got here, the negative impacts they have on native species and what Utahns can do to help.

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Shawn Pladas talks about a small, high-elevation bird found in Utah that researchers are trying to learn more about — the rosy-finch. Listen in to learn fun facts about this not-very-commonly-seen bird, what methods biologists are using to study this species and ways you can help. Correction: During the introduction, a bird was referred to as a...

In this episode, DWR Aquatic Section Chief Drew Cushing and Aquatic Section Research Coordinator Robert Shields talk about the new 30-year plan for fish production and stocking in Utah. Continued population growth in Utah has created increasing demands on the water infrastructure, and combined with the ongoing drought conditions reducing the amount of water available, it has required the Utah Divi...

In this episode, DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Michael Packer and Central Region Aquatics Manager Chris Crockett share their knowledge about catfishing in Utah. (No, not that kind of catfishing…) Listen in to learn more about catfish, where to fish for them, tried-and-true baits and other fishing tips!

In this episode, DWR Once-In-a-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson takes us into the world of shed hunting (aka antler gathering). Join in for shed hunting tips, Utah's requirements and some fun stories!

In this episode, DWR Central Region Wildlife Biologist Rod Nielsen, Southern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Erik Woodhouse and Northern Region Urban Wildlife Biologist Randall Mcbride talk about when and how the DWR responds when certain wildlife species end up on a freeway or in your backyard.

In this episode, DWR Communications Team Coordinator/ Local Food Writer and Editor Darby Doyle and DWR Southern Region District Wildlife Biologist Morgan Hinton explain the process of what to do after you harvest your animal. They go into equipment and tips for field dressing, processing, storing and cooking your game meat. Tune in for this mouth-watering discussion!

In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Devri Tanner and Hatt Ranch Incorporated President Royd Hatt talk about the Commercial Hunting Area Program in Utah: what they are, how they work and how to take advantage of these unique hunting opportunities.

In this episode, DWR Northern Region Box Elder District Biologist Daniel Sallee lets us tag along on a "rabbit route" and talks about the different rabbit species in Utah, where to find them and some tips for hunting them.

In this episode, DWR Habitat Section Assistant Chief Paul Thompson and Utah State Director for Utah Trout Unlimited Jordan Nielson dive into the world of fly fishing in Utah, including basic equipment, where to go and some of their favorite experiences on the river.

In this episode, Aquatic Section Assistant Chief over Native Species Randy Oplinger talks about three native fish species found in Utah: bluehead suckers, roundtail chub and flannelmouth suckers. Learn how they are similar, what makes each species unique and how the DWR and partners are helping these fish.  

In this episode, DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson talks about bighorn sheep in Utah: where they are located, interesting facts about them and why it has been difficult to manage this big game species.

In this episode, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois and DWR Northern Region Habitat Restoration Biologist Shane Hill give an in-depth look into the fascinating biology, behavior and management of beavers in Utah. This episode was originally recorded in March 2025.

In this episode, DWR Aquatics Section Assistant Chief Craig Walker and Muskies Inc. Mountain West Muskie Chapter President Blake Millett talk about tiger muskies in Utah, including why they were introduced, the management surrounding these giant fish and their favorite encounters with them.

In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby and Ashley National Forest Wildlife Biologist Natasha Hadden talk in-depth about hummingbirds, including what species are found in Utah, the work being done to study their migrations and how people can help these important pollinators. This episode was originally recorded in November 2024.

In this episode, DWR Southern Region District Wildlife Biologist Morgan Hinton and DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus talk about pronghorn in Utah: where they are found, recent management efforts and surprising things you may not know about these big game animals.   

In this episode, DWR Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra jumps into the world of the reptiles and amphibian species found in Utah: the most common ones you will see, misconceptions about them and how you can help these unique species. This episode was originally recorded in September 2024.  

In this episode, DWR Walk-in Access Coordinator Bryan Christensen and DWR Northern Region Wildlife Recreation Specialist Rachael Tuckett talk all about the Walk-in Access Program, including what it is, why it's a benefit to the public and how to get involved as a landowner. This episode was originally recorded in October 2024.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.