Wildlife conservation projects

Wildlife conservation projects provide hands-on experience that enables Dedicated Hunter Program participants and other volunteers to learn more about the complexity of wildlife management and wildlife's habitat needs. Through participation on wildlife conservation projects, Dedicated Hunters volunteer time and talent. They are part of a valuable work force that makes significant contributions to the future of Utah's wildlife.

Current lists of projects:

• Northern Region
• Central Region
• Northeastern Region
• Southeastern Region
• Southern Region
• Salt Lake, Tooele & Summit counties

Wildlife conservation projects provide hands-on experience that enables Dedicated Hunter Program participants to learn more about the complexity of wildlife management and wildlife's habitat needs. Through participation on wildlife conservation projects, Dedicated Hunters volunteer time and talent. They are part of a valuable work force that makes significant contributions to the future of Utah's wildlife.

Dedicated Hunters working on a guzzler project.

Dedicated Hunters help the DWR with important conservation projects that might not be possible otherwise. The DWR lists these projects on this Web site and at DWR offices. Examples of typical projects include: build guzzlers for thirsty desert wildlife, repairing fences, gill netting with fisheries biologists, planting seeds and shrubs for big game, doing clerical or maintenance work and helping during big game transplants.

Dedicated Hunters must complete a minimum of eight service hours on a wildlife conservation project before receiving their first deer permit; then, they must work another 16 hours on a conservation project before receiving their second buck deer permit. All of this service amounts to a total of twenty-four hours many Dedicated Hunters continue to volunteer on conservation projects beyond that which was required during their three-year enrollment. A dedicated hunter must complete his/her own service hours. However, participants may purchase wildlife conservation project hours at $20 per hour. Residents may purchase up to 16 hours; non-residents may purchase up to 24.

Participants often say that they enjoy working with DWR employees on wildlife conservation projects. These contacts with DWR employees prove valuable for expressing concerns and getting answers. It also provides an opportunity for DWR employees to gain a greater understanding of the concerns of Utah's hunters.

Some Dedicated Hunters propose their own wildlife conservation projects that benefit wildlife or DWR in some way. These projects MUST be pre-approved by your regional volunteer services coordinator.