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General information

A Walk-In-Access (WIA) area is a tract of private land on which the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) leases hunting, trapping and/or fishing privileges for public recreation.

Landowners enrolled in the WIA program receive monetary compensation based upon suitable habitat and wildlife, the amount of land, and the length of time the land or water is enrolled in the program.

Travel and game retrieval within the WIA is limited to foot traffic only unless the landowner designates roads for vehicle travel on large blocks of land.

DWR will provide discretionary conservation officer patrols and liability coverage under Utah State law.

Landowner qualifications

In order to qualify for the WIA program, a landowner must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Own at least 80 contiguous acres.
• Own at least 40 contiguous acres of wetland or riparian habitat.
• Own or provide access to at least 0.25 miles of stream or river.
• Own or provide access to at least a five-acre pond or lake.
• Provide access to isolated public land.

All land and water enrolled into the WIA program must provide suitable habitat and wildlife for hunting and/or fishing activities. A DWR representative will evaluate the property.

Liability

Landowners enrolled in the WIA program are afforded liability protection under Utah State law.

Funding

Funding for this program is made up entirely of restricted dollars paid by sportsmen.