Upcoming events

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in partnership with Vernal's The Fox 98.5 FM radio station, holds this annual family-friendly fishing contest to encourage anglers — local and far — to fish at designated Uintah Basin waterbodies. This year, we have limited it to two locations due to changing environmental conditions. Grab your fishing tackle, make sure to bring along your valid Utah fishing or combination license (for anglers aged 12 and older) and get outside for a fun day on the water. You could catch one of the hundreds of tagged rainbow trout stocked in the Uintah Basin!

Where to catch tagged contest fish

Fish at either of the lakes stocked in 2023 with tagged fish:

• Starvation Reservoir (Duchesne County)

• Steinaker Reservoir (Uintah County)

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

This year, the trout are tagged with a red tag that says '2023 DWR WIN' with a corresponding number from 001-550.

• Tags can be registered and turned in starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 22 through Aug. 6, 11:59 p.m.
• You must have possession of the physical red tag to win. You can catch-and-keep trout with the tag or catch-and-release tagged trout. If you choose catch-and-release fishing, please swiftly pull or clip the tag from the trout, then release it.
• Register for the contest. Register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket," which must accompany all tags submitted.*

How to register your tag

All tags registered by midnight on Aug. 6 are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing. 

1. If you haven't already, register here on this Eventbrite page to enter your contest registration information; once registered for the contest, you'll be prompted to print out or download the "tagged fish registration ticket" which must accompany all tags submitted.*
2. Submit your tagged fish registration ticket and physically turn in the red tag for verification. Important: Make sure your tag is secured to the registration ticket somehow — use staples, tape or place them in a ziplock bag.
3. There are several ways you can turn in your tag and registration:

• Option 1 – Mail in your tagged fish registration ticket and attached red tag (both must be included). Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
• Option 2 – Drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached red tag (both must be included). Stop by the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) or Stewart’s Ace (245 US-40, Roosevelt) gun counter and drop off your tagged fish registration ticket and attached red tag in a designated "Fishing with the Fox" dropbox. Remember to make sure your tag is firmly secured somehow — by staples, tape or sealed in a ziplock bag.
• Option 3 – Email your fish registration ticket and then mail or bring in your red tag.
• Screenshot or download your completed fish registration ticket and email it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., then
• mail the numbered red tag (along with your name, phone number and email address) to the Vernal DWR office — Attn: Fishing with the Fox contest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078
• or turn in your red tag (along with your name and email address) at the Vernal DWR office lobby during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

The deadline to register your tag is August 6, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Prizes and awards

Join us Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 from 6–8 p.m. for the prize drawing!

All tags registered are automatically entered for the 'Alive After Five' grand finale prize drawing! The prize drawing will occur on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Uintah County Library park (204 E. 100 North, Vernal).

You must be present to win OR register an alternative person to represent you at the grand prize drawing. 

Even if you don't catch a tagged fish, going fishing at one of the two designated locations will get you a stamp in the 2023 Uintah County Dinosaurland Passport to Summer!

All state fishing rules and regulations apply

Reminder: Utah fishing rules and regulations apply throughout the contest.

• You must possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license if you are aged 12 or older. Children ages 12-17 get a discounted rate on their license. You may purchase or renew your Utah fishing license at any DWR office, online or at a licensed vendor.
• All bag and possession limits apply; please see the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
• See the DWR website for more information on fishing regulations, and download the Utah Hunting and Fishing app to store your license on your mobile device.
• Check on conditions, regulations, fishing reports and emergency closures specific to any Utah waterbody by visiting the Fish Utah interactive map.

Thank you to participating sponsors

• Basin Sports
• Esquire RV
• Mort's Car Wash
• Red Mountain Cycle
• Stewart's Marketplace/Ace Hardware
• Strategic Diesel
• The Fox 98.5 radio station
• Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Please watch your email and follow the DWR on social media for the latest updates.

Directions to participating waterbodies: 

Starvation Reservoir: From Duchesne, take U.S. Highway 40 west for 0.25 miles. Turn north (right) onto UT-311 north and travel four miles into Fred Hayes Park at Starvation to enter the park to fish. Note: All state park fees will apply. You may also fish at several locations along the west side of the reservoir.

Steinaker Reservoir: From Vernal, take U.S. Highway 191 north for 7 miles. Turn left into Steinaker State Park to enter into the park to fish. Note: All state park fees will apply. You may also fish at several locations along the east side of the reservoir.

Contact us

For more information about this event, please contact the DWR event organizers:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the fourth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area.

For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youths fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors!

What to expect

• Law enforcement officers from several different agencies will be on hand to assist participants with their fishing skills and to answer questions.
• Please register for a one-hour time slot to accommodate our officers' schedules and to ensure a great experience for everyone. Space is limited!
• Water, snacks and fishing gear will be provided by the DWR and partners.
• Bring sunscreen, a chair and be ready to catch some fish!
• Anglers may choose catch-and-release practices or keep the fish they catch (daily limits will be observed).

Please keep in mind

• Anglers must be 17 years old or younger to register.
• Anglers between the ages of 12 and 17 will need a valid Utah fishing or combination license to participate.
• All youth must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate in the event.

We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas.

Event contacts:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the fourth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area.

For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youths fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors!

What to expect

• Law enforcement officers from several different agencies will be on hand to assist participants with their fishing skills and to answer questions.
• Please register for a one-hour time slot to accommodate our officers' schedules and to ensure a great experience for everyone. Space is limited!
• Water, snacks and fishing gear will be provided by the DWR and partners.
• Bring sunscreen, a chair and be ready to catch some fish!
• Anglers may choose catch-and-release practices or keep the fish they catch (daily limits will be observed).

Please keep in mind

• Anglers must be 17 years old or younger to register.
• Anglers between the ages of 12 and 17 will need a valid Utah fishing or combination license to participate.
• All youth must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate in the event.

We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas.

Event contacts:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to host the fourth annual Badges and Bobbers fishing event at Little Montes Creek Reservoir in the Montes Creek Wildlife Management Area.

For this limited-registration event, Uintah Basin youths fish with local law enforcement officers, and kids can practice their angling skills in preparation for a summer of fun in Utah's outdoors!

What to expect

• Law enforcement officers from several different agencies will be on hand to assist participants with their fishing skills and to answer questions.
• Please register for a one-hour time slot to accommodate our officers' schedules and to ensure a great experience for everyone. Space is limited!
• Water, snacks and fishing gear will be provided by the DWR and partners.
• Bring sunscreen, a chair and be ready to catch some fish!
• Anglers may choose catch-and-release practices or keep the fish they catch (daily limits will be observed).

Please keep in mind

• Anglers must be 17 years old or younger to register.
• Anglers between the ages of 12 and 17 will need a valid Utah fishing or combination license to participate.
• All youth must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate in the event.

We ask that participants be courteous of the surrounding private properties near the reservoir and only park in designated areas.

Event contacts:

Anthony Christianson at 435-828-0008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tonya Kieffer-Selby at 801-995-2972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and East Canyon State Park are hosting the fifth annual Youth Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This youth fishing tournament is organized into three age brackets: 5-9 years old, 10-14 years old and 15-17 years old. This event is an avenue for youth to have fun fishing and we encourage all skill levels. Even if your kids have never fished before, everyone is welcome to participate!

Note: This tournament was initially scheduled for April 29, but due to heavy ice conditions at the reservoir has been rescheduled for June 3, 2023.

Prize categories include:

• Top three finishes for largest trout in each age bracket.
• Largest “unique” species (any species other than trout).

Registration:

• All participants must pre-register online.
• Registration closes Saturday, June 3 at 7 a.m. All participants must be registered before fishing.
• Tournament registration is free, but participants must pay the $25 day-use fee to enter East Canyon State Park. (Your annual Utah State Parks Pass is valid for park entry.)

Rules:

• There will be no check-in prior to the event, and participants can start fishing at 8 a.m.
• Fish must be turned in no later than 2 p.m. in order to be processed for the tournament results.
• All fish will be weighed and the length measured. If there is a tie on the length of the fish, weight will be used to determine the winner.
• Fish turned in to be weighed and measured will count towards a participant’s daily bag limit.
• Participants can check in only four trout, the individual daily bag limit.
• Participants can fish from a boat or the shore.
• Multiple participants can fish from the same boat.
• All participants ages 12 and older must possess a valid fishing license. (Youth under the age of 12 do not need a fishing license.)
• All rules and regulations of the 2023 Utah Fishing Guidebook must be followed.
• Participants must provide their own equipment and follow all state boating regulations.
• Poor sportsmanship, cheating, any type of foul play or failure to comply with the rules will result in an immediate disqualification from the event.

Join us at the pavilions in the day-use beach area shortly after 2 p.m. for announcement of the results and prizes.

Event Contact:

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is excited to host a photography competition and exhibit in celebration of the beautiful Farmington Bay wetlands and Utah's native wildlife.

This contest and exhibit will provide wildlife photographers a place to showcase their skills and display their images in our auditorium. We hope this inaugural photography contest will be the first in what will become an annual event!

The photo(s) you enter must be turned in by 4:30 p.m., June 3, 2023 at EWEC. The photography exhibit will be open to the general public for viewing Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

What kind of photos are eligible for the contest?

The photography contest features seven types of wildlife or wildlife-related activity commonly found in or near Farmington Bay. For each category, the winning photographs will be displayed in the EWEC auditorium during the June 9–10 wildlife photography exhibit.

Categories include

• Waterfowl
• Raptors
• Shorebirds/Water birds (grebes, rails, pelicans, etc.)
• Great blue herons
• Birds, other (species not in the above categories)
• Wildlife (non-birds)
• Hunting (any photo taken during a hunt)

Contest rules and photo submission requirements

• Each photographer can only enter one photo in up to three categories (no more than three photographs total, with one per category)
• All bird categories — waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, great blue herons and other birds — must be photos taken at Farmington Bay WMA
• All wildlife (non-birds) and hunting photos may be taken anywhere in Utah (for the hunting photos, please avoid showing gore or entrails)
• Resolution requirement of 300 DPI
• You must submit a printed copy of your photo (10" x12" minimum required; maximum dimensions 12" x 15") to be entered into the contest
• Photos must be mounted on a backing board, such as cardboard or foam core (no frames, please)
• The photo(s) you enter must be turned in by 4:30 p.m., June 3, 2023 at EWEC
• EWEC open hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed Sunday, Monday and holidays)

Judging for the photography contest — including general voting for the "public's choice" awards in each category — will take place on June 9, 2023 during the center's open hours. If you have family and friends who would like to come to the exhibit, they can find out more about the event and register here: EWEC Photography Exhibit

Other contest details

• The top three winners in each category will receive recognition. Three overall photos will be selected as the contest winners and will have their photograph displayed in the auditorium.
• By submitting your photo for the contest, you agree that it may be shared by the DWR in the exhibit, reproduced (with photographer credit) on print and digital platforms, and you will receive no financial compensation.
• The judge panel is comprised of three DWR employees and includes an award-winning wildlife photographer and videographer.
• Judging will take place on June 9, 2023, and winners will be notified that day.

Questions about this contest or the exhibit?

Contact Hayley Pace at 385-515-6447 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join the Utah Division of Wildlife and Wild Aware Utah for a wildlife seminar all about living with wildlife in urban communities!

What to expect:

• Learn all about how to safely coexist with wildlife.
• Foster new attitudes toward wildlife and minimize your risk for conflict with animals.
• Ask our on-site experts questions.
• Become wild aware!

The seminar will take place at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in beautiful Farmington Bay.

Event Contact:

Hayley Pace at 385-515-6447 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Are you interested in learning about archery, but are not sure how to get started? We are hosting a free, hands-on introduction to archery clinic just for women and girls ages 12 and older!

Our instructors will guide you through this fun and information-packed clinic where you will:

• Become familiar with archery equipment and shooting safety
• Learn the basics of how to handle and shoot a bow
• Have plenty of hands-on practice shooting a bow
• Work on your technique and accuracy

What to expect:

• All equipment will be provided
• The event will be held at an indoor archery range
• Please come prepared for safe shooting: closed-toe shoes are required (especially, no flip-flops), no loose or dangling necklaces or earrings, and have hair pulled back securely away from your face
• Participants ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult

Only a limited number of spots are available, and you must pre-register to attend. Sign up today!

Event contact

Johnny Neil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 435-868-8756

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is excited to host a photography competition and exhibit celebrating the beautiful Farmington Bay wetlands and Utah's native wildlife.

This exhibit will provide wildlife photographers a place to showcase their skills and display their images in our auditorium. We hope this inaugural photography contest and exhibit will be the first in what will become an annual event!

The photography exhibit will be open to the general public for viewing Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

• Visitors on June 9 have the opportunity to cast their votes for the "public's choice" award in each category!
• Photography contest winners will be showcased in the exhibit on June 10.

Wildlife photography contest categories include:

• Waterfowl
• Raptors
• Shorebirds/Water birds (grebes, rails, pelicans, etc.)
• Great blue herons
• Birds, other (species not in the above categories)
• Wildlife (non-birds)
• Hunting (any photo taken during a hunt)

Want to enter your photos in the competition?

If you are a photographer who would like to enter the contest, find out more about the competition rules and submission guidelines at the EWEC Wildlife Photography Contest Eventbrite

Note: All photo submissions must be turned in by 4:30 p.m., June 3, 2023 at EWEC.

Questions about this contest or the exhibit?

Contact Hayley Pace at 385-515-6447 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Get ready for our inaugural men's shooting competition — the .22 Wild Bunch Shoot — on June 9 in Vernal! Join us from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the rifle shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal at 7:45 p.m.  

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give men of all ages and shooting skills levels a fun environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Youngin' (ages 11-17), Codger (ages 18-49) and Old Fogy (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 7 p.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 7:45 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and dinner will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• Shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. Prone position is laying on the ground without a provided support.
• Reminders: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items.
• No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event, although you may register the day of the event prior to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions about the event please contact

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

Get ready for our inaugural men's shooting competition — the .22 Wild Bunch Shoot — on June 9 in Vernal! Join us from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the rifle shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal at 7:45 p.m.  

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give men of all ages and shooting skills levels a fun environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Youngin' (ages 11-17), Codger (ages 18-49) and Old Fogy (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 7 p.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 7:45 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and dinner will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• Shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. Prone position is laying on the ground without a provided support.
• Reminders: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items.
• No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event, although you may register the day of the event prior to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions about the event please contact

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

Get ready for our inaugural men's shooting competition — the .22 Wild Bunch Shoot — on June 9 in Vernal! Join us from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the rifle shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal at 7:45 p.m.  

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give men of all ages and shooting skills levels a fun environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Youngin' (ages 11-17), Codger (ages 18-49) and Old Fogy (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 7 p.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 7:45 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and dinner will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• Shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. Prone position is laying on the ground without a provided support.
• Reminders: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items.
• No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event, although you may register the day of the event prior to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions about the event please contact

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

It's time to get ready for the 34th annual .22 Josie Shoot in Vernal! Join us June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the target shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center.

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give women of all ages and shooting ability levels a fun, comfortable environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Juniors (ages 11-17), Seniors (ages 18-49) and Vintage (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 11:15 a.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and lunch will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• This year (as in past years) shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. The prone will be from either the shooting bench or laying on the ground, and is up to the shooter.
• Reminder: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items. No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event to reserve a shooting time, although you may register the day of the event prior to 10 a.m.

Event contacts

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008

It's time to get ready for the 34th annual .22 Josie Shoot in Vernal! Join us June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the target shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center.

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give women of all ages and shooting ability levels a fun, comfortable environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Juniors (ages 11-17), Seniors (ages 18-49) and Vintage (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 11:15 a.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and lunch will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• This year (as in past years) shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. The prone will be from either the shooting bench or laying on the ground, and is up to the shooter.
• Reminder: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items. No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event to reserve a shooting time, although you may register the day of the event prior to 10 a.m.

Event contacts

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is excited to host a photography competition and exhibit celebrating the beautiful Farmington Bay wetlands and Utah's native wildlife.

This exhibit will provide wildlife photographers a place to showcase their skills and display their images in our auditorium. We hope this inaugural photography contest and exhibit will be the first in what will become an annual event!

The photography exhibit will be open to the general public for viewing Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

• Visitors on June 9 have the opportunity to cast their votes for the "public's choice" award in each category!
• Photography contest winners will be showcased in the exhibit on June 10.

Wildlife photography contest categories include:

• Waterfowl
• Raptors
• Shorebirds/Water birds (grebes, rails, pelicans, etc.)
• Great blue herons
• Birds, other (species not in the above categories)
• Wildlife (non-birds)
• Hunting (any photo taken during a hunt)

Want to enter your photos in the competition?

If you are a photographer who would like to enter the contest, find out more about the competition rules and submission guidelines at the EWEC Wildlife Photography Contest Eventbrite

Note: All photo submissions must be turned in by 4:30 p.m., June 3, 2023 at EWEC.

Questions about this contest or the exhibit?

Contact Hayley Pace at 385-515-6447 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It's time to get ready for the 34th annual .22 Josie Shoot in Vernal! Join us June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex for the target shooting competition. The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center.

Co-sponsored by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, this free event is designed to give women of all ages and shooting ability levels a fun, comfortable environment to sharpen their rifle skills while competing for prizes.

Age classes and prizes

• The age classes are: Juniors (ages 11-17), Seniors (ages 18-49) and Vintage (ages 50+).
• Shooters may compete in the open sight or the scope class (but not both).
• Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in all age and shooting class categories.

What to expect

• The competition will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Buckskin Hills Shooting Complex. Please sign up for a shooting time here so participants can be adequately spaced.
• For tiebreakers, a shoot-off will occur at 11:15 a.m.
• The awards ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center (313 E. 200 South, Vernal, UT 84078).
• The registration fee for this year's event is free for all attendees and lunch will be provided!
• The Wildlife Conservation Foundation will be providing a door prize drawing, so be sure to purchase tickets throughout the event. All attendees will automatically receive a ticket for participating.

What to bring with you

• Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition and a standard .22 caliber rifle. Note: No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.
• Participants must provide their own eye and ear protection.
• Please bring your own lawn chair for seating during the event.
• All shooters ages 16 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian present and have a valid hunter education blue card (proof of completion certificate) to participate.

Competition rules

• This year (as in past years) shooters may enter to shoot in the open sight or the scope class, but not both.
• The distance to the targets is approximately 28-30 yards.
• Shooters will have 10 shots in three different positions: prone, sitting and standing. The prone will be from either the shooting bench or laying on the ground, and is up to the shooter.
• Reminder: Shooters must provide their own .22 ammunition, standard .22 caliber rifle, and provide their own eye and ear protection. You will not be permitted to participate without these items. No magnum, target rifles or handguns are allowed.

We highly recommend that participants pre-register here before the event to reserve a shooting time, although you may register the day of the event prior to 10 a.m.

Event contacts

Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Outreach Manager: 801-995-2972

Anthony Christianson, DWR Regional Wildlife Recreation Program Specialist: 435-828-0008