Updates on Utah's wildlife from the DWR
Each week the DWR publishes interesting and informative stories about Utah's wildlife. If you want these stories delivered to your inbox just as soon as we publish them, please sign up for our weekly email.
While cougar attacks are quite rare in the U.S., there is always the chance you may see a cougar on your doorbell camera footage or while you are out hiking this summer. If you do happen to encounter a cougar, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Utah Wildlife Board approved a decrease in the number of general-season deer hunting permits. The board also approved the other big game and antlerless hunting permits that will be issued during the 2023 seasons, as well as a variety of additional items during the May 4, 2023 public meeting.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending a few changes to upland game hunting and waterfowl hunting — including making it illegal to harvest trumpeter swans — as well as changes to a few other items. The DWR is seeking the public's feedback on the proposals online and at the upcoming public meetings.
Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live, beginning Thursday, May 4 at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
If you are interested in Utah's wildlife and how species are managed, several positions will soon be opening on all five Regional Advisory Councils that share public feedback with the Utah Wildlife Board. You can apply for one of the available RAC positions between May 1–31.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers will be conducting an administrative checkpoint on June 2 in an effort to prevent invasive mussels from spreading from other states into Utah waterbodies.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is extending the closure of four wildlife management areas in northern Utah in order to protect deer and pronghorn that are still wintering in deep snow in the areas.
In an effort to increase efficiency and improve responsiveness to the public, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently released a new app that allows people to quickly report the skulls of big game animals that still have their antlers or horns attached.
For those looking for a fun spring family activity, the Hardware Wildlife Education Center is opening in May with a great new educational exhibit.
Utah's spring general-season turkey hunts are about to get underway, and if you like the idea of harvesting your own delicious bird, it's not too late to buy a permit and research an area to hunt.
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