Have you ever wondered how wildlife agencies catch ducks and geese? Are you curious about what happens inside a fish hatchery? "Wild," a podcast produced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, answers these questions and provides insights into the work that Utah does to protect and manage its fish and wildlife. A new episode is released the third Tuesday of each month and features an inside look at different fish and wildlife species in Utah and projects and jobs within Utah's wildlife agency.
1 hr 4 min
In this episode, DNR Deputy Commissioner Ben Stireman and DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Project Leader Kyle Stone talk about the Great Salt Lake: the issues it is currently facing and the different ways various organizations are partnering to help this crucial ecosystem.
57 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Northern Region Wildlife Manager Jim Christensen explain how deer hunt structures and permit numbers are determined and how hunters can weigh in on those proposals and get involved in the process.
52 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Southern Region Habitat Restoration Biologist Kendall Bagley talk about the main factors that impact deer populations in Utah, what the DWR is doing to address those issues and help grow deer, and how that work directly benefits local hunters.
1 hr 4 min
In this episode, DNR Deputy Commissioner Ben Stireman and DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Project Leader Kyle Stone talk about the Great Salt Lake: the issues it is currently facing and the different ways various organizations are partnering to help this crucial ecosystem.
57 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Northern Region Wildlife Manager Jim Christensen explain how deer hunt structures and permit numbers are determined and how hunters can weigh in on those proposals and get involved in the process.
52 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Southern Region Habitat Restoration Biologist Kendall Bagley talk about the main factors that impact deer populations in Utah, what the DWR is doing to address those issues and help grow deer, and how that work directly benefits local hunters.
37 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle takes us back in time for an overview of the history of mule deer populations in Utah from the 1800s until today. Listen in to learn about what impacts deer numbers, as well as some common misconceptions.
24 min
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.
35 min
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.
46 min
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 blue jay, when it was in fact a Steller's jay.
43 min
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 Division of Wildlife Resources to proactively plan for a few changes in order to ensure angling opportunities and native species conservation efforts into the future.
49 min
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!
28 min
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!
51 min
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.
53 min
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!
28 min
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.
25 min
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.
45 min
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.
38 min
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.
30 min
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.
38 min
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.
54 min
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.
46 min
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.
42 min
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.
37 min
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.
38 min
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.
32 min
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.
53 min
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.
26 min
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.
30 min
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.
53 min
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.
43 min
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.
41 min
In this episode, DWR Flaming Gorge Project Leader Ryan Mosley and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Regional Fisheries Biologist John Walrath talk all about the Blue-Ribbon rated, world-class fishing destination that is Flaming Gorge Reservoir. They talk about what types of fish species are found there, what the reservoir is known for, common misconceptions that anglers have and some upcoming management plans for the fishery.
33 min
In this episode, DWR Private Lands Public Wildlife Coordinator Chad Wilson dives into two unique programs in Utah that offer an important solution for some of the conflicts between wildlife and private lands: the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program and the Landowner Association program.
54 min
In this episode, DWR Southern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Melinda Bennion and Steve Meismer, the Virgin River Program Local Coordinator for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, talk about a unique and collaborative program that is helping six native fish and two bird species in the Virgin River Basin.
36 min
In this episode, DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson and DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey talk about the largest big game animal found in Utah: Moose! They share interesting moose facts, how we manage their populations and some important safety tips.
42 min
In this episode, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois and Randy Larsen, a BYU Professor in the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, talk about mountain lions in Utah and the fascinating things we are learning about them through ongoing research studies.
31 min
In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley provides everything you need to know about pheasants in Utah: when they were introduced, how they are managed, the release program across the state and also tips for hunting them.
46 min
In this episode, DWR Migratory Bird and Falconry Programs Coordinator Jason Jones talks all things waterfowl in Utah: which species we have, when they migrate through the state, where to see them and how important the waterfowl management areas are in providing crucial habitat for these birds.
37 min
In this episode, DWR Videographer Phil Tuttle shares some tips for anyone wanting to get into wildlife photography, including places to see different wildlife species in Utah, gear recommendations and the best times of day to photograph. He also talks about some wild experiences he's had during his videography career, which has taken him around the world. (Note: The travel mentioned in this episode is part of Phil's freelance videographer work. He only captures footage of fish and wildlife in Utah for his job with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.)
43 min
In this episode, DWR Recovery Programs Director Sarah Seegert and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Colorado River Recovery Program Deputy Director Paul Badame talk about two unique and collaborative programs that are helping four fish species in the Colorado River and San Juan River basins.
32 min
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie talks all about desert tortoises in Utah: where they can be found, fun facts about this unique species, factors that led to their decline in population and how people can help.
23 min
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie dives into fascinating facts about the elusive Gila monster. She talks about where these unique heavy-bodied lizards can be found in Utah and why it's so rare to see one.
57 min
In this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley and Lynn Worwood, Utah State Chapter President of the National Wild Turkey Federation, talk all things turkey. They dive into the history of turkeys in Utah, fun facts about these birds, recent changes to turkey management in Utah and hunting tips.
37 min
In this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Fisheries Biologist Natalie Boren and local radio personality and fishing enthusiast Amy Richards talk all about fishing: how they got into it, why they love it, great places to go in Utah, and tips for beginners just getting into it.
53 min
In this episode, DWR Assistant Habitat Chief Paul Thompson and June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program Assistant Program Director Russ Franklin with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District talk about two very important related programs that help species of greatest conservation need. They explain what the Wildlife Action Plan and Endangered Species Mitigation Fund are, how they work and some of the success stories of wildlife species that have been helped through these efforts. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of one of the programs mentioned was the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund. As of May 2024, the program has been renamed the Species Protection Account.
35 min
In this episode, DWR Shooting Sports Manager Levi Bassett talks about the two different shooting sports programs that the Division oversees: the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Learn about these two unique programs, how they work and how to get involved. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of the program was the Youth Hunter Education Challenge. In 2025, the program was rebranded to the Utah Hunting Skills Challenge.
25 min
In this episode, DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney explains the Utah big game drawing and also walks listeners through some common misconceptions (and mistakes) that we see in the application process.
45 min
In this episode, DWR Hardware Wildlife Management Area Manager Brad Hunt and Wildlife Recreation Programs Coordinator Marni Lee talk about one of Utah's lesser-known attractions: taking a sleigh ride through elk at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area. They talk about when this Cache Valley tradition started, why we feed elk in this area during the winter and what we have learned from doing this over the years.
54 min
In this episode, DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus explains how elk are managed in Utah and walks through the latest major updates to the Utah Statewide Elk Management Plan.
40 min
In this episode, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migration Initiative Coordinator Blair Stringham and Utah Department of Transportation Natural Resource Manager Matt Howard talk about how the state is working to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions by implementing different types of wildlife crossings across Utah. These structures not only help make roads safer for Utah drivers, but they also allow wildlife to make important annual migrations across the landscape.
32 min
In this episode, DWR Dedicated Hunter and Walk-In Access Coordinator Bryan Christensen talks about Utah's Dedicated Hunter Program: what it is, how it works, why it is a win-win for wildlife conservation and avid hunters, and how to get involved. Note: At the time of this recording, the buyout price for one hour of service was $20. As of July 1, 2023, the buyout time for one hour of service is $40.
36 min
In this episode, Utah Department of Natural Resources Watershed Program Director Tyler Thompson and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Conservation Coordinator Daniel Eddington talk about some of the proactive land management taking place in Utah and the program that helps make it possible. They also address some of the misconceptions regarding tree removal and the times when fire is beneficial for habitats.
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