Wild
55 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratingsHave you ever wondered how wildlife agencies catch and track ducks and geese? Are you curious about what happens inside a fish hatchery? “Wild,” a new podcast produced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, will answer these questions and provide insight into the work that Utah does to protect its wildlife.
A new episode will be launched the third Tuesday of each month and will feature an inside look at different projects and jobs within Utah’s wildlife agency.
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Episodes
Ep. 55: The CWMU & LOA Programs
April 16, 2024 18:20 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MBIn 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.
Ep. 54: Virgin River Program
March 19, 2024 19:36 - 54 minutes - 75 MBIn 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.
Ep. 53: Let’s talk moose
February 20, 2024 19:02 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBIn 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.
Ep. 52: Researching cougars
January 16, 2024 20:33 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBIn 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.
Ep. 51: Pheasants in Utah
December 19, 2023 16:39 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MBIn 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.
Ep. 50: Geese, ducks and swans, oh my!
November 21, 2023 15:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MBIn 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.
Ep. 49: Wildlife photography
October 17, 2023 20:07 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBIn 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 i...
Ep. 48: Recovery programs
September 19, 2023 15:49 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBIn 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.
Ep. 47: Desert tortoises
August 15, 2023 18:32 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBIn 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.
Ep. 46: Gila monsters
July 18, 2023 16:27 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MBIn 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.
Ep. 45: Chasing gobblers
June 20, 2023 22:17 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBIn 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.
Ep. 44: Fishing in Utah
May 16, 2023 17:05 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBIn 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.
Ep. 43: Helping endangered species
April 18, 2023 20:21 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBIn 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.
Ep. 42: Shooting sports programs
March 21, 2023 15:00 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBIn 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. (Despite the name, YHEC is also open to adults!)
Ep. 41: Big game drawing
February 21, 2023 21:34 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBIn 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.
Ep. 40: Sleigh rides through elk
January 17, 2023 23:52 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MBIn 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.
Ep. 39: Elk management
December 20, 2022 18:46 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBIn 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.
Ep. 38: Wildlife crossings
November 15, 2022 16:30 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MBIn 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.
Ep. 37: Dedicated Hunter Program
October 18, 2022 15:00 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBIn 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.
Ep. 36: Watershed Restoration Initiative
September 21, 2022 15:44 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBIn 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.
Ep. 35: Why I’m a hunter
August 17, 2022 16:11 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode, DWR District Wildlife Biologists Xaela Walden and Sydney Lamb share their experiences with hunting: How they got into hunting, why they hunt, how hunting is used by wildlife agencies as a management tool and some common misconceptions about hunting. They also offer tips for someone who is interested in getting into hunting, including a few resources like Utah’s Trial Hunting Program.
Ep. 34: Investigating wildlife diseases
July 26, 2022 13:30 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode, DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout talks about the different types of diseases currently impacting wildlife species in Utah. She also explains how the Division works to detect and monitor diseases and how management techniques can help to reduce those impacts.
Ep. 33: Wildlife pilot
June 21, 2022 18:57 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBIn this episode, DWR Chief Pilot Craig Hunt talks about his thrilling job, which includes soaring through the air to aerially stock fish at high-elevation lakes and how the work he does helps biologists manage wildlife around the state. He also shares some of the coolest experiences he’s had while flying for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, so stay tuned for those stories at the end!
Ep. 32: Checking bear dens
May 17, 2022 16:15 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MBIn this episode, DWR Northeastern Region Assistant Wildlife Manager Randall Thacker explains why biologists make the difficult trek out to snowy bear dens early each spring to check on hibernating black bears across the state. He also shares one of his own nerve-wracking experiences of being face to face with a bear.
Ep. 31: Fisheries management
April 19, 2022 17:07 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBIn this episode, DWR Fish Culture Coordinator Roger Mellethin and DWR Northern Region Aquatics Manager Chris Penne explain what goes into managing the state’s fishing. They talk through the overall process from extracting eggs from wild fish to growing them in fishing hatcheries to eventually stocking the fish. They also explain the management of why we raise and stock the fish species we do and the factors that play into some of those decisions, as well as how the DWR is making proactive cha...
Ep. 30: Rattlesnakes of Utah
March 15, 2022 16:05 - 1 hour - 98.5 MBIn this episode, DWR Native Species Coordinator and Herpetologist Drew Dittmer and DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Scott Gibson take a serious deep dive talking about Utah rattlesnakes: the myths about them, interesting facts and what you should actually do if you happen to be one of the few who gets bitten by one.
Ep. 29: Wildlife tooth fairy
February 15, 2022 21:07 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, DWR Biometrician Heather Bernales explains why the Division requests that hunters send in teeth sometimes from animals they have harvested. She talks about what we do with the teeth, what we learn, and how that helps shape certain wildlife management plans in Utah.
Ep. 28: Shooting ranges
January 21, 2022 17:26 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, DWR Hunter Education Program Manager Ralynne Takeda and DWR Wildlife Recreation Coordinator Gary Cook go in-depth about the two public shooting ranges that the Division manages: the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City and the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range in Logan. They talk about the amenities at each facility, some unique things that people may not know about the ranges and some of their favorite memories there.
Ep. 27: Prairie dog relocations
December 21, 2021 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, DWR Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Biologist Adam Kavalunas and DWR Impact Analysis Biologist Jessica Kinross talk about the unique balancing act of managing prairie dogs in Utah. There are three prairie dog species in Utah, one of which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. DWR and its partners are working to help the species recover, which often includes trapping and relocating the animals when they cause damage to private property with their elaborate burro...
Ep. 26: Electrofishing for browns
November 16, 2021 17:00 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode, DWR Central Region Sportfish Project Leader Mike Slater talks all about electrofishing — what it is, how it works, and what this unique fish surveying method tells biologists about fish in different waterbodies around Utah.
Ep. 25: Creatures of the night
October 19, 2021 16:28 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode, DWR Wildlife Conservation Biologist Adam Brewerton talks about what is possibly Utah’s most misunderstood species: bats. He explains what goes into surveying these animals, debunks some of the myths surrounding bats and talks about some of their unique features. This episode was originally recorded in August 2021.
Ep. 24: Replanting Utah
September 21, 2021 15:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBIn this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Coordinator Danny Summers talks about a one-of-a-kind facility in Utah: The Great Basin Research Center and Seed Warehouse. He explains the purpose of the facility and how it benefits landscapes — especially those burned in a wildfire.
Ep. 23: Enforcing Wildlife Laws
August 17, 2021 15:00 - 40 minutes - 55 MBIn this episode, DWR Law Enforcement Capt. Wyatt Bubak explains some misconceptions that people have about conservation officers, some of the various duties they perform, and the most common mistakes hunters and anglers make (and how to avoid them.)
Ep. 22: Wildlife Management Areas
July 20, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this episode, DWR Central Region Habitat Program Manager Mark Farmer and DWR Wildlife Lands Coordinator Chelsea Duke talk about the division-owned Wildlife Management Areas — what they are, the purpose of these lands and the activities that are allowed there.
Ep. 21: Big game drought impacts
June 15, 2021 16:30 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBIn this episode, DWR Wildlife Section Chief Justin Shannon, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Troy Forrest, the director of the Grazing Improvement Program with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, talk about some of the impacts of drought conditions on big game animals, livestock, and their habitat and grazing areas. They also discuss how limited food and water during drought years can cause competition between livestock and elk for those resources, and how the tw...
Ep. 20: Utah Cutthroat Slam
May 18, 2021 19:00 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn this episode, DWR Habitat Section Assistant Chief Paul Thompson and Trout Unlimited Communications Director for Science, Western Water & Habitat and Headwater Programs Brett Prettyman talk all about Utah’s exciting fishing challenge — the Utah Cutthroat Slam. They explain why the program was started, how it works and how it’s helping native cutthroat trout.
Ep. 19: Birdwatching at the wildlife center
April 20, 2021 19:20 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode, DWR’s Eccles Wildlife Education Center Site Coordinator Billy Fenimore talks about the beautiful facility at Farmington Bay, what visitors can do there, what types of birds you can expect to see and how to get into birdwatching.
Ep. 18: Dirty jobs
March 16, 2021 15:56 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode, DWR Wildlife Technician Steve Gray showcases one of the division’s grossest jobs: roadkill removal. He explains the process of removing these dead animals, some of the difficulties of the job, and tips drivers should be aware of to help avoid a collision. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
Ep. 17: The Fisheries Experiment Station
February 16, 2021 17:00 - 23 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode, DWR Fisheries Experiment Station Director Wade Cavender talks about the unique research and fish health certification work being done at the facility. (And no, despite the name, it does not include experiments creating new Frankenstein-esque fish.) This episode was originally recorded in October 2020. Note: At the time of this recording, the name of this facility was the Fisheries Experiment Station. As of April 2023, the facility has been renamed the Aquatic Animal Health a...
Ep.16: Pelican banding
January 19, 2021 17:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft talks about one of Utah’s largest birds — how they are unique, why they choose to nest along the Great Salt Lake, and how the DWR helps manage them. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
Ep. 15: Great Salt Lake gold
December 15, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MBIn this episode, DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Manager John Luft and DWR Conservation Officer Trevor Doman talk about the multi-million dollar industry on the Great Salt Lake that many people may not even be aware exists and how the DWR helps manage this unique resource. This episode was originally recorded in October 2020.
Ep. 14: Artificial beaver dams
November 17, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBIn this episode, DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nicole Nielson and Trout Unlimited Project Manager Jordan Nielson explain the innovative and effective method of building artificial beaver dams to help restore river landscapes. This unique technique was actually conceptualized right here in Utah and decreases erosion, raises river levels and even improves water quality!
Ep. 13: Sky raptors
October 20, 2020 18:11 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBIn this episode, DWR Avian Conservation Program Coordinator, Russell Norvell, talks all about some lesser-known wildlife in Utah: Birds of prey. Ranging from tiny flammulated owls to the large endangered California condors, these birds all have unique characteristics and play a large part in the ecosystem. You will also get a look at the unique sport of falconry — using raptors as a weapon in hunting upland game — as well as ways you can help these incredible birds.
Ep. 12: Traveling wildlife
September 15, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 44 MBIn this episode, DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator Daniel Olson, talks about why it is important for wildlife to migrate, things that can obstruct that migration, and how the DWR and its partners are helping wildlife to make those necessary movements across Utah — as well as some unique stories of things learned while tracking wildlife!
Ep. 11: Fighting the STD of the Sea
August 18, 2020 15:51 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBIn this episode, DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Nathan Owens and DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Field Operations Lt. Bruce Johnson talk about quagga mussels in Utah — what they are, why they are bad, how DWR is fighting to keep them from spreading to other waterbodies, and what boaters should know.
Ep. 10: Blue Ribbon Fisheries
July 21, 2020 16:16 - 46 minutes - 63.8 MBIn this episode, DWR Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger and Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council Chair Herbert Ley talk about the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program in Utah — what it is, its purpose, and how these cream-of-the-crop waterbodies are selected and highlighted as some of the best fishing opportunities in Utah.
Ep. 9: Sunrise dance party
June 16, 2020 17:07 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBIn this episode, DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley talks about one of Utah’s most unique bird species, the sage grouse. There are two different species of sage grouse in Utah, and each species has an incredible mating dance. DWR biologists are lucky enough to see it each spring when they do population surveys of the species.
Ep. 8: Flying deer
May 19, 2020 17:16 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, DWR Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey explains why the division uses helicopters to catch deer and other big game species each year. This episode was originally recorded in November 2019.
Ep. 7: Unusual Easter egg hunt
April 21, 2020 15:59 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBEpisode notes: In this episode, Jordan Holcomb, a native aquatics biologist for the DWR, talks about frogs in Utah, specifically the Columbia spotted frog. Native to Utah, this frog is on the Utah Sensitive Species List, due to population declines from loss of habitat as development expands across the Wasatch Front. In order to monitor the frog’s population numbers, biologists go on a special kind of “Easter egg hunt” every spring.
Ep. 6: Inside a fish hatchery
March 17, 2020 16:11 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode, Brennan Hannifin, the DWR Springville Fish Hatchery Assistant Supervisor, explains all that goes into running a fish hatchery and why they are necessary. He also talks about the different species of fish that are raised in these state hatcheries and the different methods used to stock them around the state.