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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
