In 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.

In 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. 

In 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.

Episode 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.

In 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.

In this episode, DWR Regional Wildlife Manager Dax Mangus, Big Game Coordinator Covy Jones and Big Game Projects Coordinator Kent Hersey answer some common questions about how big game management works in Utah. They explain how big game hunting permit recommendations are made and how the DWR helps maintain healthy deer populations. 

In this episode, Pat Rainbolt, a regional habitat manager for DWR, talks about how the agency helps wildlife access water in dry areas that don’t have a natural water source. This includes building “guzzlers,” which collect rainwater and snow that melt and can be used as drinking water by a variety of species. Some of the areas where these are installed are so remote that the building materials have to be flown in via helicopter or brought in on horseback. This episode was originally recorded in June 2019.

In this episode, Matt Burgess, a conservation officer for DWR, explains how poaching cases are investigated and some of the penalties for illegally killing wildlife in Utah. He also talks about his new K9 partner and how these highly-trained dogs can help assist in an investigation. This episode was originally recorded in June 2019. 

In this episode, Rich Hansen, waterfowl banding coordinator for DWR, explains why the division catches geese and other waterfowl around the state once a year and puts bands on them. He also talks about the process of catching them (spoiler: airboats are involved!) This episode was originally recorded in June 2019.

In this episode, Darren DeBloois, game mammals coordinator for DWR, talks about what it’s like to relocate a black bear. He explains the process of what happens from the moment the employees first get the call about a bear in someone’s yard to how they catch the tranquilized animal when it falls from a tree.