Latest podcast episodes
Hear from DWR biologists, partners, and fellow hunters and anglers
Each "Wild" podcast, released on the third Tuesday of each month, provides insight into the work that the Division of Wildlife Resources does to protect Utah's wildlife.
Listen for DWR news, insider perspectives and fun stories to enhance your wildlife-related activities in our state.
Subscribe to be notified of each new podcast episode.
Episode 84: Deer series part three: Getting involved
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Published: Sept. 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 83: Deer series part two: Helping deer in Utah
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Published: Aug. 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 82: Deer series part one: A look at deer in Utah
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Published: July 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 81: Catching crayfish
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Published: June 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 80: The impact of non-native species
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Published: May 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 79: Rosy-finch banding
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Published: April 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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Episode 78: What anglers should know about Utah's future fish stocking
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Published: March 17, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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 DWR to proactively plan for a few changes in order to ensure angling opportunities and native species conservation efforts into the future.
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Episode 77: Fishing for catfish
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Published: Feb. 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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!
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Episode 76: Shed hunting in Utah
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Published: Jan. 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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!
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Episode 75: Wildlife gone wild
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Published: Dec. 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
By Faith Heaton Jolley
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.
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