Ep. 81: Catching crayfish

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.   

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.   

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.

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!