Temporary Closure of Starvation Boat Ramp

 
Duchesne – The main boat ramp at Starvation State Park will be closed September 20 to October 20 for construction. Boaters may launch at their own risk from Indian Bay. For more information or current park conditions visit statepark.utah.gov or call 435-738-2326.

Boating Safety Reminders

Salt Lake City -- Utah State Parks and Recreation Boating Rangers encourage everyone boating on our state’s waters to wear a life jacket. In addition, when operating your boat between sunset and sunrise, you must display the boat’s navigation lights. Boaters use lights to be seen by other boaters, as well as to comply with navigation rules. Check light bulbs to ensure they work. As visibility reduces in darkness, boats should be operated at safe speeds to avoid collisions with another boats, hazards or fixed objects.

Red navigation lights indicate the left side of a boat, while green identifies the right. These two lights must be displayed whenever the boat is moving or adrift on the water. The white, 360-degree light must be visible from all directions around the boat and must be displayed whenever the boat is anchored, moving or adrift on the water, except when tied to a dock or moored in a designated mooring area. Small, non-motorized boats, like canoes or rowboats, may carry a white light, such as a flashlight or lantern, to be displayed in time to prevent a collision with another vessel.

The use of bright spotlights on a boat at night is permitted, when used intermittently, to locate hazards or approaching a dock. Spotlights are not to be used in a constant manner, such as headlights on a motor vehicle. Bright lights can create hazardous conditions for other boaters.

“Nine Utahns lost their lives in boating related accidents this year. Five would likely have survived had they been wearing a life jacket,” stated Utah State Parks Boating Assistant Boating Program Manager Chris Haller. "While Utah law requires children under 13 to wear a properly sized life jacket when on a boat, it is a safe and smart practice for everyone to wear a life jacket.”

All vessels on Utah's lakes, reservoirs, and rivers must carry a wearable and properly-sized U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket must be worn by those under age 13, anyone boating on a river, anyone on a personal watercraft (PWC) and anyone being towed behind a boat.

A vessel is any type of watercraft used as a means of transportation on water, which includes canoes, kayaks, float tubes, inner tubes, kick boats, rubber rafts and many inflatable toys.

Utah and national boating accident statistics over the past six years indicate that approximately 75 to 80 percent of those who drowned in a boating accident would likely have survived had they worn a life jacket.

Whether you are boating for one day or multiple days, you should always file a float plan with details about where you are heading and when you expect to return. This information helps search and rescue crews in the event of an emergency.


Boating Education Specialist Chris Haller suggests the following float plan tips.

For shorter daytime outings, a verbal float plan may be sufficient. At a minimum:

- Contact a responsible person who is not going on the trip, such as a close friend or relative, and provide them with your float plan.

- Leave a telephone number of the local rescue authorities that should be contacted if you are overdue.

- If you plan to extend your time on the water, be sure to let your contact person know before your float plan expires. This avoids unnecessary contact of rescue authorities.

For extended outings, a written float plan is warranted. This plan should include:

- Description of the vessel, including make, size, color, bow number, and marine band call sign.

- Trip itinerary of where you are going with a detailed description of route and intended camping spots.

- List providing number of passengers, names, addresses, and contact information for each passenger in case of an emergency.

- The license plate number and description of the tow vehicle and trailer.

For additional safe boating tips visit stateparks.utah.gov/boating or call 801-538-BOAT. Wear it Utah!

Upcoming Utah State Park Events

Old Capital Arts and Living History Festival at Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum Sept 10-11

September 1 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - A Forest Turned to Stone: How did a forest turn to stone? Discover the answer on a guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466


September 2 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Star Party: Join us for an evening star party complete with a constellation tour. Party lasts from 9 until 10:30 p.m. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater. (435) 259-2614


September 3 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Starry Skies: Enjoy our famous dark skies as we take a tour through the galaxy using the park telescope. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. Dress for cool weather and bring a folding chair. (435) 826-4466


September 4 and 6 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Camp Floyd Days: Camp Floyd State Park, in conjunction with the Utah Territorial Civilian Commission and Utah Civil War Association, host a Civil War Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event allows visitors to experience camp life and participate in activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army including reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, and 1861 period games. (801) 768-8932


September 4 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Take it Outside: September is a great time to be outside. Take a walk with the naturalist and see what there is to discover. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030


September 4 Hailstone Recreation Area/Jordanelle State Park - Heber
Falcons up Close: Learn about birds of prey and what makes them unique. Program begins at 7 p.m. Hailstone is located on the west side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030.


September 10-11 Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
Fillmore – Experience the Old Capital Arts and Living History Festival at Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum in Fillmore Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. until dark. Enjoy living history demonstrations, food, music, craft booths and many activities for all ages.

This year, visitors can enjoy a rare opportunity to view artwork by artist Donald Beauregard. Born in Fillmore, Utah in 1884, Beauregard studied art in France, and was known for his rich colored paintings. Both private and museum-owned collections made this exhibit possible. On Friday, September 10 and 5 p.m., Director of Springville Art Museum Vern Swanson gives an hour-long presentation on Beauregard and his art. For more information, please call 435-743-5316.


September 18 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante

Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night! Meet the Earth's nearest neighbor through stories, activities, and observation. Meet at the visitor center at 7:30 p.m. 435-826-4466


September 18 Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum - Blanding
Your Museum Day! Enjoy free admission, backroom tours, movies and activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 435-678-2238


September 22 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Birding Basics: Learn how to identify birds using binoculars, a spotting scope and field guides. Equipment is provided. Meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 23 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike: Join us for a mile-long full moon hike. Meet at the Neck parking area at 7:30 p.m. for this hour-long program. 435-259-2614


September 24 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Full Moon Hike - Night Noise: Join the park naturalist at 7 p.m. for a three-mile hike along the Visitor Center Trail. Meet at the visitor center and dress for the weather; bring water, and sturdy shoes. 435-654-1791.


September 24 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - Nature's Artwork: Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the amazing Petrified Forest. Learn how an ancient forest became fossilized and discover nature's artistry. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 25 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Watershed Festival at Rock Cliff: Join us for the Third Annual Provo River Watershed Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the watershed you live in through educational booths, live birds, duck derby, crafts, kayaking, fishing and more. Event is free and open to the public. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. http://www.provoriverwatershed.org/  or 435-782-3030


September 29 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Nature Hike - Nature's Grocery Store: Join the park naturalist on a guided hike through the pinyon-juniper woodlands. Discover how people and wildlife have depended on this important plant community for survival. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466


September 30 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike: Travel back in time 200 million years! Explore the Escalante region's amazing geology on a guided one-mile hike. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. 435-826-4466

Helping Bobcats: More Rabbits, New Rules

Photo by Lynn Chamberlain, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Salt Lake City -- The number of bobcats in Utah may have bottomed out a year ago. But some trapping and hunting changes approved on Aug. 19 should help the small cats rebound.

The Utah Wildlife Board has also reopened six areas to beaver trapping.

All of the rules the board approved will be available in the 2010 – 2011 Utah Furbearer Guidebook. The guidebook should be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks  starting the week of Sept. 6.

The following is a summary of the furbearer action the board took:

Beaver
Trappers will have more chances to trap beavers in Utah this season.

Board members closed three areas to beaver trapping. But six areas that were closed to trapping in the past have been reopened.


Bobcat
Biologists say the number of bobcats in Utah may have reached its lowest point since the Division of Wildlife Resources started keeping bobcat records in 1983.

But Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the DWR, says more rabbits in Utah should lead to more bobcats.

“Bobcats prey mostly on rabbits,” Dolling says. “Unfortunately for the cats, rabbits go through a 10-year population cycle.”

Every five years, Dolling says Utah’s rabbit population bottoms out. Then the population builds again for the next five years. “Rabbit populations are starting their upward climb again,” he says. “That’s good news for the state’s bobcats.”


To give the bobcats some extra help, the board approved the following:

The number of bobcat trapping and hunting permits has been capped at 4,600. Each trapper and hunter may not have more than three bobcat permits. (Last season, each trapper and hunter could have up to four permits. Each permit allows a trapper or hunter to take one bobcat.)

The season will be one week shorter this year. It starts on Dec. 1, 2010. It ends about two months later, on Feb. 6.

Biologists recommend reduced Bass Limits for 2011

Photo by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Many of Utah’s anglers aren’t happy about the size of the bass they’re catching. Division of Wildlife Resources biologists have an idea to fix the problem: get more anglers who are willing to keep fish involved in bass fishing.

All of the DWR’s proposed fishing changes for the state’s 2011 fishing season should be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings  starting Aug. 23.


Learn more, share your ideas
After you’ve reviewed the ideas, you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending your upcoming RAC meeting or by sending an e-mail to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Sept. 23 to approve rules for Utah’s 2011 fishing season.

Dates, times and locations for the RAC meetings are as follows:

Southern Region
Sept. 7, 7 p.m.
Richfield High School
510 W 100 S, Richfield

Southeastern Region
Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.
John Wesley Powell Museum
1765 E Main Street, Green River

Northeastern Region
Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College
450 N 2000 W, Vernal

Central Region
Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Springville Junior High School
167 S 700 E, Springville

Northern Region
Sept. 15, 6 p.m.
Brigham City Community Center
24 N 300 W, Brigham City

E-mail
You can also provide your comments to your RAC via e-mail. E-mail addresses for your RAC members are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings  .

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person's e-mail address. You should direct your e-mail to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.


Smaller Bass Limits
Reducing the number of bass limits in Utah—from eight major limits to two—is the idea biologists have to get more anglers involved in bass fishing.

Specifically, biologists are recommending the following:

- A limit of six bass—with no size restrictions—at most of Utah's bass waters.

- Five reservoirs—Jordanelle, Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, Gunlock and Huntington North—would also have a six-bass limit. But only one bass in that six-bass limit could be longer than 12 inches.

Biologists would also like to simplify the bass limits at Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. But they need to do additional work with biologists in Arizona and Wyoming to make that happen.


More anglers, bigger bass
If you think of Utah's bass fishing waters as a big cookie jar, it helps to understand why they have so many small fish: with the exception of Lake Powell, anglers are keeping only four percent or less of the total adult bass population at Utah's bass waters every year.


They're releasing at least 96 percent of the bass they catch.
The amount of room in the cookie jar is limited. You can fill the jar with lots of small crumbs, or you can fill it with a few cookies. But there isn't room in the jar for both. "Right now, many of Utah's bass waters are filled with bass in the nine- to 12-inch range," says Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR.

"Anglers need to remove more of the smaller bass to make room for bigger fish. The smaller fish are eating most of the food and utilizing most of the cover."

Cushing says the new limits should benefit all bass anglers, ranging from those who are new to bass fishing to those who have fished for years.

"Beginning anglers aren't as concerned about catching a big fish," Cushing says. "They're happy with smaller fish. And they want a chance to keep some fish."

Cushing says it's tough to get new anglers interested in bass fishing when the state has eight different bass limits, including some that are fairly restrictive. "If we can reduce the number of bass limits, make the limits easier to understand and give anglers a chance to keep some fish, we think more anglers will give bass fishing a try."

And that, in turn, should lead to bigger fish to catch.


Four waters and big bass
Cushing says Jordanelle, Quail Creek, Sand Hollow and Gunlock are four waters biologists believe have the potential to grow large bass. Allowing anglers to keep six bass—but limiting them to not more than one bass longer than 12 inches—should keep plenty of big bass in these waters.

Cushing says that won't happen, though, unless those who fish the waters are willing to keep bass that are less than 12 inches long. "If they don't take some of the smaller bass, it will be difficult for the bass to grow to a larger size," he says.

Cushing says the regulation at Huntington North should give bass in the reservoir some extra protection. "The water level at the reservoir fluctuates a lot," he says. "In fact, water levels in all of our bass waters are the limiting factor facing bass in Utah. Good water years mean great fishing. Poor water years mean poor fishing."

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.

Two New Otter Populations Possible under Utah's new Management Plan

Photo by Ron Stewart, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Salt Lake City -- River otters might pop up in areas you’ve never seen them before. A plan that will guide how river otters are managed in Utah through 2020 was approved by the Utah Wildlife Board on Aug. 19. Among the plan’s highlights:

Utah could have two new otter populations by the time the plan is revised in 2020. The Weber River in northern Utah and Straight Canyon near Joe’s Valley Reservoir in south-central Utah are the spots the plan identifies as the best places to put otters in Utah in the future.

If otter populations reach a point where trapping can be allowed, a new trapping opportunity might be available to trappers in Utah.

The plan provides direction in dealing with otters that get into private fish farms and hatcheries. “I think river otters have a bright future in Utah,” says Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

The plan that’s currently available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/otter_plan.pdf  is the old management plan.

The new plan should be available at the same address (www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/otter_plan.pdf ) by the week of Aug. 30.

Cougar Hunting Permits Set for the Next Three Years

Photos by Lynn Chamberlain, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Salt Lake City -- The number of cougar hunting permits in Utah has been locked in for the next three years.

On Aug. 19, members of the Utah Wildlife Board approved Utah’s first three-year cougar guidebook. The permit numbers and the rules in the guidebook will guide cougar hunting in Utah for the next three seasons.

”Keeping the hunting rules and the permit numbers consistent—instead of changing them from year to year—will give our efforts to manage cougars more time to work,” says Kevin Bunnell, mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“It will also help us better evaluate the effectiveness of the rules and the number of permits we’re offering,” he says. “That will lead to future recommendations that will be best for the cougars and for the animals the cougars prey on.”

You can see the rules and the permit numbers the board approved in the 2010 – 2011 Utah Cougar Guidebook.

The guidebook should be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks  starting the week of Sept. 6.


Slight increase
At their Aug. 19 meeting, the board approved changes that should result in the number of cougars taken by hunters climbing by about six percent.

Biologists say the six percent increase should result in hunters taking an average of 325 cougars each season for the next three seasons.

Over the past three seasons, hunters took an average of 300 cougars each season.


New Plan
Utah’s cougar management plan was updated in 2009. This is the first season cougars will be managed under the new plan.

In addition to keeping the number of hunting permits consistent for three years, the plan provides more direction for managing cougars on units that have bighorn sheep. It also provides more direction to manage cougars on units where the number of mule deer—the main animal cougars prey on—is still under the goal specified in unit management plans.

You can read the state’s cougar management plan at www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/cmgtplan.pdf .

Duck Hunt Starts at 7:30 a.m. October 2

Photo by Phil Douglass, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Salt Lake City -- Hunters in five counties will get a 30-minute head start when Utah’s duck and goose hunt opens Oct. 2. On Aug. 19, members of the Utah Wildlife Board approved a 7:30 a.m. start time in Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Salt Lake and Weber counties. Over the past 16 years, the hunt in the counties has started at 8 a.m.

Across the rest of the state, the Oct. 2 opener will start even sooner—at 6:55 a.m. Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says starting the hunt sooner should make opening day better for those in the marsh.

“You should have more chances to take ducks coming into your decoys,” Aldrich says. “By the time 8 a.m. arrives, some of your best chances have past.” For years, the hunt opened at noon. Then, the start time was moved to 8 a.m. “Now the board has approved our recommendation to move it to 7:30 a.m.,” Aldrich says.

Aldrich says the DWR is comfortable starting the hunt 30 minutes earlier. “There’s plenty of daylight at 7:30 a.m.,” he says. “And, after 16 years of opening the hunt at 8 a.m., we’re comfortable allowing hunters to start 30 minutes earlier.”


Same season, same bag limits
Except for a slightly shorter light goose hunt next spring, Utah’s seasons and bag limits will be identical to last season—the season will run for 107 days, and the duck, goose and swan limits will be the same.

Except for the North Goose Zone, the light goose hunt will be slightly shorter this season, however. Outside of the North Goose Zone, the spring hunt will run March 5 – 10.

The board shortened the hunt by six days so it wouldn’t conflict with the popular Snow Goose Festival viewing event that’s held in Delta each spring.

All of the rules the board approved will be available in the 2010 – 2011 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook.

The guidebook should be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks  starting the week of Sept. 6.

Dove Hunt opens September 1

Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

If you’re a dove hunter, you know how agonizing it can be to watch rain fall in August. No matter how many birds you’ve seen and coos you’ve heard, a single storm can move doves out of Utah in a hurry.

So why doesn’t Utah start its dove hunt sooner than Sept. 1? “We can’t,” says Tom Aldrich, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “International law won’t allow us to.”

Aldrich is referring to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act prohibits migratory bird sport hunts from occurring in the United States between March 11 and Aug. 31. Sport hunts can resume on Sept. 1. “So we’re tied to the Sept. 1 opening date,” Aldrich says. “But if the weather stays warm and dry, plenty of doves should be in Utah on opening day.”


Dove numbers
The number of mourning doves that bred in Utah this year was similar to the number of doves that bred in the state last year. In fact, if you average out the survey data, the number of mourning doves in Utah and the six other states that make up the Western Dove Unit hasn’t changed much in the past 10 years.

Aldrich says the number of doves that are produced isn’t the critical factor in determining how many doves you’ll see each season.“The critical factor is whether the doves that were produced are still here once the season starts,” he says.


Eurasian Collared-Doves
The Eurasian collared-dove is one dove that’s showing up in Utah in greater numbers every year.

There’s no bag limit on Eurasian collared-doves, so you can take as many as you like. But if you don’t want the birds to count as part of your 10-dove limit, wait until you get home before you pluck or breast the birds.

Aldrich says once a dove is plucked, it’s difficult to tell whether the bird is an Eurasian collared-dove, a mourning dove or a white-winged dove. “If you pluck the birds before you get them home, you’ll have to count them as part of your 10-dove limit,” he says.

Aldrich also reminds you that mourning and Eurasian collared-doves are often found together. “Make sure you can identify the two doves so you’ll know which ones have to be counted as part of your 10-dove limit,” he says.

Drawings that show the three dove species found in Utah are available on page 39 of the 2010 – 2011 Utah Upland Game Guidebook.

The guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks .


Take your kids hunting
If you want to get your children involved in hunting, the dove hunt is a good one to try. “You don’t need a lot of equipment,” Aldrich says, “and it’s usually warm during the hunt. “It’s also a fairly easy hunt. You don’t have to hike to the top of a mountain to find doves.”


Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
To find doves, Aldrich says you should look for two things: a water source that has cover and shade near it, and lots of wild seed.

“Doves eat mostly seeds,” Aldrich says. “If you can find the seeds they like, you should find the doves.”

Wild sunflower seeds and seeds from a variety of weeds and grasses are among the seeds doves eat. Aldrich says some of the best weed-producing areas are places where road building has disturbed the area.

Doves also eat seeds from agricultural crops, such as waste grain that’s left in fields after the grain is harvested. Safflower, wheat and sorghum seeds are especially important to doves.


Reminders
Make sure you’re registered in the Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) for the 2010 season. You can register at http://www.uthip.com/ .

It’s a good idea to wear hunter orange during the dove hunt, especially on opening day. “Doves don’t seem to notice the hunter orange,” Aldrich says, “and wearing it makes you stand out to other hunters.”

Much of Utah’s dove hunting happens on private land. Make sure you get written permission from the landowner before hunting on his or her land.

It’s usually hot during the dove hunt. Make sure you clean your doves quickly (unless they’re Eurasian collared-doves you don’t want to include as part of your bag limit), and keep them cool in an ice chest.

Take good care of your dog. Bring water for it. And be careful about taking your dog into an area that might have rattlesnakes.

Founder of Habitat Initiative honored

ROOSEVELT — A former director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been honored by the agency he led.

The Division recently changed the name of its Mallard Springs Wildlife Management Area to the Kevin Conway Wildlife Management Area. The agency chose Mallard Springs because Conway, who began his career as a conservation officer in Roosevelt, loved this area of Utah.

The 270-acre Kevin Conway WMA is near Myton, about 10 miles southwest of Roosevelt.

Kevin Christopherson, regional supervisor for the Division, says Conway worked his way through the ranks after starting his career as a conservation officer in Roosevelt.

In 2002, he became the agency's director.

"In 2004, after losing his battle with cancer, his family brought him back to Roosevelt to be buried," Christopherson says. "Renaming the wildlife management area after him is our way of recognizing his commitment and his accomplishments over his career. It's also fitting as Kevin loved this area, and the WMA is close to Roosevelt."


Restoring one million acres
While locals still talk about Conway's ability to catch poachers by being in the right place at the critical time, he's better known for his habitat enhancement work.

As an assistant director, Conway worked closely with state, federal and private organizations. As soon as he became director in 2002, he launched the most ambitious wildlife-habitat-enhancement project ever undertaken in Utah.

"Kevin launched the Habitat Initiative," Christopherson says, "a far-reaching plan to protect, restore and enhance more than one million acres of sagebrush steppe and riparian (streamside) habitat across Utah."

Christopherson says Conway wasn't the first to enhance wildlife habitat in Utah. But he was the most successful at bringing a variety of governmental and private organizations together to get the job done.

"He formalized the process to combine efforts, obtain funds and prioritize projects through the Habitat Council, an interagency steering committee," Christopherson says. "The initiative is proving to be one of the most successful programs of its kind in the West."

Construction begins at Starvation State Park

Duchesne – The Beach Campground and day-use area at Starvation State Park will close for renovation for the season beginning July 26. The boat ramp remains open, and access to camping and day-use is available at Mountain View Campground, Knight Hollow, Juniper Point, Indian Bay and Rabbit Gulch.

When the park reopens next season, it will offer campsites with water and power hookups, new restrooms, a new pavilion, and improved day-use area. This renovation project is a joint effort between the USDI Bureau of Reclamation and Utah State Parks and Recreation.

For more information, please call (435) 738-2326.

Adopt a Desert Tortoise--Nearly a dozen tortoises need homes in Utah

Photo courtesy of Sarah Southerland

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a pet that makes your neighbors “ooh” and “ahh”? As long as you’re willing to give up part of your backyard, you can.

Division of Wildlife Resources biologists are putting nearly a dozen desert tortoises up for adoption.

Listed as threatened on the federal Endangered Species list, most of the tortoises were found after people removed them from their native homes. (Once a wild tortoise is taken from the wild, it can’t bemreleased. Releasing it could introduce diseases into Utah’s wild tortoise population.)

Even though desert tortoises require some room, Jason Jones says caring for one is easier than caring for other pets. “They won’t bark or chase your neighbor’s cat,” says Jones, a DWR native aquatic species biologist. “And five months out of the year, they’ll be in hibernation in your house.”

To adopt a desert tortoise, you need a fenced area that’s at least 15 feet by 10 feet. “Tortoises also need burrows, so you’ll have to build some,” Jones says. “You’ll also need to plant dandelions, clover and other plants the tortoise can eat.”

Even though it takes work to provide a tortoise with a place to live, Jones says it’s worth it. “Desert tortoises are fun pets,” he says. “They’re unique too. How many people can say they have a ‘desert dinosaur’ living in their backyard?” Jones says being allowed to care for a federally protected species is also a rare occurrence and a privilege.

More information about adopting a desert tortoise in Utah is available in the Desert Tortoise Adoption booklet. The free booklet is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/dt_adopt.pdf .

If you have questions, please call Jones at (801) 538-4830.

BLM Issues Decision for Conger Complex Wild Horse Gather

Fillmore, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management’s Fillmore Field Office today issued a decision to remove excess wild horses from the Conger Complex Herd Management Area (HMA) near Garrison, Utah, to protect range conditions and wild horses. The Conger Complex HMA consists of the Conger and Confusion Mountain HMAs.

“The current population of wild horses in the Conger Complex is far above the number the range can handle,” said Field Office Manager Mike Gates. “Our horses are healthy and we want them to remain healthy. We must manage the population at appropriate levels to maintain an ecological balance on the range.”

Beginning in Sept. 2010, the BLM plans to gather and remove an estimated 480 wild horses for placement in the adoption program or long-term pastures. An estimated 50 studs of the captured wild horses from the Confusion Mountain HMA will be returned to the range to adjust the sex ratio and slow population growth. Up to 30 of the Conger Mountain HMA wild horses will be released (about 20 studs of the captured wild horses will be returned to the range to adjust the sex ratio and slow population growth and about 10 mares will be treated with fertility control and returned to the range). This will bring the population of horses to appropriate management levels established through the Warm Springs and House Range Resource Management Plans.

The Confusion Mountain HMA is located in Juab and Millard Counties 30 miles north of Garrison, Utah, and encompasses approximately 293,000 acres, with a current population estimated at 368 wild horses (based on a Feb. 2010 population inventory). The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Confusion Mountain HMA has been established at 70-115 wild horses. This means that 250 horses will need to be removed during the gather to achieve AML.

The Conger HMA is located in Millard County 20 miles northeast of Garrison, Utah, and encompasses approximately 170,000 acres, with a current population estimated at 291 wild horses (based on a Feb. 2010 population inventory). The AML for the Conger HMA has been established at 40-80 wild horses. This means that 230 horses will need to be removed during the gather to achieve AML.

AML is determined through land-use planning efforts that involve public participation, vegetation inventories and allocation of forage in terms of animal unit months; the BLM determines the appropriate number of wild horses and burros that each Herd Management Area can support in balance with other uses of and resources on public land. Planning efforts include an inventory and the monitoring of all uses of the public rangelands. “Animals removed from the HMA will be available for adoption through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program,” Gates said.

Those that are not adopted will be cared for in long-term pastures, where they retain their “wild” status and protection under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The BLM does not send any horses to slaughter.

More details on the gather and opportunities for public visitation will be available soon from the BLM. The gather and impacts are described and analyzed in the Conger Mountain Complex Wild Horse Gather Plan Final Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA and the Decision Record are posted on the BLM website at www.blm.gov/ut . The BLM also will provide updates and information at the same web address on a regular basis throughout the course of the gather.

To learn more about the program or to obtain an adoption application, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website at http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/ .

Share your ideas about the Otter Plan

A proposed plan that would guide how river otters are managed in Utah is now available and you can review it online.for review. The plan will guide how river otters are managed for the next 10 years.

Places to put river otters is one of the areas the new plan focuses on. Straight Canyon near Joes Valley Reservoir and the Weber River are two areas the former plan identified as possible sites.

"Under the new plan, we'd reevaluate those sites," says Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "We'd also take a look at additional sites that might be good places to put otters."


Share your ideas
After you've reviewed the plan at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings , you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending your upcoming RAC meeting or by sending an e-mail to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Aug. 19, 2010 to approve the new otter plan.


E-mail
You can also provide your comments to your RAC via e-mail. E-mail addresses for your RAC members are available at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person's e-mail address. You should direct your e-mail to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.

Burbot Captured In Green River

Photo by Ryan Mosley, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Vernal -- On July 28, researchers with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources found something they didn’t want to find: a 21-inch burbot in the Green River below Flaming Gorge dam.

Burbot are a nonnative fish from east of the Rocky Mountains. The fish was captured during an electrofishing study to recover and study endangered fish in the Green and Colorado rivers.

“The burbot was captured from an electrofishing raft roughly 1.5 miles upstream of the Split Mountain boat ramp in Dinosaur National Monument,” says Paul Badame, UDWR native fish project leader. “This is the first capture of a burbot below Flaming Gorge dam that I’m aware of.”

The burbot likely came down the Green River after someone illegally introduced the species upstream in Big Sandy Reservoir in Wyoming. The burbot have worked their way downstream, bypassing dams at Big Sandy and Flaming Gorge.


Why the concern?
Burbot are a voracious predator, capable of breeding in both rivers and reservoirs. As a result, they can have a serious impact on both native and sport fish populations.

Biologists working on Flaming Gorge Reservoir have already noticed a rapid increase in the number of burbot in the reservoir and a corresponding decline in the number of kokanee salmon.

Burbot also pose a major risk to native fish in the Green River.

“We’re concerned that burbot will negatively impact endangered fish and other native fishes in the Green River,” says Krissy Wilson, native aquatic species coordinator for the UDWR. “We’ve seen this happen before with other nonnative fish, including northern pike, redshiner and smallmouth bass.”

Wilson says the UDWR and its partners in the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program are working together to determine the best way to deal with this latest threat.


Catch and kill regulation
The UDWR has placed a ‘no tolerance’ fishing regulation on burbot in Utah: (There’s no limit on the number of burbot an angler can catch. Anglers may not release any burbot they catch.

All burbot must be killed immediately. For more information, call the UDWR’s Northeastern Region office at (435) 781-9453.

DWR Proposes Cougar Hunting Rules for the Next Three Years

If you’re interested in Utah’s cougars, pay attention to the Division of Wildlife Resource’s latest cougar hunting proposals—they’ll be in effect for the next three years.

”Keeping the hunting rules and permit numbers consistent will give our efforts to manage cougars more time to work,” says Kevin Bunnell, mammals coordinator for the DWR. “And that will result in future recommendations that will be best for the cougars and for the animals the cougars prey on.”

Utah’s cougar management plan was updated in 2009. This is the first season cougars will be managed under the new plan.

In addition to keeping the number of hunting permits consistent for three years, the plan gives biologists more direction on how to manage cougars on units that have bighorn sheep. It also provides more direction on how to manage cougars on units where the number of mule deer—the main animal cougars prey on—is still under the goal specified in unit management plans.

For the 2010 – 2011 season, biologists are recommending a slight increase in the number of cougars hunters can take. They estimate raising the number by about eight percent will result in hunters taking an average of about 325 cougars each season for the next three seasons.

Over the past three seasons, hunters took an average of 300 cougars each season.

(The state’s cougar management plan is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/cmgtplan.pdf .)

Learn more, share your ideas
After you’ve reviewed the DWR’s cougar hunting proposals at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings , you can let your Regional Advisory Council members know your thoughts by attending an  upcoming meeting or by sending an e-mail to them.

RAC chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Aug. 19 to approve cougar hunting rules for the next three seasons.

E-mail
You can also provide your comments to your RAC via e-mail. E-mail addresses for your RAC members are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings .

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person’s e-mail address. You should direct your e-mail to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.

Tips for a Safe Archery Hunt

If you’re an archery hunter, you can stay safe during this year’s archery hunts by following a few, simple rules.

Utah’s general archery buck deer and elk hunts kick off Aug. 21.

“Every year, we receive reports of archery hunters injuring themselves,” says Gary Cook, hunter education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Two practices lead to most of the accidents: not being safe in tree stands or having arrows out of your quiver when you shouldn’t.

Cook provides the following advice to help you avoid these accidents:

1) Tree stands - before you climb a tree, make sure it’s large enough to hold your weight.

To lessen the chance that you’ll fall while climbing the tree, leave your bow, arrows and other equipment on the ground, and attach a hauling line to them. After you’ve climbed into your tree stand, attach your safety harness. Then use your hauling line to lift your gear to you.

Cook also recommends using a portable tree stand, rather than building a “permanent” one. “Permanent tree stands can deteriorate and become unsafe,” he says. “Also, they don’t look good. And you can damage the tree by hammering nails into it.”

2) “Until you’re ready to shoot, keep your arrows in a quiver that has a hood on it that covers the broadheads,” Cook says. “One of the most common accidents we see is archers jabbing themselves or other hunters while carrying arrows in their hand that should be in their quiver.”

State law requires that arrows be in a case while the arrows are in or on a vehicle. When you’re outside your vehicle, it’s up to you to protect yourself.

More tips
In addition to the safety tips, Cook provides tips on getting prepared for the season, safety items to remember while you’re in the field and tips on tracking animals and preserving their meat.


1) Preparation -
a. equipment checks - make sure the laminations on your bow are not flaking or separating and that the strings on your bow are not fraying. And if you have a compound bow, make sure the pulleys and cables are in good shape. Also, make sure your arrow’s spline (the stiffness of the arrow’s shaft) matches your bow’s draw weight. If your bow’s draw weight produces more force than your arrow can handle, your arrow will probably fly off target when you shoot.

b. broadhead sharpening – when you sharpen your broadheads, be careful and take your time. Your broadheads should be razor sharp, but make sure you don’t cut yourself while sharpening them.

c. practice shooting as much as possible.

d. obtain written permission from private landowners before hunting on their property or using their property to access public land.

e. know the boundaries of limited entry units and other restricted areas in the area you’ll be hunting.


2) Never take a shot at a deer or an elk that is beyond the maximum, effective range you’re comfortable shooting at. Also, before releasing your arrow, make sure of your target and what’s beyond it.


3) After the shot -
a. watch the animal and determine the direction it took. Then go to the spot where you last saw the animal and find your arrow. If there’s blood on it, and if you have a compass, take a reading of the direction the animal went. Then wait 30 minutes before tracking it. If you track the animal too soon, you can spook it into running. If you wait 30 minutes before tracking it, you’ll find most of the deer and elk you shoot dead within a reasonable distance of your starting point.


b. when you track an animal, look for blood not only on the ground but on the brush too. If you begin to lose the animal’s trail, tie a piece of biodegradable paper near the last blood spot. Then search for the animal’s trail by walking a circular pattern out from the paper. The paper will serve as a marker that will let you know where you started.

Also, tying paper at the locations of the last three or four spots you see, and then standing away from the paper and looking at the paper trail, can help you visualize the direction the animal took.


c. once you’ve found the animal, check to see if its eyes are open. If they’re not, the animal probably isn’t dead. If its eyes are open, touch one of the eyes with a long stick. That will keep you out of harm’s way if the animal is still alive. Once the animal is dead, field dress and cool its meat immediately. It’s usually warm during the archery hunt. The warm temperatures can cause the meat to spoil quickly.


Cook also provides tips for reducing conflicts with homeowners and those who don’t hunt:

1) Find access points to your hunting area well in advance of the season.

2) If access requires crossing private land, you must obtain written permission from the landowner. If you can’t obtain written permission, find another access point.

3) Before you start hunting, make sure you’re well beyond the minimum distances you must maintain from roads and dwellings. If you’re going to hunt in Salt Lake County, please remember that the county’s hunting restrictions are more restrictive than the rest of Utah. Read the 2010 Big Game Guidebook closely for more information.

4) Avoid hunting in areas that a lot of people use. Also, whenever possible, avoid hunting near heavily used trails.

“Most of the people in Utah choose not to hunt. But they support hunting as long as hunters are legal, safe and ethical,” Cook says. “When hunters don’t behave that way, how people feel about hunting can take a turn for the worse.”


Extended archery areas
If you want to hunt the Wasatch Front, Ogden, Unitah Basin or Sanpete Valley extended archery areas, please remember the following:

1) Before hunting any of these areas, you must complete the DWR’s Extended Archery Orientation Course. The free course is available online at wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation.

2) While hunting in an extended archery area, you must carry two items with you: your 2010 statewide general archery buck deer permit and your Extended Archery Orientation Course certificate. If you’re a member of the Dedicated Hunter program, you must also carry your Dedicated Hunter certificate of registration.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

Tubers and Floaters require Life Jackets

Salt Lake – Utah State Parks and Recreation Boating Managers report a large increase in tubers on local rivers and want to remind these non-traditional boaters they must comply with life jacket laws. Utah State Parks Boating Rangers plan to increase their presence at local rivers to urge compliance and prevent drownings.

Inner tubes, air mattresses and all other flotation devices are considered boats when they are used to carry people down a river. Therefore, Utah law requires tubers and floaters to wear a properly-sized, approved and fastened life jacket.

Nationally, approximately 700 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents and the simple act of wearing a life jacket can drastically reduce this number. Much like a helmet to a cyclist, life jackets are an essential part of boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times.

Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky vests that are commonly associated with on-the-water safety gear. New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable versions.

Wear on the Boat
Although many boaters often stow life jackets on their boats, very few choose to wear them. Nearly 80 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.


“In the event of an accident, there is not enough time to grab a life jacket and put it on properly before you are in the water,” stated Utah State Parks Assistant Boating Program Manager Chris Haller. “If faced with strong currents or unfavorable weather conditions, you will not only have trouble securing your life jacket, but will be unable to help passengers on your boat.”

Passengers 12 and younger must wear a properly-sized and US Coast Guard approved life jacket when the boat is in operation. However, it is a good, safe boating practice for everyone to always wear a life jacket.

For additional boating safety information go to http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/  or call (801) 538-BOAT. Wear it Utah!

Gourd Craft Workshop at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum

Cedar City –Frontier Homestead State Park Museum hosts a two-day gourd craft workshop August 21 at 9 a.m. Participants receive an introductory lecture regarding gourd history, learn the fundamentals of growing and drying gourds, and learn basic use of tools. Students select, design, and finish a gourd piece to take home, as well as an extra, unfinished gourd they can work on at home.

Workshop is limited to 15 participants and early registration is encouraged. The cost of this workshop is $50 per person and covers all materials and supplies. The museum is located at 635 North Main in Cedar City. To register or for more information, please call (435) 586-9290.

Walleye threaten Red Fleet

VERNAL — If you want to catch big walleye at Red Fleet Reservoir, you'd better catch them soon — the walleye fishery isn't going to last all that long.

"Someone illegally introduced walleye into Red Fleet," says Ed Johnson, aquatics biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "Our surveys show we now have several strong age classes."


Biologists caught an equal number of walleye and rainbow trout in their nets during surveys this past spring. Several of the walleye weighed more than six pounds.

Johnson says walleye fishing should be good for the next few years. "Then the fishing for all species, including bass and rainbows, will crash," Johnson says. The reason? "Too many predators will [deplete] the prey base."


Only so much room
Located 13 miles north of Vernal, Red Fleet is not a large reservoir. Johnson says adding another top predator to the reservoir has overloaded its fishery with predators.

As the walleye population increases, these aggressive predators will consume greater numbers of rainbows and bluegill. The Division can't afford to raise rainbows just to feed the walleye. As the number of rainbow trout declines, the walleye will place even more pressure on the bluegill.

"As the bluegill decline, the walleye will switch to feeding on bass and on smaller versions of themselves," Johnson says. "In the end, all that will be left are a few small, skinny walleye swimming around."


Catch and kill regulation
Because the walleye were illegally introduced, the Division has placed a "no tolerance regulation" on walleye in Red Fleet:


There's no limit on walleye
Anglers must keep all of the walleye they catch. All walleye must be immediately killed.

Johnson says anglers will likely see a few years of good fishing before the fishery collapses. "We saw fewer bluegill in the nets and around the reservoir this spring," he says. "It's likely we're starting to see the effects of walleye predation [on other fish in the reservoir].

"Few anglers are targeting walleye in Red Fleet, and even fewer are catching them," Johnson says.

Division biologists are discussing ways to treat the reservoir to remove the walleye. Walleye are capable of breeding inside the reservoir, so there's no easy way to control their numbers.

For more information about fishing at Red Fleet Reservoir, call the Division at 435-781-9453.

Archery buck deer hunt starts Aug. 21

Photo by Bill Bates, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Utah’s first hunt of the fall—the general archery buck deer hunt—starts Aug. 21.

As you head into the woods on Aug. 21, the number of young bucks you see might vary.

If you’re hunting in northern Utah—where the winter was mild this past winter—you could see more young bucks.

If you’re hunting in southwestern Utah, where deep snow covered the deer’s winter range, you might see less.

Overall, the number of mule deer in Utah is holding steady at just over 300,000 deer. The number of bucks wildlife biologists saw after last fall’s hunting seasons averaged about 16 bucks per 100 does on the state’s general season units.

The total number of deer in Utah has been hovering around 300,000 for several years. “That indicates to me that the habitat we have in Utah right now can support about 300,000 deer,” says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Aoude says the DWR and other agencies and organizations are pouring millions of dollars into work to improve habitat for mule deer and other wildlife.

Mule deer winter ranges have received most of the attention, but summer ranges are starting to receive attention too.

“Habitat improvement work doesn’t pay off overnight,” Aoude says. “It takes years for plants to grow and establish themselves. But when they do, and the state’s habitat has the ability to support more deer, the number of deer in Utah should grow.”

To find success during the archery hunt, Aoude encourages you to do three things:

- practice shooting your bow until shooting it becomes second nature

- scout the area you’re going to hunt before the season starts

- keep the wind at your face while you’re hunting.

“Those three things can make all the difference between taking a deer home with you and coming home empty handed,” he says. The following are deer hunting prospects for each of the DWR’s five regions:

Northern Region
With the exception of the Cache and Ogden units, all of the general season units in northern Utah have at least 15 bucks per 100 does. And some units have more. Here’s a look at the deer herds on many of the region’s general season units:

Cache and Ogden units
Wildlife Biologist Darren DeBloois says the three-year average for the Cache and Ogden units is slightly below the objective of 15 bucks per 100 does.

Like much of the Northern Region, DeBloois says range conditions are good and the animals are scattered. He also says the past two winters have been mild, and few fawns have been lost.

“Hunters should see good numbers of two-point bucks on both of these units,” he says.


Box Elder unit
Two good years with low winter losses, high fawn production and good range conditions should translate into a good hunt on the Box Elder unit.

Wildlife Biologist Kirk Enright says the unit’s buck-to-doe ratio is 19 bucks per 100 does. “Habitat improvement projects we’re doing with landowners and other agencies is creating better habitat and more deer,” Enright says.

Uintas North Slope units
Biologist Dave Rich says the range on the units is in good shape, and the animals are scattered. "Recent rains have kept things nice and green," Rich says.

Summit and East Canyon units
Biologist Scott McFarlane cautions you that most of the land on these units is private property. Written permission from landowners is required to hunt much of this area.

Phil Douglass, regional conservation outreach manager, shares two reminders:

If the average buck-to-doe ratio on a unit stays below 15 bucks per 100 does for a three-year period, Utah’s mule deer management plan requires that the hunting seasons on the unit be reduced in length until the buck-to-doe ratio improves.

As a result, the archery season on the Cache and Ogden units will be shorter this year.

The season begins Aug. 21 and ends on Sept. 5.

To avoid attracting bears into your camp, store food where bears can’t get to it and keep your camp clean. Additional tips are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/learn-more/bear-safety.html .


Central Region
Where you decide to hunt in the Central Region will be important this fall. Some areas harbor good numbers of bucks. Other areas have less.

Overall, the number of bucks on the region’s general season units is 15 bucks per 100 does. The area east of Interstate 15, from Spanish Fork Canyon north to Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City, has the best habitat and the highest buck-to-doe ratios.

Buck-to-doe ratios are lower outside of that area. For example, the buck-to-doe ratio on the South Manti unit is 5 to 6 bucks per 100 does. On the Oquirrh-Stansbury unit, the ratio is 7 to 8 bucks per 100 does.

West of I-15, in Tooele and Juab counties, Wildlife Biologist Tom Becker says the deer herds average about 10 to 11 bucks per 100 does. On a positive note, Becker says precipitation has helped the desert areas this year, and the habitat conditions are better than they were last year. The improved conditions should help more deer fawns make it through the upcoming winter.

Scott Root, regional conservation outreach manager, has two reminders:

The archery hunt on the Oquirrh-Stansbury unit will shorter this fall. The archery hunt on the unit runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 5.

You can extend your hunt by hunting on the Wasatch Front Extended Archery Area. You may use archery equipment to take either a buck or a doe on the area from Aug. 21 to Nov. 30. From Dec. 1 to Dec. 15, only doe deer may be taken.

Before hunting on the Wasatch Front Extended Archery Area—or any of the state’s extended archery areas—you must complete the DWR’s Extended Archery Orientation Course. The free course is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation .

After completing the course, you must carry your Extended Archery Orientation Course certificate with you while you’re hunting.

You must complete the course each year before hunting on Utah’s extended archery areas.


Northeastern Region
The archery hunt in northeastern Utah might be better than it was last year. Biologists say the number of deer has increased on most of the region’s general season units.

Even though the number of deer is rising, the overall number of deer is still below objective on five of the seven units, though.

Ron Stewart, regional conservation outreach manager, says the weather has been good to deer this year. “The winter was relatively light in the Uinta Mountains,” Stewart says. “Most of these herds came through the winter without much winter loss.”

(Most of the region’s general season units are located in the Uinta Mountains.)

Even though the general season units didn’t receive a lot of snow, rain this spring and summer has kept the vegetation on the mountains green. That’s provided good forage for the deer. But it’s a mixed blessing for hunters.

“The rainfall means the vegetation will be green,” Stewart says, “so the deer may not receive an early warning by hearing the rustle of dried leaves and grass as you sneak up on them. But it also means the deer won’t be clustered near a few, isolated watering holes either.”

Stewart reminds you that the archery season on the South Slope, Vernal unit will close early this fall. The archery season on the unit runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 5.

The following is a snapshot of the deer herds on the region’s seven general season units:
Unit Number of deer Bucks per 100 does


North Slope
Up, and near objective 18


South Slope, Yellowstone
Up, but below objective 14


South Slope, Vernal
Up, and at objective 12


Nine Mile, Anthro
Up, but well below objective 34


Currant Creek
Up, but well below objective 12


Avintaquin
Stable, but well below objective 19


Southeastern Region
You might see a few more bucks in southeastern Utah this fall. The overall number of deer is up from last year.

While that’s good news, there’s still plenty of room for growth—the overall number of deer on most of the region’s general season units is between 55 and 60 percent of the number called for in management plans. “One exception is the Abajo unit,” says Brent Stettler, regional conservation outreach manager. “The number of deer on the unit is above the unit’s objective of 13,500 deer.”

Another positive sign is the number of bucks per 100 does that biologists counted after last fall’s hunting seasons. Stettler says the number of bucks on all of the region’s general season units is above the minimum objective of 15 bucks per 100 does.

Stettler says much of southeastern Utah experienced a cool spring and received plenty of rain in July. “Deer are widely dispersed across their summer range,” Stettler says.

So what’s the secret to taking a deer in the region this fall?

“Hunters may experience higher success rates by simply spending more time away from roads and other areas that experience high use by hunters,” says Justin Shannon, the region’s wildlife manager. “Hiking an extra mile may be more difficult. But it may also provide a more rewarding hunting experience.”

Shannon also encourages you to do some pre-season scouting. Once you’ve selected a particular area, learn where the springs, seeps and creeks are. Get to know the game trails, the bedding areas and the escape routes the deer might take once the hunt starts.

Develop a hunting strategy that will account for changes in deer activity once archers start moving through the woods.


Southern Region
Southern Utah received something last winter that it rarely gets: lots of snow.

The snow that fell could result in fewer younger bucks in the region this fall. On the positive side, the moisture has also led to healthy mature deer with bigger antlers.

Another plus is the number of bucks per 100 does. The buck-to-doe average on the region’s general season units is 20 bucks per 100 does. The Southern Region has more bucks per 100 does than any region in the state.

Buck-to-doe ratios on the general season units vary from a low of 11 bucks per 100 does on the Monroe unit to 30 bucks per 100 does on the Southwest Desert unit.

Biologists say additional precipitation this spring and summer has provided excellent forage and water for the deer. The deer should be spread across their summer range when the hunt starts on Aug. 21. The following is a look at the deer herds on most of the region’s general season units:


Monroe and Plateau/Fishlake units
Wildlife Biologist Vance Mumford says this past winter was a long one on the Monroe and the Plateau, Fishlake units.

“The number of fawns that died this past winter was higher than normal,” Mumford says. “That will affect the number of yearling bucks available during the hunt, especially since the number of fawns we started with was lower than normal before the winter even hit.”

Mumford says there should be plenty of mature deer to hunt, though. “Those who hunt smart and scout areas for mature deer should have a good hunt,” he says.

Mumford says lots of rain has fallen on the two units this past spring and summer. That has led to healthy deer and good antler growth. “I’ve seen some good mature buck groups on the Fish Lake unit,” he says.

Mumford reminds you that the archery hunt on the Monroe unit is shorter than it is on many units in the state.

The archery hunt on the unit runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 5.


Plateau, Boulder unit
“We just went through the meanest winter around here in memory, even the memories of the really old guys,” says Jim Lamb, regional wildlife biologist. “I have seen very few yearling bucks.”

The mature bucks Lamb has seen look good, however. And they’ve had good antler growth. “I’m not expecting great success this fall during the deer hunts,” he says. “The elk hunts, on the other hand, will be great. The elk seem to have wintered well. I’ve seen quite a few spikes recently.”


Pine Valley, Zion and Southwest Desert units
Wildlife Biologist Jason Nicholes says he counted more than 20 bucks per 100 does on each of the three units after last fall’s hunts. “Yearling bucks may be down slightly due to some light winter kill,” he says.


Panguitch Lake and Mount Dutton units
More fawns than normal were lost to heavy snowfall on the Panguitch Lake and Mount Dutton units this past winter. Wildlife Biologist Dustin Schaible says that may result in fewer younger bucks for hunters.

New Rules proposed to protect Bobcats

The number of bobcats in Utah may have bottomed out a year ago. But some trapping and hunting changes should help the small cats rebound.

Wildlife biologists are also recommending that seven new areas in Utah open to beaver trapping.

All of the Division of Wildlife Resources furbearer recommendations are now available online. The following are among the agency's proposals:

Beaver
Trappers would have more chances to trap beavers in Utah this season. Biologists want to close three areas to beaver trapping. But seven new areas would open.



Bobcat
Biologists say the number of bobcats in Utah may have reached their lowest point since the DWR started keeping bobcat records in 1983. To help the population rebound, they're recommending the following:

Cap the number of bobcat trapping and hunting permits at 4,600.

Limit each trapper and hunter to not more than three bobcat permits. (Last season, each trapper and hunter could have up to four permits. Each permit allows a trapper or hunter to take one bobcat.)

Reduce the length of the season by one week. The season would start on Dec. 1, 2010. It would end about two months later, on Feb. 6, 2011.

"Several indications lead us to believe that the population is rebounding," says Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the DWR, "but we'd rather be safe than sorry."

Dolling says bobcats prey mostly on rabbits, which are on a 10-year population cycle: every five years, their population bottoms out. Then the population builds again for the next five years.

"Rabbit populations are starting their upward climb again," he says. "That's good news for the state's bobcats."


Learn more, share your ideas
All of the DWR's bobcat proposals are now available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings . Once you've read the proposals, you can share your thoughts and ideas one of two ways:


RAC meetings
Five Regional Advisory Council meetings will be held across Utah. Citizens representing the RACs will take the input received at the meetings to the Utah Wildlife Board. Board members will use the input to help them set rules for Utah's 2010–2011 bobcat trapping and hunting season. They'll set those rules at their Aug. 19, 2010 meeting in Salt Lake City.

You can participate and provide your input at any of the following meetings:


E-mail
You can also provide your comments to your RAC via e-mail. E-mail addresses for your RAC members are available at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.

The group each RAC member represents (sportsman, non-consumptive, etc.) is listed under each person's e-mail address. You should direct your e-mail to the people on the RAC who represent your interest.

Pottery Workshop scheduled at Fremont Indian State Park

Sevier – Learn ancient pottery techniques at Fremont Indian State Park and Museum September 10 through 12. Local artists teach methods of pottery making, decorating and firing in a rock-lined pit.

Fees are $60, and clay and tools are available for sale. Pre-registration is required by calling (435) 527-4631. Fremont Indian State Park and Museum is located 21 miles south of Richfield on I-70.


UPCOMING UTAH STATE PARKS EVENTS

August 21 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Geothermal Activity: The area below Midway is riddled in natural piping, surging with warm, mineralized water. Where does this water come from and how are those domes formed? Program begins at 8:30 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. (435) 654-1791

August 24 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Full Moon Hike- Join us for a mile-long hike at sunset while the full moon is rising. Along the way, discover some animals that are rising as other animals go to sleep for the night. Meet at the Neck, about one mile south of the visitor center at 8 p.m. (435) 259-2614

August 25 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Nature Hike - Extreme Survival: Blazing sun, howling wind, and freezing nights; how do plants and animals deal with the desert? Learn about extreme survival on a guided one-mile hike. Meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. (435) 826-4466

August 28 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Evening Program- You-tah State Parks: Utah has 43 beautiful and diverse state parks set aside for their beauty, historical value and recreational opportunities. Learn about these amazing treasures and how they benefit you and your family. Program begins at 8 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. (435) 654-1791

August 28 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Tracks and Scat: What do animals leave behind and how can you tell which animal left it there? Take a walk with the park naturalist and look for animal signs in the wetland. Rock Cliff Nature Center is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030

August 28 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Junior Ranger Program - Out Of This World! Travel to the sun, moon and stars through games and activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Meet at the visitor center at 9:30 a.m. (435) 826-4466

August 29 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Incredible Insects! Meet at the visitor center amphitheater at 8 p.m. for a program about the insects that make their home at Dead Horse Point State Park. There will be a short presentation and an opportunity to explore the desert for insects. (435) 259-2614

September 1 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Geology Hike - A Forest Turned to Stone: How did a forest turn to stone? Discover the answer on a guided hike to the Petrified Forest. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. (435) 826-4466

September 2 Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab
Star Party: Join us for an evening star party complete with a constellation tour. Party lasts from 9 until 10:30 p.m. Meet at the visitor center amphitheater. (435) 259-2614

September 3 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park - Escalante
Starry Skies: Enjoy our famous dark skies as we take a tour through the galaxy using the park telescope. Meet at the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. Dress for cool weather and bring a folding chair. (435) 826-4466

September 4 and 6 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Camp Floyd Days: Camp Floyd State Park, in conjunction with the Utah Territorial Civilian Commission and Utah Civil War Association, host a Civil War Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event allows visitors to experience camp life and participate in activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army including reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, and 1861 period games. (801) 768-8932

September 4 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Junior Ranger Program - Take it Outside: September is a great time to be outside. Take a walk with the naturalist and see what there is to discover. Rock Cliff is located on the east side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030

September 4 Hailstone Recreation Area/Jordanelle State Park - Heber
Falcons up Close: Learn about birds of prey and what makes them unique. Program begins at 7 p.m. Hailstone is located on the west side of Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 782-3030.

Utah State Parks Boating Safety Tip of the Week

Salt Lake City -- As a boat operator, you are responsible for ensuring your passengers understand basic safety practices. Review the following safety tips before heading out on the water:

- Wear a life jacket at all times

- Know where critical safety equipment is located, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, bailing devices, first aid kit and anchor

- Know safety procedures if you’re caught in rough weather, someone falls overboard, your boat capsizes, or a fire erupts

- Know how to use the VHF marine band radio, make a MAYDAY call and signal for help

- Know that alcohol and boats do not mix. It is illegal for the boat operator to consume alcohol

- Know never to leave the steering wheel and throttle controls with the engine in gear, even to simply turn around and talk with passengers

For additional safe boating tips visit stateparks.utah.gov/boating or call (801)538-BOAT. Wear it Utah!

Special Upland Game Hunts

Photo by Alan Peterson

Hunters who are 15 years of age and younger can participate in special chukar and pheasant hunts this fall.

These special youth hunts have been held in Utah for years. They’re a great way to introduce young people to upland game hunting.

“Kids really enjoy these hunts,” says Dave Olsen, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “They usually have plenty of birds to shoot at, and they don’t have to compete with older hunters for a bird.”

Participating in one of the hunts is easy. If you’re 15 years of age or younger, and you’ve completed Utah’s Hunter Education course, just go online at www.wildlife.utah.gov/uplandgame  and complete an application.


Application and hunt dates
To be considered for one of the youth chukar hunts, the DWR must receive your application no later than Aug. 23. Applications for the youth pheasant hunts are due by Sept. 6.

The youth chukar hunts will be held Sept. 4 on four state wildlife management areas (WMAs) and one Walk-In Access area. The youth pheasant hunts will be held Nov. 14 on four state WMAs and one Walk-In Access area. “We’re holding these hunts across Utah,” Olsen says. “No matter where you live, you should be able to find a hunt within two hours of your home.”

The WMAs and the Walk-In Access areas will be closed to all other hunters on the day the youth hunts are held.

Getting youth excited about upland game hunting
“The number of young people who hunt in Utah has declined through the years,” Olsen says. “We’re hoping these youth hunts will help reverse that trend by getting young people into the field and letting them experience what it’s like to take an upland game bird.

“The hunts also give us a chance to teach young people how to be responsible and ethical hunters.”

For more information about the hunts, call the nearest DWR office or see page 22 of the 2010 – 2011 Utah Upland Game Guidebook.

The guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks .

Free Admission to the National Parks this Weekend

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this year with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*.


Mark your calendar for fee-free days this year:

■April 17-25, 2010 (National Park Week)
■June 5-6, 2010
■August 14-15, 2010
■September 25, 2010 (Public Lands Day)
■November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)

And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.

Here’s a tip – many of your 392 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Free Entrance Days - Participating Parks (by state)

Arizona
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Grand Canyon National Park
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Petrified Forest National Park
Pipe Spring National Monument
Saguaro National Park
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Tonto National Monument
Tumacacori National Historical Park
Tuzigoot National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Wupatki National Monument

Arkansas
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Pea Ridge National Military Park

California
Cabrillo National Monument
Death Valley National Park
John Muir National Historic Site
Joshua Tree National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Sequoia National Park
Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park

Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes NP & Preserve National Park
Hovenweep National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Gulf Islands National Seashore

Georgia
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument

Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Yellowstone National Park

Illinois
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Memorial

Indiana
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Iowa
Effigy Mounds National Monument

Kansas
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Maine
Acadia National Park

Maryland
Antietam National Battlefield
Assateague Island National Seashore
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Fort McHenry NM and Historic Shrine National Monument
Fort Washington Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Mississippi
Gulf Islands National Seashore

Massachusetts
Adams National Historical Park
Cape Cod National Seashore
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Longfellow National Historic Site

Michigan
Isle Royale National Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Minnesota
Grand Portage National Monument
Pipestone National Monument

Mississippi
Vicksburg National Military Park

Missouri
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Memorial
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Montana
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Glacier National Park
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Yellowstone National Park

Nebraska
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument

Nevada
Death Valley National Park
Lake Mead National Recreation Area

New Hampshire
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

New Jersey
Edison National Historic Site
Morristown National Historical Park

New Mexico
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Bandelier National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
El Morro National Monument
Fort Union National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Pecos National Historical Park
White Sands National Monument

New York
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Saratoga National Historical Park
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

North Carolina
Wright Brothers National Memorial

North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Ohio
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial National Memorial

Oklahoma
Fort Smith National Historic Site

Oregon
Crater Lake National Park
Lewis & Clark National Historical Park

Pennsylvania
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Steamtown National Historic Site
Valley Forge National Historical Park

Puerto Rico
San Juan National Historic Site

South Carolina
Fort Sumter National Monument

South Dakota
Badlands National Park
Jewel Cave National Monument

Tennessee
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Shiloh National Military Park

Texas
Big Bend National Park
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Padre Island National Seashore

Utah
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Golden Spike National Historic Site
Hovenweep National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument
Zion National Park

Virgin Islands
Christiansted National Historic Site

Virginia
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Memorial
Assateague Island National Seashore
Colonial National Historical Park
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
George Washington Memorial Parkway's Great Falls Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Petersburg National Battlefield
Prince William Forest Park
Shenandoah National Park

Washington
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Lewis & Clark National Historical Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Olympic National Park
Whitman Mission National Historic Site

West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Wyoming
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Devils Tower National Monument
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park