The 2024 year was a top year for volunteers helping benefit wildlife in Utah.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources accomplished 1,473 projects with their Dedicated Hunter Program. According to the previous agency, this is more than double the last year’s amount.
The Dedicated Hunter Program aims to allow participants more time to hunt deer each year. In 2024, there were 8,792 volunteers in the program. Participants must complete 32 hours of DWR-approved serviced projects to acquire their permits. If they meet the service requirements, they enroll for three years and can harvest two deer.
“The Dedicated Hunter Program is designed to provide opportunities for hunters and the DWR to work together as partners to improve wildlife habitat, increase hunting and angling opportunities and support all forms of wildlife recreation in Utah,” DWR Dedicated Hunter Coordinator Bryan Christensen said. “Dedicated Hunters contribute thousands of hours of service each year and accomplish an incredible amount of work that benefits wildlife, which would otherwise not happen at this scale.”
Participants completed 45,549 service hours toward fish and wildlife-based projects last year, the release states. They also provided the equivalent of $181,600 in equipment and materials for the program.
The projects completed last year include:
- Improving habitat for wildlife
- Helping install guzzlers – large devices that catch and store water from snow and rain to provide drinking water
- Assisting with wildlife monitoring
- Teaching hunting and fishing to others
- Helping with wildlife recreation events
- Helping repair and maintain state facilities
“We are grateful for these passionate hunters who give back to wildlife through their service in this program,” said Christensen in the release. “These important projects truly make a difference for wildlife and conservation in Utah.”
Author: Maddi Munro
Photo courtesy of Sebastian Pociechia
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net
