Volunteers Make A Big Impact On Utah’s Wildlife In 2025

People committed to conserving Utah’s wildlife put in an impressive amount of work in 2025 through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Dedicated Hunter Program. According to a press release, volunteers in the program completed 1,176 projects last year, continuing a strong tradition of service that directly benefits wildlife, habitat and outdoor recreation across the state.

Dedicated Hunters Commit To Three Years Of Service

The Dedicated Hunter Program is a service-based hunting opportunity that allows participants additional time to hunt deer in exchange for meaningful conservation work. In 2025, 8,737 people took part in the program. Participants enroll for a three-year period and must complete 32 hours of DWR-approved service each year, or pay for those hours, to qualify for program permits. By meeting those requirements, participants may harvest up to two deer during their enrollment period.

“The Dedicated Hunter Program provides 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,” said DWR Dedicated Hunter Coordinator Aaron Sisson, according to a press release. He added that participants contribute thousands of hours of service annually, accomplishing work that would otherwise be difficult to achieve at such a large scale.

Over the past year, Dedicated Hunter volunteers logged a total of 62,417 volunteer hours on fish- and wildlife-related projects. Their efforts also translated into an estimated $2.4 million worth of equipment, labor and materials contributed to conservation projects statewide. More than half of all projects, approximately 52 percent, focused specifically on improving habitat and conditions for big game animals and other wildlife.

The projects completed in 2025 covered a wide range of needs. Volunteers worked to enhance habitat by planting native seeds and shrubs, removing trash from wildlife management areas and tackling noxious weeds. They assisted with the installation of guzzlers, which collect snow and rain to provide critical drinking water for wildlife during dry years. Participants also supported wildlife monitoring efforts, helping biologists with population surveys, fish gillnetting and bird-banding projects. Additional efforts included teaching hunting and fishing skills, supporting wildlife recreation events and maintaining state facilities.

Read More: DWR Making Sure Fisheries Are Stocked

“We are grateful for these passionate hunters who give back to wildlife through their service in this program,” Sisson said. “These important projects truly make a difference for wildlife and conservation in Utah.”

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The 2025 totals follow a record-setting year in 2024, when Dedicated Hunter volunteers completed 1,473 projects, underscoring the program’s ongoing impact.