Utah wildlife officials address feral pig threats and successful spring turkey hunts

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) held a Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing on wildlife management and conservation efforts in Utah's Southern Region. The meeting covered a range of topics, including spring turkey hunts, wildlife transplants, and ongoing conservation projects.

The meeting began with updates on the spring turkey hunts, which are currently underway, with positive reports from hunters. Additionally, a small transplant of turkeys from Texas was discussed, aimed at increasing genetic diversity and survival rates among local populations. The DWR is monitoring the success of these transplanted birds in comparison to resident populations.

Attention was also given to the bighorn sheep population in the Mineral Mountains, which has thrived following two years of good moisture, resulting in approximately 26 lambs observed. The East Side of Zion was highlighted as a prime location for viewing these young sheep.

A concerning issue raised was the confirmed presence of feral pigs in Washington County. The DWR, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, has taken aggressive measures to prevent these pigs from establishing a population in Utah. A helicopter operation successfully relocated 43 feral pigs from the Santa Clara drainage.

The meeting also featured a remarkable rescue story involving bighorn sheep. A biologist, Kyle Christiansen, responded to a mortality signal and successfully rescued three sheep trapped in a hole, demonstrating the importance of quick action in wildlife management.

Other topics included ongoing depredation settlements for big game, beaver trapping in nuisance areas, and efforts to establish a sandhill crane hunt in Sevier County. The DWR is collecting data to support this initiative.

Aquatic management was another key focus, with reports of healthy fish populations in various reservoirs, including Minersville and Otter Creek. The DWR is also addressing issues related to algae blooms in Panguitch Lake by constructing a new dam designed to improve water quality.

Conservation efforts for endangered species, such as the western toad and desert tortoise, were discussed, along with habitat restoration projects in Washington County. The DWR is actively monitoring and managing invasive species to protect native fish populations.

The meeting concluded with updates on outreach activities, including successful public events aimed at engaging the community in wildlife conservation. Upcoming events include a fly fishing event in Richfield and a hunting skills challenge in Salt Lake City.

Overall, the meeting underscored the DWR's commitment to wildlife management, conservation, and community engagement in Utah's Southern Region.