July 2025 — Southern Utah
This July, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites adventurous community members, reporters, and photographers to experience wildlife up close through three unique, boots-on-the-ground opportunities across Southern Utah. From airboat goose captures to prairie dog relocations and scenic wildlife surveys, these immersive experiences offer rare insight into the work that supports Utah’s diverse wildlife.
Goose Roundups on Airboats
It’s part rodeo, part science, and entirely unforgettable: DWR biologists and volunteers will spend the next few weeks capturing young Canada geese by airboat on southern Utah waterbodies. During this window, the geese are temporarily flightless, making it the ideal time for banding and population research. Volunteers lie belly-down on the bow of an airboat, scoop goslings from the water, and hand them back for tagging. The data collected helps track goose populations and migration patterns across the state.
Where: Wetland waterbodies throughout Southern Utah
When: Ongoing through early July (call to coordinate)
Contact: Adam Kavalunas – 435-691-8022
Tip: If you’re joining in, dress for muddy, wet conditions!
Relocating Utah Prairie Dogs
Found nowhere else in the world, the federally threatened Utah prairie dog is a uniquely Southern Utah species. Over the next week, DWR biologists will be trapping and relocating prairie dogs from private property in Iron County to designated public lands, helping both the landowners and the species. The effort highlights local collaboration and long-term recovery goals for this native mammal.
Where: Iron County, near Cedar City
When: Early July (schedule visit in advance)
Contacts: Barbara Sugarman – 435-691-2401, Adam Kavalunas – 435-691-8022
Want to learn more? Search for the DWR Wild podcast episode about Utah prairie dogs.
Ride Along for Elk and Pronghorn Surveys
Ever wondered how wildlife managers track elk and pronghorn populations? This is your chance to ride shotgun with a DWR biologist as they conduct population surveys across Southwestern Utah. These seasonal counts inform management decisions and ensure healthy herd balances. While elk and pronghorn are shy, early morning excursions with a good camera lens may reward visitors with incredible sightings.
Where: Various locations across Southern Utah
When: Early July (rides must be scheduled in advance)
Contact: Adam Kavalunas – 435-691-8022
