Passionate About Wildlife? Utah Wildlife Board Seeks New Members

The Utah Wildlife Board, which oversees crucial decisions regarding hunting, fishing, and wildlife management in the state, is seeking applicants to fill three upcoming vacancies. Terms for the new positions will begin in August 2025, replacing current board members Randy Dearth, Wade Heaton, and Bret Selman. Residents of Utah with a passion for wildlife conservation and management are encouraged to apply.

“To serve on the board, you need to have a strong interest in wildlife and wildlife management in Utah,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Wildlife Board Coordinator Staci Coons said in a press release. “You also need to be committed to serving and representing the people of Utah.”

Applications, which opened on January 1, will close on March 31 at 5 p.m. While a college degree is not required, applicants must provide details of any organizations or associations they have been affiliated with over the past five years. Interested candidates can submit their applications via the Utah Boards and Commissions website.

The board plays a vital role in managing Utah’s wildlife resources. It consists of seven members, with at least one representative from each of the state’s five wildlife regions. For the upcoming vacancies, one position is reserved for a resident of the Northeastern Region, while the other two are open to applicants from any region. Regional boundary maps are available on the DWR website.

Appointed by the governor, board members serve a single six-year term. Their responsibilities include attending public Wildlife Regional Advisory Council meetings in their regions and roughly six Wildlife Board meetings annually in Farmington. These positions are unpaid, and members do not become employees of the DWR.

The Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Committee, an 11-member panel appointed by the governor, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and submits recommendations for final approval.

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Serving on the board provides a unique opportunity to influence decisions that impact Utah’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems. For more information about the board and its responsibilities, visit the DWR website.