Private landowners can now enter into voluntary partnerships with the Division of Wildlife Resources as part of efforts to enhance big game and turkey populations. The wildlife board voted in favor of the new rule that is expected to benefit both wildlife and the landowner by providing direct payments for forage or crops used by wildlife, providing an alternative depredation program, and improving population health for increased hunter opportunities in the future. “This rule allows the DWR to enter into proactive, voluntary partnerships with private landowners for managing big game and turkey populations that utilize private cultivated lands,” shares DWR Private Lands Public Wildlife Coordinator Darren DeBloois. “This approach is rooted in the recognition that achieving population objectives and enhancing wildlife health often depends on the quality and availability of forage on private property.” Visit wildlife.utah.gov to learn more.
