It’s all about fishing and upland game license on the Division of Wildlife Resources update. Castle Country Radio was able to sit down with Conservation Outreach Manager, Aaron Bott to discuss all the details.

Because the water in the community ponds is low, due to the drought we are facing this year, they have implemented a change in the number of fish you are able to keep. “We’ve decided to increase the limit on our trout harvest. So typical its two trout per day, per person, now it’s been increased to four trout per day, per person,” stated Bott. This is only applicable at community ponds such as Carbon County in Price, Gigliotti in Helper and Knights-Ideal in Wellington.

We may not see a limit increase when it comes to our bigger bodies of water because officials were prepared for a drought like season this year.  “Here in the southeastern part of Utah we’re generally dryer than some of the other parts of the state so our biologists are pretty pro-active at taking into consideration the climate, the heat, and they don’t stock as many fish as some of the other regions do just because we are always on the verge of drought out here,” stated Bott.

Upland game licenses went on sale this morning and folks can apply for one on the DWR website. “For some of our upland game species, you can apply at our website https://wildlife.utah.gov/ if you are interested in hunting Sage Grouse, Sharp Tail Grouse, Swans or Sand Hill Cranes – you can get online and apply for those hunts and they’ll be later on this Fall,” explained Bott. Individuals will either buy a small game license or a combination license which runs between $30.00 to $50.00. Depending on the species you plan to hunt you may be required to obtain a permit as well. The last day to apply will be July 21.

For more information on fishing and upland game hunts visit the Division of Wildlife Resources website at https://wildlife.utah.gov/ or call the DWR office in Price at (435) 613-3700.