Utah Outdoors News, Activities and Events

Utah Concealed Weapons Permits No Longer Recognized in Nevada

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:47:04 PDT

The NRA Announced today:

The NRA Announced today.

Effective Wednesday, July 1, the State of Nevada will no longer recognize concealed weapon permits from Utah. Nevada, on the other hand, has added Ohio and West Virginia as recognized states.

Every year in May, the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDPS) conducts an audit of all states and their current concealed weapon statutes for the purpose of determining which states' permits will be recognized in Nevada.

Subsequently, NDPS provides a recommendation to the Nevada Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association (NSPCA) for final determination as provided in Nevada state law. According to Nevada law, any changes take effect on July 1.

The recognition of Utah permits is being dropped this year because Utah state law does not mandate live-fire range training as a part of its course requirement for the issuance of a Utah permit. Nevada law requires that, in order for other states' permits to be recognized in Nevada, those states' permit issuance standards must be "substantially similar" to Nevada's standards.

Since Nevada law specifically provides for a live-fire component as a part of the training requirement, NDPS and the NSPCA both agreed that the recognition of Utah permits should be rescinded. NRA staff met with representatives of both NDPS and NSPCA in recent weeks and was told by both entities that the initial approval for Utah permits to be recognized in Nevada was erroneous and based on the misinterpretation that Utah law required live-fire as a part of the training requirement.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Nevada Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association will be hosting their annual CCW forum in Carson City in late August. This event is open to the public and we encourage all members who have questions or concerns about the change to attend this informational meeting. Details will be forthcoming once the date and time is announced.

Utah Ready to Raise Its Own Tigers

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:53:44 PDT

1,000 true muskies released in ponds in Salt Lake City.
One of the largest sport fish in the country will soon be raised right here in Utah.

On June 16, a total of 1,000 true muskies from Nebraska were stocked into ponds at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City.

They're small now, but in three years, they'll be mature enough to reproduce. When the muskies reach that stage, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources will take milt from the males. Then they'll use that milt to fertilize eggs from Northern pike.

After the eggs are fertilized, Utah will have the first batch of tiger muskies ever produced in the state.

More and more anglers are fishing for tiger muskies, says Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR. I can see why: they're an impressive fish. When you catch one of these monsters, they put up a big fight. Click Here to watch the Video Clip!

Tavaputs Ranch

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:00:28 PDT

Tavaputs Ranch, located in the remote Book Cliffs of Eastern Utah, offers a unique homespun working ranch experience. Come and join us for family vacations, corporate retreats or exciting guided hunts.

Bob Grove will be calling in with the Driveaway Vacations One Tank Trip of the week from Tavaputs Ranch with Butch and Jeanie Jensen!

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 2nd Hour Podcast for March 13, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:15 PDT

And the 2nd hour of the June 13th, 2009 Trail Master Outdoors Radio Show Podcast!

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 1st Hour Podcast for March 13, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:40:39 PDT

Here is the Podcast for the June 13th, 2009 Trail Master Outdoors Radio Show, 1st hour!

Pictures of our Africa Trip

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:04:22 PDT

We have posted many new pictures of the trip to Africa on our Facebook pages, but wanted to share them with you that don't have a Facebook Account. I would encourage you to join our Fan Club on Facebook for the latest information we post as there is a lot there we don't post on this web site,. It is EASY, FREE and a great way to connect with old friends and make some new friends too, plus keep up to date on all the Trail Master Outdoors Crew has going on!

To join in click on this link and sign up. The search for Trail Master Outdoors, or Cris Draper or click here to go straight to our Fan Club pages.

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 2nd Hour Podcast for March 6, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:52:21 PDT

And here is the Podcast for the second hour of the Trail Master Outdoors Radio show hour 2 for March 6th, 2009

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 1st Hour Podcast for March 6, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:40:12 PDT

Getting caught up, here is the link for the podcast for June 6th first hour of the Trail Master Outdoors Radio Show

Off to Africa!

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:55:33 PDT

Sorry to say, but the pod casts for the next couple of weeks will be late posting to the web. With me traveling to Africa, I just can't get them ready to post until I return. But for sure tune in as there is more fun in the outdoors than you can shake a stick at and LIVE calls from Africa!

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 2nd Hour Podcast for 5 - 23, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:53:16 PDT

Hour two finds us still talking with Julie Mogenis about her TV Show and other activities she is involved with from youth programs, to conservation. Also check out their web site Third Eye Guides for some great information on booking the trip of a lifetime! Then it's time for the 12th Annual Paddle Festival with the Utah River Council! A great opportunity to get the whole family out for a day of fun. And June 6th if FREE FISHING Day, listen in for details. Bob Grove from Drive Away Vacations joins us for the One Tank Trip of the Week and we talk about Moab and Eden two of our favorites to escape too. And finishing up with the Cabelas Fishing Report of the week with Lance Egan, we tell you where to go wet a hook this week and have some success! Download the Podcast and tune in!

Trail Master Outdoors Radio 1st Hour Podcast for 5 - 23, 2009

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:42:38 PDT

Jud Eades fro ARS, on eof our Sponsors and a great outdoor enthusiast, calls in from Moab, Utah where they are down with family doing some great off road driving in rental Jeep from Moab Adventure Center. Jud knows this are really well and has his Mercedes UNIMOG down there too! Tenn it talking about the upcoming trip for Cris and Shelly to Africa, and trips around the US, Canada and the World you can go with on Huntin with the Judge TV Show and the Trail Master. Better stay tuned for live calls from Africa on the adventure of a lifetime for Cris Draper, the Trail Master Tune on and download the Podcast!

Bi-Partisan Congressional Majority Moves to Restore Second Amendment in National Parks

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sun, 24 May 2009 06:35:09 PDT

Friday, May 22, 2009

On Wednesday, NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147. Today, the measure was signed into law and, as specified in the legislation, will take effect in nine months, on February 22, 2010. This was a major repudiation of the gun control community's anti self-defense agenda.

The current Department of Interior (DOI) regulations were amended by the Bush Administration in 2008, allowing law-abiding citizens to defend themselves by carrying a concealed firearm in national parks and wildlife refuges. However, early this year, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. granted anti-gun plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against implementation of the new rule. NRA has been working for the past several years in the regulatory, legal, and legislative arenas to achieve this policy change.

"It has been an NRA priority to change the old, outdated rule, and we are pleased that Congress passed this critical legislation," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "This step brings clarity and uniformity for law-abiding gun owners visiting our national parks and wildlife refuges. NRA will continue to pursue every avenue to defend the American people's right of self-defense."

The National Park Service's recent report revealed that 11 murders, 35 rapes, 61 robberies and 261 aggravated assaults occurred on parklands in 2006. Our parks also contain hidden methamphetamine labs, marijuana fields and illegal drug and illegal alien smuggling routes. In addition to these dangers and potential attacks from human predators, park visitors have to consider attacks from animal predators. Between April and December 2007 there were at least a dozen grizzly bear attacks reported by park visitors. Today, 31 states allow the carrying of firearms in state parks--all with safe and satisfactory results.

This bill provides consistency across our nation's federal lands and puts an end to the patchwork of regulations that govern different lands managed by different federal agencies. In the past, only Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands allowed the carrying of firearms, while National Parks and Wildlife Refuges did not.

In 1982, only six states allowed citizens to carry handguns for self-defense. Currently, 48 states have some process in place for issuing licenses or permits to allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for self-defense. The NRA has long held that the regulations needed to be updated to reflect this change.

This move restores the rights of law-abiding gun owners who wish to transport and carry firearms for lawful purposes on most DOI lands and makes federal law consistent with the state law in which these lands are located.
"This common-sense measure, offered by Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), gives law-abiding gun owners the option of protecting themselves in our federal parks and refuges. We appreciate the efforts and leadership of Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Representatives Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) and Rob Bishop (R-Utah), in ensuring a legislative remedy to amend out-of-date regulations and restore the Second Amendment rights of American gun owners," concluded Cox.

Fish for Free on June 6

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:28:40 PDT

If you’re looking for a fun activity that’s close to home and
doesn’t cost much, mark June 6 on your calendar.

June 6 is Free Fishing Day in Utah. You won’t need a fishing license
to fish in the state that day.

“Make plans now to get out with your family and enjoy a free day of
fishing,” says Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator
for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Cushing says Utah has plenty of water this year, and fishing should be
better than ever. “Fishing at many of our mid-elevation reservoirs is
really good right now,” he says. “As the spring runoff recedes,
fishing will pick up at the state’s rivers and streams too.”

You won’t need a license to fish on June 6, but Cushing reminds you
that the other rules in the state’s fishing guidebook will still be in
effect.

You can learn those rules by reading the 2009 Utah Fishing Guidebook.
The free guidebook is available at
www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2009_fishing.

Copies are also available at DWR offices and from fishing license
agents across the state.

Some of the best places to fish

Before Free Fishing Day, the DWR will place extra fish in waters across
Utah. Most of those fish will be placed in lakes and reservoirs, so
those might be good places to try on June 6.

Utah’s community fishing ponds are another good place to consider.
Depending on where you live, a community pond might be only a few
minutes away.

You can learn more about Utah’s community fishing ponds at
www.wildlife.utah.gov/cf/2008_book.pdf.

“We’ll stock the community fishing ponds with channel catfish
before Free Fishing Day,” Cushing says. “We’ll continue stocking
the ponds with catfish until the temperatures cool in the fall. Then
we’ll start placing trout in the ponds again.”

Several free fishing events for children will be held on Free Fishing
Day. The following are some of the events the DWR will be involved in:

NORTHERN UTAH

LOGAN

The Bear River Celebration and Free Fishing Day will be held from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. at Willow Park, 419 W. 700 S.

People of all ages can enjoy free fishing at Skylar’s Pond.
Volunteers will be on hand to check out fishing equipment. They’ll
also be available to help first-time anglers.

Activity booths, for those ages 4 to 18, will also be offered. The
first 250 kids and teenagers who visit the booths and complete their
“passport to fun” will receive a free t-shirt. The interactive
booths will give young people a chance to discover the joys of fishing
and learn the importance of good water quality. Kids and teenagers can
tie their own wooly bugger, experience how rivers and streams are
formed, explore the life cycles of fish, go “buggy over bugs,” make
fish prints, learn to cast a fishing lure and learn more about Leave No
Trace fishing and camping!

A variety of local, state and federal agencies are sponsoring the
activity. The activity promotes water quality and fishing.

For more information, e-mail Marni Lee with the Division of Wildlife
Resources at marnilee@utah.gov.

NORTH-CENTRAL UTAH

MIDWAY

“Kid’s Fishing Event,” Wasatch Mountain State Park pond, about
two miles west of Midway.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited. If your child
would like to participate, please register in advance by calling Wendy
Wilson at (435) 654-1791.

The DWR will stock the pond with rainbow trout before the event. The
kids who participate will be taught about fish and how to catch them
starting at 9 a.m. Once the training is done, the kids are free to fish
at the pond. If your child needs help, volunteers from the DWR’s
Dedicated Hunter program will be available to help them fish and clean
the fish they catch.

Fishing poles and bait will be available for children who don’t have
their own equipment.

PROVO

The Fourth Annual Utah Lake Festival will be held at Utah Lake State
Park, 4400 W. Center St.

Fishing equipment will be available for use at no charge. The festival
runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you can use the fishing equipment as
early as 7 a.m.

Festival activities include free boat rides; a sail-boat regatta; a
canoeing workshop and excursions; a fishing simulator; vendor booths;
and face painting and art activities for the kids. Free hot dogs, snow
cones, popcorn, apples and water will be provided by Provo, American
Fork, Orem, Springville and Santaquin cities.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there is no fee to visit Utah Lake State Park
and the festival. The festival offers a chance to get outside and enjoy
Utah Lake, experience its many recreational opportunities and offerings,
and learn about the lake’s ecosystem and the native fish species that
live in the lake.

NORTHEASTERN UTAH

Three Free Fishing Day events for kids of all ages will be held in
northeastern Utah:

- Pelican Lake in Uintah County, 8 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the
Bureau of Land Management, XRQ 94 Radio and the DWR.

- Moose Ponds in Daggett County, 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the U.S.
Forest Service, the Flaming Gorge National Scenic Byway partnership and
the DWR.

Note: Moose Ponds is a popular spot along the scenic byway. The ponds
have been improved over the past few months. A ribbon-cutting and
dedication ceremony will be held on June 6 to celebrate the
improvements.

- Lower Stillwater Ponds on Rock Creek in Duchesne County. The event
should run from 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service
and the DWR.

If you have your own fishing pole, you’re encouraged to bring it to
these events. A limited number of poles will be available at the
Pelican Lake and Moose Pond sites for those who don’t have a pole but
would like to try fishing. Fishing demonstrations will also be provided
at the Pelican Lake and Moose Pond events.

The sponsors of the three events have arraigned for prizes and other
give-aways for the younger children that drop by. These events should
be fun for the whole family!

For more information, contact any of the sponsors or the DWR’s Vernal
office at (435) 781-9453.

SOUTHWESTERN UTAH

CEDAR CITY

The Division of Wildlife Resources will sponsor a fishing event at Duck
Creek Pond from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children 12 years of age and younger are invited to come to the pond
and fish for free. A fishing license is not required, and fishing
equipment will be available for kids who don’t have their own
equipment. DWR personnel and volunteers will also be available to help
the kids fish.

Duck Creek Pond is about 24 miles southeast of Cedar City on Route 14.

For more information, call the DWR’s Cedar City office at (435)
865-6100.

TROPIC RESERVOIR

A free Kids Fishing Derby will be held at Tropic Reservoir from 9 a.m.
to noon.

The DWR will stock the reservoir with fish before the event. Each
child who attends the event will receive a prize. Refreshments will
also be provided.

Tropic Reservoir is just west of Bryce Canyon National Park. To reach
the reservoir, travel southeast from Panguitch on Route 12. Five miles
before you reach the park, turn south on a gravel road and travel 10
miles to the reservoir.

For more information, call Jake Schoppe with the U.S. Forest Service at
(435) 676-9300.

Men charged with poaching 18 deer get Prison Time and More Than $60,000 in Fines

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:27:16 PDT

Provo -- Four Utah County men have been charged with killing 18 buck
deer in Juab County.

Seven of the deer had antler spreads of more than 24 inches, making
them “trophy” animals under Utah law. One of the seven deer was a
massive buck with a 30-inch antler spread.

The case is one of the state’s biggest poaching cases in recent
memory.

Thirty-eight-year-old Rex Powell, 42-year-old Joseph Pantos,
30-year-old Ryan Hoover and 21-year-old Chris Vance face third-degree
felony or misdemeanor counts for wanton destruction of protected
wildlife, more commonly known as poaching.

Officers with the Division of Wildlife Resources have been
investigating the case since 2007, when members of the public began
discovering deer carcasses within the boundaries of the well-known
Vernon limited entry deer hunting unit.

The investigation led officers to Powell’s home. Officers seized
three mounted deer heads and 15 sets of antlers after serving a search
warrant in March 2009.

The four men now face time in prison and more than $60,000 in fines.

They may also lose their hunting privileges in 31 states involved in
the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Utah is among the states involved in the compact.

18th Annual Pedalfest Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:24:33 PDT

Saturday, June 13: Deer Valley will host the 18th Annual Pedalfest Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race, for all ability levels. This is the eighth race in the Intermountain Cup Series and takes place on the trails near Snow Park Lodge. All races will start at 9 a.m., except kid’s races, which will begin at 8:15 a.m. Day-of registration is available from 7 to 9 a.m. in the Snow Park Ticket Office. For more information or to pre-register, please call Chauner Promotions at 801-942-3498 or visit intermountaincup.com.

Register Now to Become a SCI Official/Master Measurer

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:17:21 PDT

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Cabelas,
2502 W. Grand Terrace Pwy, Lehi, UT, 84043.

Official Measurers Seminar
Saturday, June 13, 2009
From 9am - Noon
Cabela’s Conference Room
*Cost: $150.00
Included In Official Measurers Seminar:
Official Measurers Kit Including (tools, measurers
manual, score sheets, and a lifetime of updates).

Master Measurers Seminar
Saturday, June 13, 2009
From 9am - 6pm
Cabela’s Conference Room
*Cost: $100.00
Master Measurer Seminar Requirements:
All Master Measurer attendees must be an
active SCI Official Measurer prior to attending
the Master Measurers Seminar.

Official Measurers Candidates will be required to attend the four-hour measuring seminar
and complete the Official Measurers Test.

Master Measurers Candidates will be required to attend the four-hour measuring seminar from
9am-1pm as well as score 25 provided trophies within 3% accuracy.
* Seminar fees do not include SCI membership.
All Official and Master Measurers are required to maintain a current SCI membership.
Annual SCI memberships will be available at the seminar for $55.00 & $80 (International).
For further details, please call Michael Roqueni @ (520) 620-1220 X-292
or visit www.SafariClub.org

Twelfth Annual Utah Rivers Council Paddle Festival Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:12:40 PDT

Start summer on the water with boating, fishing, children’s games and more

On Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Utah Rivers Council will host the twelfth annual Utah Rivers Council Paddle Festival. The Paddle Festival gives everyone a chance to learn to paddle or try out the newest and hottest kayaks, canoes and more. Beginner paddling and sculling instruction and clinics will be available. Festival-goers can also enjoy paddle races, fly-fishing instruction, children’s events, great food, beverage and live music.

“The Utah Rivers Council Paddle Festival is a great opportunity for beginning boaters to learn about kayaking or canoeing in a safe and fun environment. Families will also enjoy the Festival’s children’s activities, music, and other events,” said Ted Wilson, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council. “At the same time, more advanced boaters get a chance to take the hottest new boats of the year for a spin.”

General admission is free. Everyone can enjoy the bands, have a meal and visit the vendor booths. A participation fee is charge for on the water activities and the fly-fishing clinic. Only $10 for those 13 and older, $6 for ages 6-12 but free for children under 6.
“Proceeds from the Paddle Festival support our programs to protect and restore Utah’s wonderful rivers,” said Wilson. “Funds raised at the Festival will help us educate the public and our elected officials about the benefits of keeping our rivers clean and free-flowing for future generations.”

The Festival will be held at Oquirrh Lake at Daybreak in South Jordan. The event will be on the north part of the lake which is located at approximately 10400 South and 4700 West. Take Bangerter Highway to 10400 South and drive west into Daybreak. Follow the signs to the lake and this fun event.

Sponsors of the 12th annual URC Paddle Festival include Rio Tinto, Daybreak, Sidsports, Wasatch Touring, Western Rivers Flyfisher, NRS, Fiddlers Elbow, Spotted Dog Ice Cream, Arbor Homes and Uinta Brewing Company

For more information, including a map and detailed directions to the Festival location, visit our website at www.paddlefestival.org.

Two Utah Self-Defense Laws Go into Effect!

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:45:44 PDT

As we reported, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R) signed two important self-defense bills into law on March 31. These bills officially went into effect on Tuesday, May 12.

Senate Bill 78 will protect your right to lawfully transport and store firearms in your privately-owned locked motor vehicle while parked in publicly accessible parking lots controlled by your employer or a business you frequent.

House Bill 357 will make it easier for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without the need to obtain a concealed weapon permit. HB357 fixes the clearly unintended aspect of existing law that makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm in or on a person's residence, property or a business under the person's control without a concealed weapon permit. The bill clarifies and simplifies the currently vague and inconsistent law by allowing law-abiding citizens to choose how they carry a handgun for self-defense (open, concealed, unloaded or loaded) in a vehicle without the need to obtain a permit.

Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call to act in support of SB78 and HB357. Without you this victory would not have been possible.

Upcoming summer programs at Jordanelle State Park

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:15:03 PDT

June 27 Hailstone Amphitheater/Jordanelle State Park – Heber
Evening Program: Altair, the Star and the Bird. Meet the Naturalist Saturday 8:30 pm at the amphitheater. Meet Altair the Falcon and look at Altair the Star in the Summer Triangle. Bring binoculars. Hailstone is located on the west end of the reservoir. For more information please call (435) 782-3030.

July 25 Hailstone Amphitheater/Jordanelle State Park – Heber
Evening program: Star Party. Join the Naturalist and the Salt Lake Astronomical Society Saturday at 9 pm at the amphitheater. View stars and deep sky objects through telescopes. Hailstone is located on the west end of the reservoir. For more information please call (435) 782-3030.

August 22 Hailstone Amphitheater/Jordanelle State Park – Heber
Evening program: Falcons up Close. Meet the Naturalist Saturday at 7 pm at the amphitheater to learn about Falcons and why they are so special. Hailstone is located on the west end of the reservoir. For more information please call (435) 782-3030.

Jr Ranger Program at Rock Cliff. Saturdays from 11-12 for kids 6-10 yrs old
May 23 Birds of Prey
May 30 Astronomy in the Daytime
June 6 Print a Fish
June 13 Summer Triangle
June 20 Geology Rocks
July 4 All About the Sun
July 25 Make a Star Finder
Aug 1 Fish Adaptations
Aug 15 Cooking up a Comet
Aug 29 Turn Over a New Leaf
Sept 5 Science in Action

National Parks - The Place to be for Family Fun this Summer

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:53:26 PDT

Washington, D.C. – The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to kick-off
the upcoming summer travel season with many new and exciting adventures
awaiting park visitors, as well as traditional programs that families come
back time and again to enjoy. From the shores of Maine and Alaska to the
Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the warm beaches of California and the
Virgin Islands, national parks offer something for everyone.

“National Parks have been the family summer vacation of choice for
generations – they offer tradition, heritage, recreation, and fun for all
members of the family,” said Acting NPS Director Dan Wenk. “There are
incredible opportunities for you to experience the marvelous natural and
cultural heritage of our country and pay homage to our ancestors and
inspire our children to become better stewards of the parks for tomorrow.
Enjoy a ranger program, experience the beauty – and our history. I welcome
you to come out and enjoy your national parks this year and every year.”

The National Park Service has developed and made available a web site to
help inform visitors about what’s new in national parks this year and the
many ranger led programs, activities and commercial services available.
Find out what a great summer is waiting for you this year in your National
Parks by visiting the “National Parks: The Place to be for Family Fun”
website at: http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/parks2009/index.htm.

The National Park Service always recommends stopping by the park’s visitor
center to get the latest, most up-to-date park information. In addition,
NPS reminds visitors that safety is critical, and hikers should stay on
marked trails and let family members and/or friends know their whereabouts.
Remember to dress appropriately for the elements and activities you are
going to engage in, and it’s always best to have plenty of water on hand.
Parks Rangers are easily recognizable in their distinctive green and gray
uniforms and ranger hats. Ask questions…that’s what they are there for!

Wolf Creek Utah Summer Concert Series Kicks Off with Country Music Star Charley Jenkins

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:48:10 PDT

Nashville Star to Perform Saturday, June 27!

WHAT: Music in the Mountains, Wolf Creek Utah’s summer concert series, features a star-filled line up ranging from country to classical! Charley Jenkins will kick off the concert series on Saturday, June 27th with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the concert beginning at 8 p.m.
A celebrated country music star, Jenkins’ popularity has soared since recently opening for many top country headliners including LeAnn Rimes, Little Texas, Emerson Drive, Lonestar, and Josh Turner. In the summer of 2008, Jenkins was selected out of 45,000 contestants to be one of 12 finalists to compete on Nashville Star, which aired on NBC!
For a complete list of events and detailed driving instructions, please visit www.wolfcreekutah.com
WHEN: Saturday June 27, 2009
Gates open at 6 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m.

2009 Upcoming Acts
The Utah Symphony – July 11
Juice Newton - July 25
Jon Schmidt - August 7
Eric Heatherly - August 22
Pladdohg- September 5

WHERE: Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort
3567 Nordic Valley Way in Eden, Utah

COST: Wolf Creek is committed to keeping their entertainment affordable for all. Admittance to concerts is enjoyed for only $20 per carload and the Utah Symphony performance is $40 per carload.

Trail Master Outdoors Radio Podcast for 5-16-2009 Hour 2

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:58:46 PDT

Hour number two finds us visiting the Teton Springs Lodge and Still Water Spa as Shelly, the Trail Mistress and friends headed up for a weekend of relaxation and pampering in this great facility to base your outdoor fun from. Located in Victor, Idaho, your surrounded with activities you can head out and enjoy the great outdoors. Clay Shelly, with Antelope Island State Park joins us to talk about the fun going on at Antelope Island year round! Then Ranes Carter, Storm Mountain Chapter of IDOS, talks outdoor cooking and shares some great tips on how you can get cooking too!

Trail Master Outdoors Radio Podcast for 5-16-2009 Hour 1

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:51:19 PDT

In hour one, we are joined by Jeffery Walker with CampFireGrill.com to talk about their great grills for cooking over the fire or with charcoal. This is one of the best grills on the market with the unique raised edge system to keep your food on the grill! Fred Hayes with Utah State Parks joins us to talk about OHV and ATV safety. With the recent series of accidents over the last week, we thought it was a great time to have Fred join us to talk about how you can be more safe in the great outdoors. Bob Grove with Drive Away Vacations join us from Zion Poderosa Ranch to share with us this hidden getaway that's not so far away from the Salt Lake Area!

Felony Charges in Deer Poaching

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:21:28 PDT

Charges have been filed in two high-profile poaching
cases. The cases involve five men and more than 20 buck deer taken in
north-central Utah.

- The first case involves four men from Utah County. They’ve been
charged with 14 felonies for taking at least 15 buck deer from the
Vernon limited-entry deer hunting unit.

Seven of the deer had antler spreads of more than 24 inches and are
considered "trophy" deer by Utah state law. The antler spread of one of
the bucks was 30 inches.

DWR officers served a search warrant on one of the men and recovered 15
deer from his home.

- The second case involves a Salt Lake County man. He’s charged with
poaching several deer in counties across north-central Utah.

OLD FAITHFUL VANDALS CAUGHT ON WEBCAM

cris@utahoutdoors.com (Cris Draper) — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:18:04 PDT

“Geyser Gazers” Call in Violation in Yellowstone’s First Cyber-Enforcement Case

Washington, DC — A live streaming web camera installed last year to broadcast Old Faithful Geyser was instrumental in the arrest of six vandals last week. In photos posted today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), a group of six “cone walkers” ventured off the visitor boardwalk; two apparently urinated and one dropped a rock into the iconic geyser at Yellowstone National Park.

The incident took place on the evening of May 4th and lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Outraged viewers on the Old Faithful webcam contacted park officials and the transgressors were apprehended as they returned to the boardwalk. The six, who are employees of the park concessionaire, were cited by park officials and will appear before a magistrate on May 19th where they face possible fines and jail time.

The webcam footage shows that several of the cone walkers appeared to urinate on the geyser cone. Two of them are seen digging around the geyser catch basin and one looks to have dropped a rock into the geyser itself.

This may be the first instance in which a webcam has been used in this fashion to protect park natural resources. Yellowstone National Park now has five webcams but only one at Old Faithful has continuous streaming video.

“We are on the threshold of cyber-parks where spectacular vistas can be viewed from the nearest screen, even one in the palm of your hand,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “The brave new world of cyber-parks officially started last week.”

Yellowstone National Park has recently unveiled a controversial Wireless Communications plan that authorizes more cell phone coverage within the park and provides for a possible expansion of webcams:

“Existing webcams within developed areas could be upgraded to wireless, or new wireless webcams could be installed in developed areas of the park if they are found to meet the siting criteria…It is possible that wireless webcams could be placed in backcountry areas for resource monitoring or to address safety concerns.” (p.30)

In 2000, former National Park Service Director Roger Stanton placed a moratorium on all new webcams in our national parks pending development of a strategy that addressed a broad spectrum of issues relating to webcams. Nine years later, a comprehensive strategy has yet to emerge.

“Technology can have both good and bad effects and that is why we have urged the National Park Service to carefully plan before they start installing the latest gadgets,” Ruch added. “If a tree falls in the forest, we will not only be able to hear it, but we can watch it topple and then run the video backward.”

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See the cone walkers captured on the webcam

Look at the advent of the Old Faithful streaming webcam and some of its implications

View the Yellowstone webcams

Read about the new Yellowstone Wireless Communication plan