Hunting for Sustainability
Hunting for Sustainability is a cohort-based mentorship and skills program designed specifically for adult-onset and new hunters who want to learn howto hunt responsibly, ethically, and confidently in Utah.
Hosted by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers – Utah Chapter in partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), this program is built for individuals who may not have grown up hunting or who lack access to traditional mentorship. Hunting for Sustainability combines classroom-style learning with hands-on field sessions to cover the fundamentals of hunting, conservation, and stewardship.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in hunting ethics, regulations, animal behavior, scouting, firearms safety, and meat care—while also learning how conservation and hunting are deeply connected. The program culminates in a hands-on butchering and packing session, where participants will field dress and process a donated depredation deer and will have the opportunity to take home wild game meat.
The goal of Hunting for Sustainability is to empower new hunters with the skills, confidence, and community needed to hunt safely, legally, and ethically while becoming thoughtful stewards of Utah’s wildlife and public lands. Read more about one participant’s experience here.
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Application & Selection Process
This event requires an application.
- Interested participants must complete the application linked below.
- Applications will be reviewed by a small selection committee.
- 15 participants will be selected for the program.
Applicants will be asked to respond to a short series of questions. These questions help ensure a diverse and engaged cohort.
Applicants will be notified of their selection status after the application period closes.
Applications Close: March 13, 2026
Participant Notifications Sent: No later than March 23rd, 2026
Apply Here
Who Should Apply
This program is designed specifically for adult-onset and new hunters who are seeking skills development, mentorship, and confidence to participate responsibly in Utah’s hunting traditions.
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a new or adult-onset hunter who lacks access to traditional mentorship
- Have a strong interest in ethical hunting, conservation, and stewardship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must possess a valid Utah hunting license or be enrolled in Utah’s Trial Hunter Program
- Must own or have reliable access to a hunting rifle for program participation
Program Schedule
Participants must be able to commit to attending scheduled sessions. Detailed agendas will be shared with selected participants.
All sessions will take place across the Greater Wasatch Front Area. Exact meeting details will be provided to selected participants prior to each session.
- History of Conservation, Hunting Ethics & Pack Dump
Thursday, April 9 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Farmington Bay
- Regulations, Common Violations & Applying for Tags
Thursday, April 16 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Location: Farmington Bay
- Animal Behavior, Scouting, Glassing & Hunting Techniques, Blood Trailing, Firearms Overview
Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Springville
- Range Day
Thursday, April 30 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Lee Kay Public Shooting Range
- Scouting (Field Session)
Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: TBA
- Butchering & Packing
Saturday, August 15 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: TBA
TBA = To Be Announced
Locations
Sessions will take place at a combination of indoor meeting spaces and outdoor field locations in Utah. Exact locations will be shared with selected participants prior to each session.
Participant Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Free 1-year Backcountry Hunters & Anglers membership
- Free 1-year onX subscription
- Access to exclusive educational content and field experiences
- Direct engagement with conservation professionals and leaders
- Opportunities to build lasting connections within Utah’s conservation community
Additional gear, resources, and opportunities may be provided throughout the program.
Important Notes
- Space is limited and selection is competitive.
- Applicants must be able to commit to attending scheduled sessions.
- Selected participants will be required to pay a one-time $50 program fee to help cover the cost of instruction, facilities, and materials.
Contact and Questions
Matt Fuller
Utah Chapter R3 Coordinator
Matthew.fuller87@gmail.com
Apply Here