For decades, the Salt Lake Fish & Game Foundation supported a wide variety of educational programs, outdoor recreation activities, conservation initiatives, and community outreach efforts throughout Utah. These programs reflected the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to wildlife stewardship, outdoor education, conservation awareness, and responsible outdoor recreation for individuals and families.
Through volunteer leadership, partnerships, instructional clinics, youth programs, publications, and community events, the Foundation worked to connect people with Utah’s natural landscapes and outdoor traditions while encouraging conservation and public engagement.
Gun Safety & Hunter Education
Utah Hunter Education Program
The Foundation played an important role in the early development of Utah’s Hunter Education and Gun Safety programs before those efforts were later transferred to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR).
Many past officers and directors served as instructors within the program over the years. Former President Rey Thayne received special recognition from the State of Utah for teaching some of the first all-Spanish-language hunter education courses in the state.
The Foundation continues to support youth hunter education efforts through financial support and participation in programs such as the Youth Hunter Education Challenge.
Watchable Wildlife Programs
Eagle Watch
The Foundation partnered with representatives from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to help the public observe wintering bald eagles at locations including Willard Bay State Park and Farmington Bay Bird Refuge.
Volunteers regularly assisted visitors by providing refreshments and helping support educational wildlife-viewing experiences for the public during these seasonal events.
Youth Programs
Youth Club
For many years, the Foundation supported a youth-oriented outdoor recreation and nature education club led by Foundation volunteers and directors.
The organization encouraged youth participation through educational outdoor activities including:
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Foraging wild foods
- Conservation projects
Youth participants also worked alongside adult members on a variety of outdoor and conservation-related initiatives throughout the years.
Youth Fishing Program
Foundation members partnered with Entheos Academy through its Discovery Program to help introduce elementary-age students to fishing and outdoor recreation experiences.
Programs included educational fishing trips for students in grades 1–6, with support from teachers, parents, and Foundation volunteers. Activities often took place at Utah community fisheries and later at the Foundation’s clubhouse fishpond using organization-provided equipment.
The program became a successful hands-on opportunity for youth outdoor education and community involvement.
Outdoor Recreation Clinics
Over the years, the Foundation hosted a wide variety of instructional clinics and outdoor education activities, many of which were held at the organization’s longtime clubhouse in Murray.
Programs and workshops included topics such as:
- Building ice fishing rods
- Fly tying
- Outdoor cooking and campfire skills
- Safety in bear country
- Mountain man skills
- Upland game bird feather crafts
- Outdoor recreation education
These activities encouraged conservation awareness, outdoor skills development, and community participation for individuals and families.
Publications & Organizational Outreach
For decades, the Foundation published newsletters featuring organizational news, conservation topics, Utah wildlife information, outdoor recreation updates, recipes, photographs, and community announcements.
The organization also produced annual calendars and a variety of promotional items reflecting the Foundation’s long-standing outdoor traditions and community identity.
Continuing Outreach
The Foundation continues to support conservation awareness, outdoor recreation, wildlife stewardship, and community engagement through its ongoing programs, partnerships, grants, and public outreach efforts.