WILDLIFE REFUGE DISPLAY

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History have partnered to create "America's Wildest Places: Our National Wildlife Refuge System."

Between now and May 26, the Utah Museum of Natural History at the University of Utah will introduce visitors to the wonders of the refuge system's diverse locations, designed to inspire an appreciation for these places, educate the public about the habitats, ecosystems and the work of keeping them viable to support wildlife populations.

The exhibit offers a close-up view of several of the system's refuges, including the first one established just over a century ago — Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Utah is home to three national wildlife refuges: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at the Great Salt Lake in Box Elder County, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Juab County and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Uintah County.

The Utah Museum of Natural History, located at the University of Utah, is the state's natural history museum and cares for more than 1.5 million objects.

LOOKING FOR A POACHER

The Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking information about the illegal killing of a large buck deer.

The buck was shot and left to waste on the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah sometime in late November or early December 2007. The mountains are one of two premium limited entry deer hunting units in Utah.

DWR officers found the carcass in the Coyote Benches-Mud Springs area of the Henry Mountains. The poacher took the antlers and skull plate. The rest of the buck was left to waste.

Officers don't know how big the buck's antlers were, but analysis of the deer's teeth places the age of the buck at about 7 1/2 years. A deer that old is a prime-age, trophy-class animal.

A bison hunt was taking place on the Henry Mountains at the time the buck was poached. The DWR urges anyone with information about this incident to call the Utah Turn-in-a-Poacher Hotline at 800-662-3337 or call 435-820-6010.

A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

PROVO RIVER PRESENTATION

Mark Holden of the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission will discuss the management of the Provo River, with emphasis on the Middle Provo in the Heber Valley, on Feb. 21.