Meet the new DWR Director

New DWR Director Justin Shirley loves to hunt, fish, and hike with his wife and kids. Photo: Utah Division of Natural Resources

SALT LAKE CITY — On Thursday, Justin Shirley was named the new Director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).

He will replace interim director Rory Reynolds, who has held the position since January 1 this year after former director Mike Fowlks retired.

Shirley is from Elk Ridge in Utah County. His father was a biologist and conservation officer for DWR for 30 years.

“J” as he likes to be called, graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in wildlife and range resources.

“J brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to this position, and I feel confident in his ability to oversee the management of Utah’s fish and wildlife,” Utah Department of Natural Resources Director Brian Steed said.

Shirley graduated from the Police Corps in 2002 and began working with DWR as a conservation officer that year in Juab County.

He then worked his way up the ladder through several positions — sergeant, southeastern region lieutenant, captain, and law enforcement section chief.

“I am a second-generation DWR employee and care deeply about the continued success of the wildlife resources in Utah,” Shirley said.

“With over 18 years as an employee with the DWR, I feel that my experience gained through numerous positions within the law enforcement section have uniquely prepared me for the position of director.

“As stated in the DWR mission, ‘Wildlife is valuable to everyone.’ I believe in that and have spent my career promoting and instilling a respect for wildlife and wild places with all those I interact with. I look forward to continuing that mission.”

Shirley currently lives in Stockton, Tooele County with his wife and kids. He loves to hunt, fish, and hike.