The Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps is offering an eight-week residential work program for teens ages 15-18. Participants will live and work in the world's first national park. Work includes conservation projects on trails and campgrounds, as well as resource management tasks. The program is from June 16 to Aug. 11. Participants receive room and board and earn minimum wage. The deadline is March 15. Visit www.nps.gov/yell/technical/jobs/ycc.htm for an application.

Poaching

San Juan teenagers plead guilty to killing five deer

Five teenagers from San Juan County recently pleaded guilty to 16 Class A and 11 Class B misdemeanors for the illegal killing of five mule deer - four bucks and a doe - in November and December 2005.

The teens, all from the Monticello area, were fined $17,465 in combined restitution and fines and ordered to serve a combined 23 months in jail.

According to a Division of Wildlife Resources release, conservation officer Chris Rhea received a tip from a concerned citizen and located the five animals, which had been shot and left to waste. More animals were shot and likely died, but none were located.

The mother of one of the suspects hid the weapons used in the poaching during the investigation. She was charged with evidence tampering and pleaded guilty to a Class A misdemeanor. She was fined $925 and given 36 months of probation.

Those with information about wildlife violations in Utah can place an anonymous call to the Division of Wildlife Resources' Help Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-800-662-DEER.

GPS Navigation Day

FIND YOUR WAY: REI and National Geographic will hold a GPS Navigation Day on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Sandy store, 10600 S. 230 West. Basic knowledge of a global positioning system is suggested. The class will be held in conjunction with a field session. Cost is $15 for members and $30 for others. Call 801-501-0850 to register.

Closing

Hardware Ranch boards up early, citing lack of snow

Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area near Hyrum in northern Utah has closed, ending its sleigh rides through the wintering elk at the ranch.

Warm weather and minimal snow forced the closure a month earlier than the ranch typically closes. The elk, which traditionally gather at the ranch in winter, left last week when warm weather arrived.

Survey

Break hunting law once in a while? You're not alone

A poll conducted by HunterSurvey.com in December found 38 percent of hunters surveyed admitted breaking game laws by accident. Thirteen percent confessed to occasionally breaking the rules, but said they were only minor infractions.