"Wild Places and Wild Things" are better, thanks to Doug Miller

Most Utahns knew Doug Miller for his booming voice and as the man who loved "wild places and wild things." What many people don't know about are the extensive conservation efforts he did when the camera was off.

"People who love wild places and wild things."

These simple words will be a part of our lives forever because of Doug Miller. These words were much more than a slogan to Doug. Wild places and wild things were values he believed contributed to the quality of life in Utah.

What many people never saw, and never knew, were the many hours Doug spent outside of work to promote and preserve these values.

The Division of Wildlife Resources expresses grateful appreciation to Doug and his family for his tireless work to help sportsmen and all Utahns better understand and more fully appreciate Utah's wildlife and wild lands. The agency recognizes that these efforts often took him away from his cherished family, and the DWR extends its heartfelt thanks to them for sharing him with all of us.

Doug contributed his talents and distinctive voice to many wildlife education projects. He recorded education messages for people to listen to as they admired elk on the horse-drawn sleighs at Hardware Ranch. (No one was more "uniquely qualified" than Doug to don a Santa Clause cap at Christmas time to encourage Utahns to see and experience elk at the ranch!)

At the time of his death, he was preparing to do recordings to support a local Boy Scout troop in their efforts to create a short distance radio station at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area.

His messages of wise, ethical use of the earth's resources were a critical part of many of his programs.

His stunning narration of the hunter education video entitled "Building Tomorrow" grabbed the attention of young hunters who instantly recognized and listened to his voice. He instilled in these young hunters a sense of pride for the conservation ethic that is associated with hunting.

Two of Doug's passions, waterfowl and Rocky Mountain elk, were benefited by the countless fundraising events that he hosted or added "color" to as a Master of Ceremonies.

He was instrumental in creating the Kids Fishing Pond at the Wildlife Building at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. He spent many hours with his shoes off and pant legs rolled up, wading in the water to place rocks and seal the lining of the pond. He took great pride in watching kids catch their first catfish (one of his favorite fish!) from the pond and signing catfish posters for everyone. He was always flattered by the praise he received from his fans and was always willing to sign autographs.

Invaluable safety tips and other instructive messages were a regular part of his television programs. These tips helped outdoorsmen and women enjoy their sport more fully and safely.

While many sportsmen experienced and saw first-hand his commitment and passion for wildlife values, Utahns from all backgrounds and walks of life more fully appreciate Utah's "wild places and wild things" because of Doug Miller.