A native of Cache Valley, Jeff graduated from Mountain Crest High School and briefly attended Utah State University before transferring to the University of Oregon, where he completed a journalism degree in 2001. He returned to Utah and became the Standard-Examiner's business reporter, a position he held from 2002 until 2009, when he took over the outdoors section and Xplore. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, reading, spectator sports, golf, and barbecues with friends and family.
On the Horizon
Jeff DeMoss talks about outdoor sports for XploreUtah.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 16:41
I’m not big on new year’s resolutions, and it’s not just because I often lack the resolve to stick with them.
My aversion to them is more philosophical: Setting an arbitrary date for self-improvement, while it may work for those who have more structure in their lives, just doesn’t mesh with my approach (the cliche that comes to mind is ‘flying by the seat of your pants’). I prefer to act when inspiration strikes, and inspiration tends to be in short supply for me around this time of...
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011 - 17:33
In Gardiner, Mont., at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the inscription on the Roosevelt Arch reads “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
Those words are taken directly from the Organic Act of 1872, the legislation that made Yellowstone the first national park.
Nearly 140 years later, that same phrase drives right at the heart of an ongoing battle pitting local control against federal oversight, commercial enterprise against undisturbed wilderness, and the...
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Friday, February 4, 2011 - 18:05
With all the recent talk about slashing funding and possible closures of state parks in Utah and elsewhere, it’s encouraging to see people looking for creative solutions to keep these gems viable for the enjoyment of the public.
As the economy continues to struggle, many states, including Utah, are forced to look for ways to trim the fat out of their budgets. What constitutes budgetary “fat” is a topic of endless debate, but one thing is for sure — state parks are on the...
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - 16:27
Last week’s Winter Dew Tour Championships at Snowbasin were a smashing success, with record attendance and valuable international media exposure for the state and its plethora of top-notch outdoor recreation options.
The Winter Dew Tour just wrapped up its third season, and is already considered the third-biggest winter sports competition anywhere, trailing on the Winter Olympics and Winter X Games in terms of prestige and prize money.
There are three stops on the tour each season, meaning...
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Friday, February 18, 2011 - 18:26
The current debate over whether wolves should continue to receive federal endangered species protection in light of their recent recovery is a legitimate one when all affected interests are taken into account.
What isn’t legitimate is for Utah legislators to be making wild, unsubstantiated claims about the animals and those who seek to protect and recognize them as rightful residents of the western United States.
On Thursday, the Utah Senate voted 26-1 in favor of a resolution calling on the...
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - 14:43
Here’s an interesting contest that just got under way. Some anglers might not be too keen on sharing their favorite fishing spots with the rest of the country, but the winner gets a pretty hefty prize:
Ask any angler across the USA the best place to fish and most of them will tell you about a hidden gem right in their own backyard.
World Fishing Network is looking for nominations through a nationwide contest and awarding a $25,000 prize and more to the community selected as WFN’s...
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011 - 16:36
A veteran of Utah’s angling waters has been named the top official overseeing fishing in the state.
Roger Wilson, a fisheries biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, was recently chosen to lead the agency’s Aquatic Section.
Wilson, a resident of Coalville, replaces Walt Donaldson, who recently retired.
He says the agency’s Aquatic Section and the agency itself are
facing some challenges, including funding challenges, “but I know we can work through these challenges and...
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - 16:24
Utah got some more rave reviews in the national ski media this week, but this time it wasn’t for its legendary powder or top-notch terrain.
Ski magazine released its “10 Best Ski Resort Cafeterias” list, which includes cafes at three Utah resorts – Deer Valley, Snowbasin and The Canyons. Magazine employees traveled to resorts all over the U.S. and Canada to sample the on-mountain fare, and compiled the list based on their eating experiences.
Deer Valley’s Snow Park...
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Friday, April 8, 2011 - 16:40
Members of the U.S. women’s ski jumping team gathered at their home base in Park City this week in eager anticipation of an announcement they have been waiting years to hear.
What they heard was music to their ears: The International Olympic Committee has decided to include women’s ski jumping in the Winter Olympics beginning with the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia.
Representatives of the sport unsuccessfully pleaded their case to the IOC prior to the 2010 games in Vancouver, B.C. It...
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Friday, May 20, 2011 - 16:35
While high water has forced the temporary closure of the popular access road in Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, it also presents an opportunity to enjoy the refuge free of motorized vehicles.
As of Friday, the Refuge access road was closed to vehicle traffic due to high water and flooding conditions brought on by recent rains and snowmelt. Refuge staff will monitor conditions closely and will re-open the road to vehicles as water recedes and safety allows.
In the meantime, foot traffic will...
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