1. Healthcare

February 2015
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TENNESSEE
FISHING &
HUNTING GUIDE
1805 Amarillo Ln
Knoxville, TN
37922
865-693-7468
J.L. & Lin Stepp
Publishers
“Serving
Tennessee Since
1990”
BENTON SHOOTERS SUPPLY
The Largest Shooters Supply Store In The South!
WWW.BENTONSHOOTERS.COM
423-338-2008
Hwy 411, Benton, TN 37307 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm
HUNTING & FISHING SUPPLIES - GUNS - AMMO
ARCHEREY EQUIPMENT - SAFES
OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR MEN/WOMEN/CHILDREN
Our E-mail: steppcom@
aol.com
Send us your pictures!
ABOUT THE
COVER
We may still be in the
grips of winter, but
there’s some good fishing opportunites for those
who will get out on the
lakes. Matt and his fishing partner caught these
smallmouth beauties on
Watts Bar Lake recently.
Also, small game hunting seasons continue
this month for those still
wanting to smell gunpowder. So dress warmly,
and enjoy Tennessee
fishing and hunting!
Photo 4 Corners Market,
Decatur, TN
423-334-9518
Fish & Hunt
Tennessee!
Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock!
Ammo and supplies for every shooting need.
2
KEEP OUR TENNESSEE
LAKES CLEAN
Introduce A Kid
To Fishing!
WATTS BAR LAKE
* Groceries
* Deli - Take-Out
* Pizza
* Gas
* Live Bait * Worms
* Beer * Ice
* Lottery
* Propane
* U-Haul Rentals
4 CORNERS MARKET
Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN
* Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings
(Delicious & Best @ Prices)
Call In or Carry Out
* Hunting & Fishing Licenses
* Live Bait & Fishing Supplies
* Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries
* 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93)
OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station
423-334-9518
OUR EMAIL: [email protected]
SEND US YOUR PICTURES!
A trophy buck for this hunter. Photo courtesy
4 Corners Market.
Statewide Youth Waterfowl Hunt Set for January 31 and February 7
NASHVILLE --- The 2015 Tennessee statewide youth waterfowl hunts are set for a pair of Saturdays on Jan. 31 and
Feb. 7.
The dates that appear in the annual Tennessee Wildlife Magazine calendar were listed incorrectly.
Youths between 6 and 15 years old may participate in these two youth hunt days and bag limits are the same as during
the regular waterfowl season. Federal regulations require an adult at least 21 years of age to accompany youth hunters in the field. Adults are not allowed to hunt.
---TWRA--
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3
WATTS BAR LAKE
J & S Pawn Shop
1008 River Road, Decatur, TN 37322
(423) 334-3468
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New & Used Guns & Ammo
Gun Accessories
We buy gold and silver
Fishing Supplies & much
more!
OPEN: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm
* Fishing Equipment
* Tackle
* Live Bait
* Open Mon - Sat
423-365-2266
290 Whites Creek Road
Spring City, TN 37381
Watts Bar Fishing Report:
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation:
740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet.
Current elevation: 736.8 feet. The water surface temperature is 48 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: Good. Some fish are being
caught, but the rate of fish being caught is less than
in previous weeks. Most are casting the rig.
Smallmouth Bass: Slower than in recent weeks probably because the bait fish are moving.
Walleye: Slow. A few fish are being caught while using jigs.
Sauger: Slow. No observations and few reports.
Crappie: Good. Crappie are being caught in large
bays along the bottom underneath large balls of
bait fish. Some anglers are catching fish out of deep
brush.
Catfish: Good. River drifters in all areas are catching
a lot of fish. Upper reservoir is the most fished area
for catfish. Use almost any meaty bait.
Striped bass: Fair. Mid lake is the better area. Bass
anglers are catching these fish on the rig.
- TWRA For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com
4
Doug Plemons with 3 lb and 5 lb wintertime bass.
Photo courtesy The Bait Box.
TWRA Launches New Weekly TV Program,
Tennessee Uncharted
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is serving as a partner in a
new weekly-television program, Tennessee Uncharted which hits the air waves in November.
The 30-minute show can be seen on PBS stations across the state on the Tennessee Channel. The program will showcase the outdoors
including unique locations, techniques and
traditions in the Volunteer State.
Host and musician Erick Baker will lead the
(Con’t on p. 6)
Rabbit - Squirrel - Quail - Raccoon Seasons
Open Until Feb 28, 2015
WATTS BAR LAKE
Chickamauga Reservoir Fishing Report:
Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation:
682.0 feet. Winter normal elevation: 676.0 feet.
Current elevation: 677.2 feet. The water surface
temperature is 48 degrees.
Largemouth Bass: Good. Anglers casting along
river banks with the rig are having a few good
days. Some large bay area fish are being caught
while using jigs or the rig.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. More smallmouth than
usual are being caught on the lower end and
tailwater anglers are catching several also while
using the rig or jigs. Main lake banks are better.
Crappie: Many crappie are being caught around
some docks and in large secondary waters
under baitfish. Jigs or minnows are equal opportunity.
Striped bass: Not many reports or observations.
Bluegill: Fish in deep creeks near the bottom
while using small jigs or worms.
Sauger: Slow. Very few sauger and walleye are
being caught.
Catfish: Good. Drifters are catching a lot of fish
in the main channel while using meaty bait from
various sources.
865-730-6410
Live Bait - Fishing Supplies - Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Hunting Gear - Ammo - Marine & Outdoor Supplies
Open: Mon-Fri 6 - 6 Sat 5 - 8
5110 Harriman Hwy Oliver Springs, TN 37840
[email protected]
- TWRA -
For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com
Support Our Advertisers
New Tennessee Birding Trails Website Now Available
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is announcing the launch of the Tennessee Birding Trails website. The birding trails project, spearheaded by TWRA state ornithologist
Scott Somershoe, provides details on more than 130 of the best places to watch birds across the
state.
“The new website (www.tnbirdingtrail.org) is designed to be simple and user-friendly so users can
find bird watching locations and information on each site with little effort,” Somershoe said. “Birders
can search for places to go birding using four different search options, including region of the state,
specific species that birders often seek out in Tennessee, by species group, and by season.”
The value to the birders and travelers from out of state or folks unfamiliar with the area is extensive details on each site. This includes what species can be found and when, habitats and specific
places to see, links to species lists from each site submitted by birders to eBird.org, and directions
to navigate to the sites and to get around once you arrive. The website also has links directly back
to the Tennessee Watchable Wildlife website (www.tnwatchablewildlife.org) for species and other
features.
Contributions to the Watchable Wildlife Fund help maintain and develop each of the websites. Donation information is available on the home page of each website.
---TWRA---
5
HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS
Fifth Annual Daniel Greer Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt Set for Feb. 7 in Cheatham County
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is among the partners to host the Fifth Annual
Daniel Greer Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at Cheatham Lake
Wildlife Management Area.
The event is held in honor of U.S. Marine Corporal Daniel Greer who lost his life in August 2010 while
serving in southern Afghanistan. He was an Ashland City firefighter and avid outdoorsman.
The hunt is for youth ages 10-15. In addition to the hunt, participants will gather at the Ashland City Park
at 11:30 a.m. There will be lunch served, as well as dog handling and duck calling demonstrations.
The TWRA is partnering with Delta Waterfowl and the Young Sportsman Foundation to again sponsor this
year’s event.
Space is limited for the event. For an application or for more information, visit the TWRA website at www.
tnwildlife.org or contact Donald Hosse, TWRA Wildlife Education Coordinator at [email protected] or
(615) 781-6541, Don Crawford, Assistant Chief, Information and Education at (615) 781-6542 or [email protected], or Darren Rider, Chief, TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement, (615) 781-6669.
---TWRA---
(“New TWRA TV Program” .. con’t from p.4)
way on the weekly adventure, mined from the
outdoors of Tennessee. Erick feels, after years
on the road with his music, “It’s that thing calling me back home.” He views the show as “an
opportunity to showcase the greatness of our
home state. Sometimes you have to travel the
world to see how beautiful it is at home.”
6
In the series premier, class is in session for
Erick and the Uncharted crew as they travel to
Montgomery County to learn about the impor
(Con’t on p. 19)
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses
Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS
Daniel Sutton got this deer with unusual rack 12/30/14. Photo courtesy Sloan’s Center.
NEXT TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING
February TFWC Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:00 AM Region 2 Ray Bell Building Nashville, TN
NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM
7
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
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8
Jason Stewart - 36 lb, 50-inch muskie at Melton Hill Dam 1/27/15. Photo courtesy Sloan’s Center.
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Ron Barnby got this nice smallmouth below Ft. Loudon Dam.
Photo courtesy Sloan’s Center.
TWRA Requesting Input for 2015-16 Hunting
Regulations
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is soliciting comments for its 2015-16
hunting seasons’ regulations. This is an opportunity for the public to provide ideas and share
concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA
staff. The comment period will be open through
Monday, Feb. 16, 2015.
Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell (L) and client with big Ft.
Loudon catfish. Photo FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as
proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2015-16 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife and Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or
emailed to [email protected]. Please include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject
line of emailed submissions.
---TWRA---
9
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
"Every cast is a new adventure!" Capt. Chadwick
Ferrell
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Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell (L) and client with big striper below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo FISH ON! Guided Tours.
10
Grouse Season Open Until February 28, 2015
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
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11
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Big stripers below Ft. Loudon dam. Guided by FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
12
Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell with heavy Ft. Loudon cat. Photo FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Happy client and guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell (R). Photo FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
Big wintertme catfsih for this angler. Photo FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
13
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
14
Photos above: big stripers below Ft. Loudon dam. Photos FISH ON! GUIDED TOURS.
Je
rry
’s
CHEROKEE LAKE
Robert Holt got this 7 1/2 lb Cherokee bass at Cherokee dam
1/27/15. Photo courtesy Lady Swann.
2637 N. Hwy 92
Jefferson City, TN
37760
Open 7 Days a Week
Always Available
Across form Cherokee Dam
JERRY BROWN
865-207-6876
TWRA Announces Availability of Riparian Tree Planting Grants for Fiscal Year 2015
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and
conservation groups, etc., with riparian tree planting projects.
All seedlings must be bought through the Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Tree
planting season in Tennessee is December through March.
Five grants, at $500 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection projects (a total of $2,500 per region). The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee
must have a nonprofit tax number. The projects are to be completed, the money spent, and a
report submitted by June 30, 2015. In order to meet this deadline, TWRA will accept proposals
through Nov. 30, 2014.
Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone,
and name of a contact person authorized to enter into contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, county or counties involved,
and the project area and description.
Contact Della Sawyers at (615) 781-6577 or by e-mail at [email protected] with any questions. For additional information, interested persons may also contact a regional Aquatic Habitat
Protection biologist at the TWRA offices below:
(Con’t on p. 17)
NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM
15
CHEROKEE LAKE
Kenny Kilgore with a nice striper. Photo courtesy
Gilmore Dock.
Four Wildlife Management Areas Selected As
Northern Bobwhite Quail Anchor Locations
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency completed “The Tennessee
Northern Bobwhite Quail Restoration Plan” last
year and it is now being put into action.
The northern bobwhite quail is Tennessee’s
state game bird and historically was a prominent game bird across the southeastern United
States. Unfortunately, due to the large scale
loss of farmland, changes in agriculture, and
increases in forest land, quail habitat has been
reduced or eliminated. As a result, the northern
bobwhite population in the U.S. has been on a
decline.
16
Morgan Reynolds with striper. Photo Gilmore Dock.
The TWRA has designated four of its wildlife
management areas (WMAs) to serve as anchors within a quail focus area. The four WMAs
(Con’t on p. 18)
DOUGLAS LAKE
INDIAN CREEK MARKET & DELI
1811 Indian Creek Road
Dandridge, TN 37725
OPEN 7 Days a Week
6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Phone # 865-397-0880
Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out
Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts!
Live Bait - Fishing Supplies
BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS
(“Riparian Tree Planting” ... con’t from p. 15)
Region I
1114 Douglas Dam Rd, Dandridge, TN 37725
Fishing Supplies - Live Bait - Licenses Groceries - Deli - Take Out
Open 7 Days 6am - 10pm
Call In Orders Welcome!
OUR DELI HAS DAILY BREAKFAST &
DINNER SPECIALS AVAILABLE!
Allen Pyburn
200 Lowell Thomas Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 423-6541
Email: [email protected]
Region II
David Sims
P O Box 41489
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 781-6510
Email: [email protected]
Region III
Bobby Brown
464 Industrial Boulevard
Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 484-9571
Email: [email protected]
www.bucksnbass.net
Region IV
Rob Lindbom
3030 Wildlife Way
Morristown, TN 37814
(423) 587-7037
Email: [email protected]
- TWRA -
Rabbit - Squirrel - Quail - Raccoon
Seasons
Open Until Feb 28, 2015
Support Our Advertisers
With YOUR Business!
17
NORRIS LAKE
Scott Liford & Jeff Norris
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Phone (865)278-3131
cedargrovemarina.com
(“Quail Locations” ... con’t from p. 16)
are spread across Tennessee and include
Wolf River WMA (Fayette County), Bark Camp
Barrens WMA (Coffee County), Bridgestone/
Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA (White
County), and Lick Creek Bottoms (Greene
County).
The anchor areas act as permanent reserves
where wildlife management efforts are focused
on maximizing ideal habitat and conditions to
Beagle Johnson with a big walleye. Photo courtesy
foster a healthy and prolific quail population.
Judy’s Grocery.
As the quail population increases, it should
expand out into the surrounding focus area
if suitable habitat exists. The focus area is made up of private and other public lands that have the
potential to hold suitable quail habitat.
To address continued declines and quail populations, TWRA private lands biologists will provide
technical assistance to property owners in the focus areas. They can develop habitat management
(Con’t on p. 24)
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e-mail: [email protected]
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18
NORRIS LAKE
Fall Turkey Harvest Stands at More than
1,400
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee turkey hunters
recorded 1,464 harvests during the two-week
2014 fall turkey season which was held in October.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
reports that the 2014 fall harvest stands at
1,464. The harvest is 165 less than the 1,628
harvested during the 2013 fall season. Fall turkey hunting was allowed in 78 of the state’s 95
counties this fall.
Maury County was again the top county with
a harvest of 117, 11 less than the total of 128
last year. Sumner County was second with 63.
The rest of the top 10 counties were Rutherford
54, Sullivan 52 and Greene 52, Dickson 47,
Washington 44, Montgomery 43, Robertson 41,
Cheatham 38, Cocke and Hickman 36.
The 2015 spring turkey season will run from
April 4-May 17 in all Tennessee counties. The
Young Sportsman Turkey Hunt is the weekend
of March 28-29.
---TWRA--(“New TV Program” .. con’t from p. 6)
tance of passing down the legacy of
the outdoors at the Tennessee Outdoor
Youth Summit (TOYS).
SOUTHERN OUTDOORS
2089 Hwy 25 E, Tazewell. TN
(423) 626-7388
Live Bait - Fishing, Hunting, Archery Supplies
Groceries - Snacks - Ice - Discount Tobacco
100% Ethanol-Free Gas - Diesel
Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Big Game Checking Station
OPEN 7 DAYS
Tennessee Uncharted can be seen
weekly 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on Saturdays and 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on Sundays. The program is being produced
in partnership with the TWRA and
Designsensory. The exclusive production partner is PopFizz. Tennessee Uncharted maintains exclusive distribution
with Nashville Public Television.
The Tennessee Channel is a joint effort
between all six of Tennessee’s PBS
stations to bring the top programming
related to life in the state to all Tennessee residents. Each week, the Tennessee Channel features a five-hour block
of programs. The Tennessee Channel
broadcast simultaneously on each
station’s additional digital channel on
Saturdays from 6-11 p.m. ET/5-10 CT
and Sundays from 2-7 p.m. ET/1-6 CT.
- TWRA -
Macy Caldwell with a doe. Photo courtesy Judy’s Grocery.
19
NORRIS LAKE
Ben Parr with a big Norris Lake striper. Photo courtesy
Judy’s Grocery.
Billy LaGrange Named SEAFWA 2014
Tennessee Wildlife Officer of the Year
NASHVILLE --- Billy LaGrange has been named
the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Wildlife
Officer of the Year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA).
20
Ralph Gross with a 26 lb striper. Photo
Crossroads Grocery.
The award recipient was announced by Col. Darren Rider, TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement
Division Chief.
(Con’t on p. 24)
TWRA NEWS
Commission Sets New License Fee Structure
Sportsmen and Women Encouraged to Buy Licenses Before July 1 at Current Prices
UNION CITY, Tenn. --- For the first time in a decade, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission
has approved a license fee structure adjustment for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The
increase was one of five rule amendments made by the TFWC at its January meeting, which concluded Friday at the Discovery Park of America.
Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses expire on Feb. 28, but the changes will not go into effect
until July 1. Sportsmen and women are encouraged to buy 2015-16 season licenses at the current
prices before July.
TWRA has sought to increase license fees only twice in the last 25 years, roughly following rises
in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In this case, the Agency’s license revenue will be increased
by around 19 percent against a CPI of approximately 22 percent over the last decade. The new
structure introduces new licenses for professional guides as well as high-impact users of TWRA’s
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Under the new structure, horseback, mountain bike, and offhighway vehicle riders will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the public WMA trails they use
through a new annual license. (All of the new fees and changes will be listed on the TWRA website
at www.tnwildlife.org).
“Our funding as an Agency comes almost exclusively from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses
and matching funds from federal excise taxes on related equipment,” said Tennessee Fish and
Wildlife Commissioner Harold Cannon, who chairs the commission’s budget and finance committee. “The license fee package passed in 2004 was designed to cover the revenue shortfall for a period of six to eight years, and we made it work for more than a decade. In 2013, we started working
closely with the Agency to identify budget savings, but the reality is everything is more expensive
than it was 10 years ago. Changes to the federal matching funds, capital expenditures and the general cost to state government—on top of the 22 percent cost of living increase—made it necessary
to introduce this new fee structure.”
Major capital expenditures in recent years have included $3.5 million for HVAC/electrical system repairs at the Agency’s Nashville headquarters, $1 million annually for compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, and a critical upgrade for inter-agency law enforcement communications for $7
million.
Another rule amendment simplifies the process by which the TWRA selects an organization to auction an annual permit for the special elk hunt.
In other business, during Thursday’s committee meeting, Daryl Ratajczak, TWRA Chief of Wildlife
and Forestry gave report on several of the state’s hunting seasons which have concluded.
The final deer harvest is again in the 165,000 range. Reports indicate that this is the state’s lowest
percentage of 1 ½ year old bucks harvested at 36 percent with almost two-thirds of the bucks 2 ½
years or older. A complete report on the deer season will be made at the April meeting.
The black bear hunting season number showed a slight decline from last year. Ratajczak said that
an outstanding mast crop this year may have been a big reason as the bears did not have to move
as much for food. It was also the first year of bear hunting in the redefined bear hunting zone and
included a pair of harvests in the transitional zones.
The second sandhill crane hunting season concluded at the start of the year. The TWRA is waiting
to receive all the postcards from those sportsmen who received permits, but the harvest is expected to be near of the inaugural harvest of 350. The number stands at 314 so far for the second hunt.
21
(Con’t on p. 22)
TWRA NEWS
(“Commission Sets New License Fees” .... con’t from p. 21)
As requested from a prior TFWC meeting, TWRA Fisheries Division Chief Bobby Wilson gave a
presentation in regard to stocking Florida bass in Tennessee waters.
The Agency’s recommendation was not to stock all state waters due to concerns including backcrosses, genetic integrity, hatchery space, and outside of zones determined to be climate suitable.
The proposal is to continue current stocking at Chickamauga Reservoir, Lake Graham, Gibson
County Lake, Brown’s Creek Lake, and Shellcracker Lake. The new waters to be stocked are Nickajack Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake, the middle portion of Kentucky Lake, and TWRA’s
Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County.
The first episode of the new television program, Tennessee Uncharted, was shown on Thursday.
Don King, TWRA Chief of Information, gave a status report on the program and filming of season
two which is scheduled to begin at this weekend’s Sandhill Crane Festival in East Tennessee.
The meeting was the first for the TFWC at the Discovery Park which opened in late 2013. The
TFWC will return to Nashville for its February meeting. The meeting will be a one day event on
Thursday, Feb. 12.
---TWRA--Sixth Annual Maury County Youth Small Game and Predator Hunt Scheduled for February 7
COLUMBIA, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be one of the sponsors for
the Sixth Annual Maury County Youth Small Game and Predator Hunt to be held Feb. 7.
The free event is for youth from ages 9-15 who must have a TWRA Hunter Education certification
by the hunt date and have all the appropriate licenses permits. Hunters must also provide their
own firearm and ammunition. Firearms and ammunition will be provided for the clay target range.
Along with the TWRA, the Tennessee Wildlife Officers Association, Columbia Noon Rotary Club,
Sun Drop, Quail Unlimited and several other local businesses are sponsoring the event. The Columbia National Guard Armory will serve as the event’s headquarters.
The day’s activities will begin at 6 a.m. with breakfast at the armory. Young sportsmen and women
will be teamed with hunting guides, dog handlers and safety officers to participate as guides who
will accompany them to pre-selected property to hunt rabbits, squirrels or predators. Public hunting lands as well as private property will be utilized for the hunt. The hunt will conclude with lunch,
prizes, and clay target shooting at the armory.
Parents and/or guardians are welcome to accompany the youngsters on the hunt. There will be
safety officers assigned to all hunting parties going rabbit or squirrel hunting.
To register for the hunt, send the youth’s name to Maury County Wildlife Officer Rusty Thompson
by clicking here. Please include the hunter’s name, age, address, email, phone number, and which
species he or she prefers to hunt (rabbits, squirrels, or predators). For more information contact
Rusty Thompson by email or at (931) 881-8241.
---TWRA---
22
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BOONE LAKE
Photo Contest Underway for 2015-16 Tennessee Wildlife Calendar Issue
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now accepting entries for its 201415 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife Magazine’s annual calendar issue. All
interested photographers are invited to submit their best photos on fishing and wildlife species
native to Tennessee, and fishing and hunting scenes in Tennessee.
Interested photographers must submit their photo entries by March 11, 2015.
The photos will be reviewed for publication in the annual calendar edition of Tennessee Wildlife
Magazine which is the summer issue. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60.
The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Only digital images in JPEG format and of high
resolution (300 dpi) sized as an 8 1/2x11 will be accepted.
Each disk submitted must have the name of the photographer stamped or written on it. No prints
can be accepted. (Sorry, disks cannot be returned).
Entries can be mailed to:
Tennessee Wildlife Magazine
Calendar Issue
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for the TWRA. Subscription rates are $10 for one year,
$17 for two years and $25 for three years.
---TWRA--2014 Elk Hunts Have Five Harvests
NASHVILLE --- For the second consecutive year, four of the five participants recorded harvests
in the Tennessee Elk Hunt held Oct. 20-24 at North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.
In the Tennessee Youth Elk Hunt, held the weekend of Oct. 25-26, the participant had a harvest
for the third in as many years since the hunt was established. Robert L. Goodner, a 14-year old
from Cleveland was the first boy selected for the youth hunt. Robert had the biggest overall harvest this year with his take of a 6x8 bull elk that field dressed at 646 pounds and was taken
(Con’t on p. 26)
23
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
(“Officer of Year” .. con’t from p. 20)
LaGrange is a wildlife officer in TWRA Region II’s
District 22. He was selected among other TWRA
law enforcement officers to become the state recipient. He will be recognized during the annual
SEAFWA meeting scheduled Oct. 19-22, in Destin,
Fla. LaGrange is assigned to Hickman County, but
works throughout the 13 counties in District 22.
Also honored as TWRA region and district selections were Jay Corbitt, Region I and Chase Taylor
(Con’t on p. 27)
2015 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts Application Period Underway Through Feb. 4
NASHVILLE --- Applications for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2015 Spring Turkey
Quota Hunts are now being accepted. The application period runs from Dec. 17 through Feb. 4,
2015.
Applications are available and will be accepted at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online at the TWRA website by clicking here. Applications can be accepted until 11:59 p.m.
(CST) on Feb. 4. Mailed applications will not be accepted.
The areas available for the hunts are listed on the instruction sheets. Hunters have up to 12 choices, but will be drawn for only one. Applicants may not use the same hunt code more than once.
There are a total of 24 hunts listed. No person may apply more than once.
A permit fee will not be charged to Annual Sportsman (Type 004), Lifetime Sportsman (Types 402405) license holders or Senior Citizen Hunters (Type 166) with an Annual Senior Citizen Permit
(Type 167). For all other license holders, the cost is $10 per permit, plus the agent fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed.
Hunters will receive a receipt with a confirmation number when the application is complete.
Hunters with Internet access may apply for a spring quota turkey hunt online. Hunters can click
on Buy a License On-Line. Once the Internet site has been accessed, hunters can follow the onscreen directions.
---TWRA--(“Quail Locations” ... con’t from p. 18)
plans free-of-charge targeted to establishing and maintaining suitable quail habitat. They will also
help guide the landowner to USDA conservation programs that can significantly reduce the cost
of habitat conversions. TWRA and partners are in the process of determining boundaries for the
quail focus areas.
The managers of the selected WMAs are busy developing habitat plans and doing on-the-ground
field work. To aid in the development of habitat planning, these WMA managers have been consulting with each other, quail habitat experts, and touring all four WMAs. A quail monitoring protocol has been developed so that the quail population status on these areas can be tracked. Also,
hunting seasons on these WMAs will be adjusted to minimize pressure on the growing quail populations.
Any landowners interested in improving their lands for quail should contact one of TWRA’s four private lands biologists. These biologists will meet with landowners or managers and develop a free
habitat management plan and provide other advice, such as programs that can provide financial
(Con’t on p. 25)
24
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
Quail Forever Staff Addition to Help TWRA
with State Game Bird’s Restoration Efforts
NASHVILLE --- As part of the recently-implemented “Tennessee Northern Bobwhite Quail
Restoration Plan” a third person has been added
as a Quail Forever farm bill wildlife biologist in the
state.
David Peters joins the Quail Forever staff. He will
work closely with Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency staff on the plan to help bring back the
bobwhite quail population which has seen its
numbers decline over the past several decades.
His primary area of responsibility will be in TWRA Region III, which includes one of the four quail
focus Wildlife Management Areas, the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial WMA.
“We are excited to bring on David as our third Quail Forever farm bill wildlife biologist in Tennessee,” said Mark Gudlin, assistant chief of TWRA’s Wildlife and Forestry Division. “Our current Farm
Bill staff in West Tennessee is doing great work with landowners and Quail Forever chapters to
create habitat on the ground.
“David will be targeting the promotion of bobwhite habitat, shortleaf pine and stream buffers that
benefit both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. He will work closely with local TWRA biologist Michael
McCord to reach and assist more landowners in developing and managing habitat to increase
populations of bobwhites, rabbits and other wildlife.”
The TWRA designated four of its wildlife management areas to serve as “anchors” within a quail focus area. Along with the Bridgestone/Firestone in White County, the other three are spread across
the state. They include Wolf River WMA (Fayette County), Bark Camp Barrens WMA (Coffee County), and Lick Creek Bottoms (Greene County).
The anchor areas act as permanent reserves where wildlife management efforts are focused on
maximizing ideal habitat and conditions to foster a healthy and prolific quail population. As the quail
population increases, it should expand out into the surrounding focus area if suitable habitat exists.
The focus area is made up of private and other public lands that have the potential to hold suitable
quail habitat.
Quail Forever is a national non-profit organization, comprised of local chapters, dedicated to the
protection and enhancement of quail and other wildlife.
Landowners interested in improving their lands for quail and other wildlife should contact one of
TWRA’s four private lands biologists or one of the three Quail Forever biologists. These biologists
will meet with landowners or managers and develop a free habitat management plan and provide
other advice, such as programs that can provide financial assistance. Contact information for these
biologists and other natural resources professionals can be found for each of the state’s 95 counties at www.TWRAprivatelands.org , or by calling the TWRA.
---TWRA--(Con’t from p. 24)
assistance. In addition, Quail Forever, a non-profit conservation organization, also has two biologists that work in West Tennessee. Contact information for these biologists and other natural
resources professionals can be found for all of the state’s 95 counties at www.TWRAprivatelands.
org , or by calling the TWRA. ---TWRA---
25
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
(“Elk Hunt Harvests” ... con’t from p. 23)
on the morning of Oct. 26.
During the regular hunt, Jefferson City resident
Jimmy Rogers had this year’s first harvest. It came
in the evening on opening day and was a 6x6 that
field dressed at 593 pounds.
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On the second day of the hunt, two harvests were
made both coming in the evening. Audie Schrimsher of Maryville took an elk that was a 5x5 that
weighed 462 pounds. Hartsville resident Clay Oldham also took a 5x5 elk and it had a field dressed
weight of 465 pounds.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation received the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO),
permit. The permit was auctioned on eBay with the
proceeds going to benefit the Tennessee Elk Restoration Program Shane Alexander took a 6x6, 520
pound elk in the morning of Oct 23. He is a former
Tennessee resident who now lives in Missoula,
Mont. He received the permit as the successful bidder in the auction.
(Con’t on p. 29)
TWRA Introduces Tackett Creek Unit of North Cumberland WMA
LAFOLLETTE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has entered into a lease agreement
with Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC to lease 43,000 acres, which is being utilized as the
Tackett Creek unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.
Located in both northeastern Campbell and northwestern Claiborne counties, the property, which
has been historically used as a public hunting area, is now in a five-year lease by the TWRA giving
the agency control of the area’s hunting and recreational rights. The Tackett Creek Unit is located
near the Sundquist, New River, and Royal Blue units of the NCWMA and is an important expansion
of the management area.
Having been heavily surface-mined in the past and with active surface mining and reclamation efforts ongoing, the property consists of excellent habitat for grouse, turkey, deer, and elk. All users
should also be aware that safety hazards associated with mining exist on this area.
The Tackett Creek Unit will fall under the North Cumberland WMA regulations, which can be found
on pages 66-67 of the 2014-15 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide or by clicking here. Hunting is open the same as statewide seasons except as noted in the hunting guide and hunters will
be required to possess appropriate WMA permits. The property is also open to ORV riding with the
appropriate North Cumberland Special Use Permit.
The property is accessible from Tennessee Hwy. 90 east, located between Lafollette and Jellico on
the west side, or on the east side from Cumberland Gap and Middlesboro, Ky. on Hwy. 74 west.
For GPS usage, Clairfield is closely located to the property and may help with navigation.
26
---TWRA---
DALE HOLLOW LAKE
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- FACILITIES FOR SALE - Dale Hollow Fishing Report courtesy Sportsman’s Lodge Motel
Dale Hollow: Fishing is good. Water temperature is 47
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smallmouth are being caught on A-rigs and tailspinners
while fishing flat points in 25-to-35 feet of water. Largemouth: Several largemouth are being caught on A-rigs
while fishing drops in the river in 20-to-30 feet of water.
Musky: A few musky are being caught while trolling large
stick baits near Willow Grove in 30 feet of water.
For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com
(“Officer of Year” ... con’t from p. 24)
District 11; Dale Grandstaff, District 21; Kyle Walling, Region III and Casey Pittman, District 32;
Wayne Rich, Region IV and Michael Cavins, District 41. The officers were selected for their efforts
in teamwork, public outreach, innovation, attitude,
leadership, achievements and accomplishments.
“It’s always a difficult situation when one officer
is selected out of a group of officers that have
all gone above and beyond the duty of ensuring Tennessee hunters, anglers and boaters are
provided safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities,” said Rider. “All these officers are to be
commended for their professionalism and
(Con’t on p. 29)
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27
CENTER HILL LAKE
Center Hill Fishing Report:
Fishing is good. Water temperature is 48
degrees; lake is fairly stable. Bass: Lots
of bass are being caught on A-rigs, tailspinners and jigs on points and channel
banks in 15-to-25 feet of water. Crappie:
A few crappie are being caught around
sunken brush piles on jigs in 20 feet of
water.
- TWRA -
Take It To The Next Level in
2015!
Conservation, Opportunity Areas Protect
Tennessee Habitats and Wildlife
NASHVILLE --- For wildlife resource managers, an initial, critical aspect of preserving and
protecting wildlife is identifying the key habitats
that support particular species and populations.
Biologists at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency (TWRA) and The Nature Conservancy
(TNC) have collaborated to identify Conservation Opportunity Areas (COAs) that are addressing the habitat requirements of Species of Greatest Conservation Need. These include amphibians, freshwater mussels, reptiles, fishes, birds and
mammals, identified in the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (the update process of which is
underway).
COAs are natural areas in Tennessee that represent clusters of species of plants and animals
where conservation actions should be targeted and complement other state-wide conservation
planning efforts. Information on the COAs will be uploaded to a new website that the TWRA is
developing to showcase the Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan and associated activities and
projects, and will be available for public review in early 2015.
These recently proposed COAs, which include areas such as rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes,
forests, migratory bird corridors, protected greenspaces, and other areas where targeted
conservation planning and action can take place on public and private lands, are being used to
identify conservation opportunities and priorities, as well as stakeholders that are already
working in these places or could be valuable partners in this conservation effort. An example of
a proposed COA includes the Buffalo River, which is home to one of the last remaining
populations of the hellbender, the largest species of aquatic North American salamander, in the
region.
Another COA, the Western Highland Rim, has been determined to have a significant
number of intact forests that provide habitat for forest breeding birds, like the Cerulean Warbler,
but is an area where active logging is leading to fragmentation and water quality impacts. In the
Mill Creek Watershed COA, the only place in the world where the federally endangered
Nashville Crayfish can be found, residential and commercial development threaten this species’
existence. Yet another important COA includes karst and cave habitat, like that found in east
Tennessee that is providing habitat for animals such as the Eastern Small-footed Bat.
28
(Con’t on p. 29)
OLD HICKORY LAKE
(“Elk Hunt Harvests” ... con’t from p. 26)
“It was good weather for the hunt, the temperatures were cool for the most past,” said Steve
Bennett, TWRA Elk Restoration Program Coordinator. “It is near the end of the breeding season and some of the hunters heard bugling and
some didn’t. It depended on the location.”
Since the historic first managed hunt in 2009, 27
elk have been harvested. Tennessee residents
have harvested all but one of the elk.
Five elk hunting zones were selected on the
Royal Blue Unit of the North Cumberland WMA,
each about 8,000 acres. The division helps
ensure the harvest was spread over the entire
core of the elk zone. Each hunter was assigned
a zone through a random hand-held drawing.
Robert was able to choose any of the zones for
his hunt.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has
worked to make habitat improvements at North
Cumberland WMA. The first arrival of 50 animals came in December 2000, the first elk to be
in Tennessee since they were last reported in
Obion County in 1865.
---TWRA--(“Officer of Year” .. con’t from p. 27)
efforts they displayed this year. All these officers
had a fantastic year, but Billy really excelled in
all aspects of his job. His achievements and accomplishments were outstanding.”
Among his activities during the year, he coordinated a youth fishing rodeo with 45 participants,
conducted two youth deer hunts and a youth
rabbit hunt. He also conducted a regional Envirothon and helped instruct teams in the National
Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). He
taught and certified 130 students in hunter education and assisted in five other classes certifying another 225 students.
“Billy’s efforts in excellence and innovation
were also great,” said Rider. “Even though he is
young, he uses ‘old school’ game warden tactics to check for violations. He is dedicated and
determined to protect the state’s resources for
all Tennessee citizens to enjoy. He approaches
his job with grit while maintaining a professional
demeanor.”
(Con’t on p. 30)
Terry Harris with a 4.00 lb largemouth bass caught on
Guntersville Lake 1/19/15. Photo courtesy Jim Summers.0
“Conservation Protects” ... con’t from p. 28)
To learn more about Tennessee’s conservation
goals and the measures necessary to recover
endangered species, restore unique habitats,
keep rare and imperiled species off the endangered species list, and to keep common species common, visit the Tennessee State Wildlife
Action Plan page at www.tn.gov/twra/cwcs/cwcsindex.html. For questions about the ongoing
TN SWAP update process or to make comments
contact Bill Reeves, Chief of Biodiversity, 615781-6645 or [email protected].
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29
OLD HICKORY LAKE
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(Officer of Year” ... con’t from p. 29)
His efforts resulted in issuing 205 citations
and 30 warnings while also assisting other
officers with 59 additional citations. He had
1,492 law enforcement contacts with hunters, anglers and boaters. In addition Billy
assisted the Agency’s SIU (Special Investigative Unit) in the arrest of two individuals
for turkey violations. Billy was the “go to”
guy in the district for the eradication of wild
hogs.
---TWRA---
James Hanson with a 5.80 lb largemouth bass caught on
Guntersville Lake 1/19/15. Photo Jim Summers.
30
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31
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