Tennessee Wildcast

This week on Tennessee WildCast, Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods and Officer Josh Landrum joins us to recap the past boating season. We will learn how to be safe on the water, prepare for cold weather boating, find a boater education class and steps to prevent accidents on Tennessee Waterways. Remember, TNwildlife.org is the best place to find all the latest information on boating and all things Tennessee Wildlife.

The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have reached a multi-agency agreement to provide continued funding for three federal fish hatcheries that have stocked waters in Georgia and Tennessee with millions of trout. The Clinch River was great place to celebrate this partnership. The river is always among the best tailwaters in the state producing trophy rainbow and brown trout. TWRA, USFWS, and TVA all contribute to this fishery. Funding for trout production comes from TVA and TWRA. The fish are produced at USFWS’s Dale Hollow Hatchery and TWRA’s Buffalo Springs Hatchery. Each year over 240,000 rainbow, brown, and brook trout are stocked in this 12-mile tailwater. Today, Fisheries Chief Frank Fiss will recap yesterdays event and provide more detail on this agreement between agencies. #tnwildlife

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Inc. (TWRF) was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1999 to support the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and to promote habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and the preservation of Tennessee's hunting and fishing heritage. TWRF assists TWRA with youth education programs as well as strategic land acquisitions to provide opportunities for habitat conservation/restoration and public hunting. Through our fundraising efforts and support, we provide a synergy to help the TWRA realize its goals. Today on Tennessee WildCast, we are going to visit with the Foundation’s Development Director, Johnny Allred. He will catch us up on the programs and fundraising efforts, as well as how you can be a part of this support organization of the TWRA.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has been fighting to stop aquatic nuisance species for years. The invasion of non-native plants and animals can have a major effect on our waterways. Today we welcome David Roddy, Fisheries Biologist of the Year, to discuss some new steps we are taking to stop the invasion of aquatic nuisance species, especially Asian Carp. We will also welcome new Pro Shop Partner, the McEwen group. This real estate company specializes in the marketing and acquisition of Middle Tennessee’s finest rural properties. Hope you enjoy this weeks edition of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife

This week you will here from Dr. Krysten Schuler of Cornell University. She has been studying and dealing with CWD for many years. She will break down some CWD risk assessment and surveillance strategies for the TWRA.

Bear Hunting is a true Tennessee Tradition that has been around a long while and at one point had to be closed to help reestablish the population. Join us this week as look into a little history and this years hunting opportunities with Dan Gibbs, TWRA’s Black Bear Program Leader.

This week we are in Gatlinburg with Dan Gibbs, Black Bear Program Leader, Sgt. David Sexton of Sevier County, and Information Specialist Matt Cameron. We will discuss the challenges of co-existing with black bears and how you can be prepared when visiting Gatlinburg. Thanks to Gatlinburg Chateau for a great shooting location with a beautiful view. #tnwildlife

The TWRA has a total of four regional office to assist the public and provide office space for the field staff and law enforcement. Today we are visiting our Morristown office and chatting with Administrative Secretary, Becky Hensley and Regional Administrator, Shelia Dalton. They are on the front lines of the Region 4 office and make sure the day to day operations go smooth. Public Information Officer Matt Cameron will help me host and we thank you for joining us for this edition of Tennessee WildCast!

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission recently met and was presented with the TWRA’s recommendations for fishing regulations. Topics concerning sport fishing, commercial fishing and bait were presented for review. This week on Tennessee WildCast we have Assistant Chief Of Fisheries, Jason Henegar. He is going to highlight the Agencies recommendations and let you know how you can voice your concerns for the fishing seasons.

The TWRA is seeking public input regarding deer management in Tennessee at three public meetings early September. Meetings will be held in West, Middle, and East Tennessee on the evenings of Sept. 4, 5, and 6, from 7-9pm. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input. Information received at the meeting will be used in the development of a 5-year strategic plan for TWRA’s Deer Management Program. Join us this week on Tennessee WildCast as talk with Deer Program Leader James Kelly to get all the details.

Whether you hunt deer and or just enjoy watching them, you should be aware of a disease known among wildlife professionals by the abbreviation CWD. They stand for chronic wasting disease, a deadly and contagious neurological disorder that can destroy populations of deer, elk, and other animals classified as members of the deer family known as cervids. In Tennessee, deer and elk are the wildlife we trying to protect from this disease. Joining us today on Tennessee WildCast is our new Wildlife Veterinarian, Daniel Grove and Special Assistant to the Director, Greg Wathen. We will learn about the disease, why we don’t want it and what happens if we get it.

We get a lot of question everyday in all of our offices across the state. Today we are visiting our Region 3 office in Crossville to chat with Admin Secretary Cara Dishman and Information Specialist Mime Barnes about some of the most frequently asked questions. All this and more right here on Tennessee WildCast.

A new opportunity for sportsmen and women is right around the corner. Tennessee's first velvet antlered deer hunt will be on August 24-26. We will cover the hunt, special opportunities on that weekend, and all you need to know to be legal, right here this week on Tennessee WildCast.

Join in as we discuss the up coming migratory bird hunting seasons and draw opportunities across Tennessee. All this and more on Tennessee WildCast.

Catfish Grabblin’ on the Hatchie River with Jonathan Sain and Blake Tranum. These guys are great at what they do. They will give us a few tips and share some stories on this episode of Tennessee WildCast.

This week, Wildlife Program Manager, Richard Kirk joins us to discuss the great hunting opportunities on Wildlife Management Areas in Middle TN. One spot in particular, Cheatham WMA, has become a prime spot for some trophy deer. Richard will update us on the season schedule and opportunities for this property. We will also highlight other season, drawing opportunities and the boating season thus far. All this and more right here on Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #tnhunting #deermanagement

We hate to see him go, but Doug Markham is calling it quits after 31 plus years at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. We are going to miss him, but wish him the best as he enjoys retirement and tries to catch a few fish. Doug has had a great career in wildlife outreach and education. He has done it all from radio to tv and everything in between. Hear some of his stories and success on this edition of Tennessee WildCast.

Alligator snapping turtles are listed as “in need of management” by the TWRA. Habitat loss, over harvest, slow growth and low reproduction have contributed to their population decline. In this edition of Tennessee WildCast we will talk with Southeast Missouri State University Grad Student Saidee Hyder. She is conducting research for her graduate thesis on Alligator Snapping Turtle Movement in West Tennessee. Saidee is trapping alligator snapping turtles and placing radio transmitters to track and record their movement. This is a great interview and hope you enjoy the show.  #tnwildlife #alligatorsnappers Photo: Saidee with a Softshell caught during research.

This week Information Chief Don King will join us as we highlight the boating season in TN. We want you to be safe, so we have a few things for you to think about. Also it is that time of year when folks find young critters without there momma, and we have a few tips for you. Radio plays a big part in helping us get the message out here at the TWRA. Learn about a few shows and station leading the charge and how you can help as well. #tnwildlife #tnboating #tnfishing

Laurel Hill Lake Manager Chris Cole is no stranger when it comes to fishing period. He also knows his stuff when it comes to managing fisheries as well. Today we will pick his brain and get a behind the scenes look at just how he does it. Also don’t forget this Saturday, June 9th, is free fishing day!  #tnwildlife #tnfishing