Tennessee Wildcast

Life jackets save lives—that’s why they’re called what they’re called. In this episode, Chris Hennessee joins us to dive into why common sense on the water is more important than ever. Whether you're duck hunting, fishing, or just out on the lake, small precautions like wearing a life jacket and planning ahead can make all the difference. Tune in for practical tips, life-saving advice, and a reminder that common sense isn’t always so common anymore.

Join us at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the ultimate destination for all things sharp and collectible! From legendary Christmas trappers to fossils, World War II memorabilia, firearms and unique gift ideas, this iconic Tennessee spot has it all. Chief Operating Officer Josh Hill sits down with us to share some of the top products for your holiday shopping—don’t miss this fun and festive episode! Special thanks to the SMKW for their support of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation.

Join Daniel Jerrolds as he shares his passion for blending horseback adventures, public land hunting, and the challenges of working with dogs in the wild. From turkey hunts on public land to the thrill of training a good dog, Daniel and the WildCast Crew reflect on the rewards of embracing the outdoors and making the most of Tennessee’s rich natural resources.

Outdoorsman Daniel Jerrolds shares his journey, built on two lifelong passions: hunting and horses. Hear firsthand about his Spring turkey opening day success, doubling up on beautiful birds while encountering an unexpected visitor, and the unforgettable moment of spotting and taking down a "pinnacle" deer. These stories capture the thrill of the hunt and the dedication it takes to make each moment in the field count.

From hatching eggs to releasing fully grown fish, discover the year-round, seven-days-a-week dedication that keeps Tennessee’s rainbow trout populations thriving. Hatchery Manager Roger Bitz and his crew produce nearly 350,000 fish a year weighing in at 80 to 90,000 pounds. With 24 raceways, spring-fed water at a constant 58°F, and daily care—even on holidays—this is fish farming at its finest! Roger will also share some gator stories from his early days as a biologist in Florida. Don’t miss this episode! Watch: https://youtu.be/X3BH_dztblg

Join us as we dive into over 75 years of wildlife conservation history! In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of Tennessee’s early conservation efforts, with special guest Lt. Andy Collins showcasing rare collectibles, including licenses, badges, and more. Hear about the first game warden, Colonel Joseph H. Acklen, and discover how wildlife conservation in Tennessee began long before 1949. Get ready for a unique trip back in time with incredible artifacts and stories that shaped the foundation of wildlife enforcement!

On this episode of Tennessee WildCast, we dive into the world of hunting mature whitetails, one of the most exciting times of the year for hunters. Our special guest, seasoned deer hunter Jimmy Kyle, shares his expertise and experiences on how to consistently track and harvest trophy bucks. With years of dedication and learning under his belt, Jimmy has perfected the art of patterning mature deer, and he’s here to help you up your game. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, get ready for valuable insights, tips, and strategies to improve your chances of bagging that big buck this season! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Bears may wander through your yard, but with the right steps, you can keep them from sticking around. In this episode, we dive into practical tips from BearWise, a great resource for reducing human-bear conflicts. From securing trash, dog food, and even bird feeders (aka "bear feeders"), to understanding the root of the problem, we’ll show you how communities can work together to prevent bear issues. With record-breaking call volumes this year, it's more important than ever to take action and find long-term solutions. Tune in to learn how small changes can make a big difference!

Today, we're coming to you from the Waterfowl Festival at Bogota WMA. It’s been a fantastic day, with everything from seminars to tours, kids' games, and even a calling contest! Huge thanks to Bogota WMA Manager, Josh Emerson, and his crew, not only for their hard work in preparing for the festival but also for their efforts in getting crops planted to enhance the hunting experience for the upcoming season. We’re also joined by Jamie Feddersen, TWRA's Waterfowl Coordinator, who will share insights from his 23 years of experience managing waterfowl populations. Stay tuned for an exciting show! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Join us for a fascinating dive into the world of Purple Martins! Discover how these amazing birds rely on manmade structures for nesting, their incredible aerial feeding habits, and their migratory journey to South America. We’ll also explore the use of radio transmitters to track their movements and answer some intriguing questions about their roosting behavior right here near Nashville! Special thanks to Graham Gerdeman, the Nashville Birder on YouTube for sharing photos and video for this episode.  Visit  https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleBirder to see more of Grahams work. Also check out his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/graham_gerdeman/. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

TN WildCast Celebrating 400 Episodes of Stories and Insights - TN WildCast 400 400 Episodes! Jason and Don take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on some of the most memorable moments from Tennessee WildCast. They also provide an in-depth recap of the latest news and developments from the recent Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting, highlighting key takeaways. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Discover the latest at the Nashville Zoo! From playful tiger cubs to behind-the-scenes animal care, this episode dives into the exciting exhibits and TWRA partnerships. It’s going to be a wild ride, including a surprising snake encounter in the most unexpected place! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Football and deer season are right around the corner. For many, it is our favorite time of year. Join us as we kick off this Fall season and discuss Tennessee's new deer hunting units. Get the scoop on what’s new and still the same in the hunting regulations. There have been changes in West Tennessee that sparked questions. We will address CWD concerns and clarify questions about the velvet season. Tune in to help you better prepare for the season ahead!

Tune in to learn about the 2024 Conservation Raffle, the most successful conservation raffle in the nation! This incredible effort supports Tennessee’s conservation initiatives, with prize packages that keep getting better. Get your tickets at www.WildlifeRaffle.com—$20 for 1 ticket, $50 for 3 tickets, $100 for 10 tickets. The raffle closes on September 15th, with the drawing on September 17th. Winners will be announced at the September Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting, where the first name drawn gets their pick of all prizes, and the rest follow in order. Every ticket supports conservation efforts in Tennessee. Don't miss out on the excitement and the chance to win amazing prizes while helping our state's wildlife! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Join us today as we dive into the Tennessee Wildlife Officers Training Academy! We’re thrilled to have honor graduates Nathan Wilhite and Taylor Winchell from Class 005 with us today. The journey starts in the classroom, learning laws and procedures, before moving to defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation on both land and water, and more. The Academy prepares you for the multifaceted role of a wildlife officer, where no two days are the same. It’s a demanding process that builds camaraderie, leadership, and resilience. These graduates are equipped for success with intensive training and a mindset to push through challenges. Tune in to hear their stories and experiences! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

The new combo fishing, hunting and trapping guide is now online! You can soon pick up a hard copy in stores or keep an eye out for one in the mail if you are a Sportsman or Lifetime Sportsman License holder. On this episode of Tennessee WildCast, we will chat with the new Assistant Chief of Fisheries, Travis Scott. He will update us on all things fishing. We will also cover some hot topics for the upcoming hunting season. Don’t miss it! #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Join us as we dive into the world of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and its alignment with conservation efforts. We explore the vast opportunities FFA provides in animal science, plant science, and environmental science, helping students build successful careers. Hear from dedicated teachers like Lexi, who share the rewarding experience of guiding students towards their futures, and passionate FFA members like Aiden, who are making tangible impacts in fish habitat restoration. Discover how FFA's focus on students inspires the next generation of conservation leaders. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

We may sound like a broken record around here, but boating accidents still happen and many could be avoided by following a few safety precautions. Today, Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods and Boating Officer Miranda Garner join us to talk about safety and tips for this boating season. Learn more about boating in Tennessee at tnwildlife.org. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Join us on the scenic banks of Chickamauga Reservoir at Booker T. Washington State Park for a special episode with The Conservation Kid, Cash Daniels. Discover how his passion for nature and wildlife led to the creation of 160 PVC fishing line collection tubes across nine state parks, removing 30,000 miles of fishing line. Learn how these tubes not only prevent pollution but also create new habitats for fish, showcasing a unique way to turn harmful waste into beneficial resources for aquatic life. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast

Bobby Wilson, a respected figure in fisheries management, joins us this week to reflect on a distinguished career dedicated to preserving and enhancing Tennessee's natural resources. His impact on fisheries management was recognized with the establishment of "Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day," a testament to his legacy and contributions. Don’t miss all the fun on June 8th this year with events across the state! Bobby enjoys quality time with his grandchildren in retirement and fishing Tennessee waters. He also works with the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project, continuing his lifelong commitment to enriching the outdoor experiences of future generations. #tnwildlife #gooutdoorstennessee #tnwildcast