Tennessee Wildcast

This week we meet up with TVA Principal Project Manager of the Boone Dam Project, Sam Vinson, to learn more about the progress of the project and the future of Boone Reservoir. Outreach and Communications Coordinator, Matt Cameron, joins Jason to chat about the history of the Boone Dam project, boating safety, and partnerships between the TWRA and TVA. Vinson said the project remains on track for completion of the underground cutoff wall by spring 2021. He also said fluctuations are going well and the new lake level of 1,360 feet provides greater access to coves for vegetation management. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

Join us this week from Cleveland State Community College. We visit with Cleveland State Associate Professor Robert Brewer and WMA Manager Brian Letner. These guys have had a big impact on future wildlife professionals and the resources we all enjoy as sportsmen. Robert helps us understand how students can be hands on and get real field experience in the program at Cleveland State. Brian has been with the agency for many years and has worn many hats. He shares what improvement and management projects his crews are working on, along with some of the challenges of wildlife management on WMAs. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

Region 4 Rivers and Streams Biologist, Sally Petre joins us this week to talk about hunting...That’s right hunting! Even though Sally’s studies led her down the path of Fisheries Management and a love for fishing, she quickly discovered she had a passion for hunting too. Hear her story of how she was introduced to hunting and the passion she now has to introduce new people to hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

This week we meet up with John Dalton of Creek Fishing Adventures and Bradley County Officer Dillon Maynard. John loves to fish! He knows how to find many species of fish in some of the most remote and smallest streams in Tennessee. His following on YouTube has exploded, but we can understand why. He isn’t afraid to share his secrets and help folks find fish. John will share a few of those secrets and tips on his favorite gear. Officer Maynard joins in to remind us to ask permission when accessing streams near private property. He also shares the importance of knowing the regulations, having your license and letting people know where you are going. Don’t miss this show! Check out John’s channel, @Creek Fishing Adventures, on YouTube! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

This week we are coming to you from Academy Sports + Outdoors in Smyrna. Regional Marketing Specialist, Rick Burleson, joins us with a special presentation to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. Johnny Allred, TWRF Development Director, is with us to accept this donation and to talk hunting. Brandon Simcox will jump in to show us some gear for trout fishing and reminds us about the winter trout stockings just around the corner. Don’t miss this episode! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors #AcademySportsOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

This week on Tennessee WildCast, outdoor collector and duck call maker Howard Harlan invites us to his man cave. He has an amazing collection of boat motors, paddles, hats, canes, minnow buckets, reels, and duck calls, just to name a few. Through the years, Howard has become an accomplished duck call maker and author. His passion for the outdoors started at a very young age and he now enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with everyone he meets. If you have questions for Howard about duck calls or collecting you can reach him at howard@autowtruck.com. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

It may be deer season, but it’s still a great time to be fishing in Tennessee. Trophy Kayak Angler, Joey Monteleone stops by the studio to talk fishing on this episode. Joey's been blessed with many opportunities in his life to share his love of fishing and the outdoors. Today, He will introduce us to his new book, “I’ll Be Tennessean Ya’”, share a few tips and tricks, and talk about his favorite types of fishing. He’s a martial arts teacher too. Wow, a man of many talents! Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org illbetennesseanya.com Follow on Social - @fishinjoey

Wally Akins, Assistant Chief of Wildlife, joins us this week to catch up on what is happening in the world of wildlife and we will also learn about his recent promotion. From ducks and bucks to quail and grouse, Wally and the folks in the wildlife division have been busy. There are some exciting new projects coming down the pike! Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

Governor Bill Lee joins us this week to talk hunting, fishing, and getting outdoors. Thanks to Governor Lee, the outdoors are wide open. Tennesseans have rediscovered hunting and fishing during this pandemic. We will learn how hunting and fishing have been positive impacts on his family and how important it is to keep the traditions alive. We will also discuss some of the steps he has taken to help us fight challenges in wildlife and fisheries management. You don’t want to miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

Author, Songwriter and Naturalist, Rob Simbeck, joins us for this episode of Tennessee WildCast. We will learn more about his new book, “The Southern Wildlife Watcher”. It is a colorful look at thirty-six common and not-so-common animals found in the southeastern United States—from the hummingbird to the bald eagle and from the bullfrog to the bobcat. Don’t miss this fun episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

Join us this week as we visit with TWRA’s new Executive Director, Bobby Wilson. Bobby started his career with our fisheries division and worked his way to the corner office in 2015 when he became a Deputy Director. He has now taken the reins and working harder than ever leading the Agency during the challenges of a pandemic. We will talk hunting and fishing, challenges of wildlife and fisheries management and how the pandemic has changed the way we do things. Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

After 65 years, the late D.L. Hayes smallmouth world record still stands. This week we visit with Butch Skillern, a very skilled taxidermist and good friend of Mr. Hayes, to talk about the art of taxidermy and Hayes' famous catch. Only a few people know where D.L. caught this monster smallmouth and some question if it was in Tennessee or Kentucky. We will try to get Butch to spill the beans. You don’t want to miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

During the pandemic, folks are rediscovering the outdoors and some are new to hunting. Because of the demand for hunter education classes and limited availability, we are now providing an online class with no field day requirements to make it easier than ever to get hunter ed certified and be ready to go hunting this fall. Hunter Education Program Coordinator, Randy Huskey, joins us this week to discuss the changes and show us just how easy to can be. Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoors www.tnwildlife.org

The long dog days of summer are getting shorter and temps are getting cooler! Fall is on its way and with that come deer season. This week Jason and Don cover many topics including the deer seasons, changes in CWD, hunter education updates, refer-a-friend, eStore and so much more. Don’t miss this episode as we gear up for the fall. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoorTennessee www.tnwildlife.org

Hunter and singer/songwriter, Tyler Deaver, joins us this week to talk deer hunting! Tyler grew up hunting in Wisconsin but now calls Tennessee home, where he enjoys exploring public land. In this show, we will learn how Tyler scouts a WMA, some of his tricks for finding that perfect spot, explore his passion for archery and hear a song or two. You don’t want to miss this episode of #TennesseeWildcast as we get fired up for deer season. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoorTennessee www.tnwildlife.org www.tylerdeavermusic.com

We join another Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, and her husband, for this week’s episode of Tennessee WildCast.  Commissioner Connie King and husband David, or ‘Dirt’ as most know him,  own Mid-South Shooting Supply in Clarksville Tennessee.  They have been in the shooting business a long while and now try to give back and pass on the tradition of hunting, fishing and shooting. When Connie isn’t working you will find her with a gun on her shoulder or a fishing rod in hand.  This couple is a lot of fun, and very straight shooters, so you don’t want to miss this episode. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org

We are excited to visit with the Legendary Bill Dance for a social distancing episode of Tennessee WildCast. We will learn about some of Bill’s favorite fishing spots, his favorite fish to catch and who introduced him to the great sport of fishing. You never see Bill without his Power T hat. We will get the scoop on this trademark as well. Don’t miss this fun conversation with a great guy and big support of TWRA!

Join us this week as we chat with Commissioner Jimmy Granbery. He grew up in the outdoors, with some of his earliest memories being boating with his family. We will learn about some of his favorite outdoor passions and what it is like to serve as a commissioner. Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org

We have reached our 200th episode! This week, we invited back retired Director, Ed Carter, who was our first guest in 2016. In this episode, we will learn how retirement is going and reflect on his outstanding career. We would like to thank all our followers for tuning into the shows each week and we look forward to the next 200! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org

This week we are coming to you from Caymas Boats in Ashland City, TN. Owner and long time supporter of the TWRA, Earl Bentz, graciously invited us to his plant to learn more about his company and all they have to offer. Mr. Bentz will share stories from his career in boat racing and boat manufacturing. He will also share about his time on the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission and role as a founding member of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org