Tennessee Wildcast

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

Jason and Mime are kicking off boating season at Pates Ford Marina, on the southern end of Center Hill Lake for this edition of Tennessee WildCast. Pates Ford’s Jeff Eslick, will get us up-to-date on what’s happening at the marina this summer and information about the 8th Annual In-Water Boat Show! We will also welcome special guest, Joe Fortner, TWRA Dekalb County wildlife officer. Boating safety will be one of the main topics discussed during this episode, helping insure a fun, safe, summer on the water. Fishing and other outdoor opportunities in DeKalb county and around the lake will also be hot topics.  Be sure and watch the 'on demand' version on Facebook, TWRA.tv or the agency website at TNwildlife.org www.patesfordmarina.com #tnwildlife #tnboating #centerhilllake

Say the words Asian Carp and you will get a lot of emotional response, none of it good. We know in Tennessee that this unwelcome fish is causing, and could cause, an incredible amount of damage to our native fish and our fantastic fishing. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please watch this edition of WildCast and learn more about Asian Carp, what the agency is trying to do to curtail an invasion of these fish, and how you can join TWRA in the fight agains them.

If you love the outdoors, then Humphreys County is a great place to spend a day, a weekend, or even a week or two. Today we are going to be talking with local Wildlife Officer Ken Smith about the opportunities to fish in Humphreys County. We will also be talking with Johnsonville Park Ranger Noah Sinz about the opportunities in the park.  #tnwildlife #lorettalynnranch  www.visithumphreys.com www.hurricanecreekstables.com www.tnwildlife.org

West Tennessee offers many great opportunities to get outside and this week we are going to visit with the new Information and Education Coordinator for that area, Amy Spencer. She is going to fill us in on the gator sighting in the west, outreach events going on in her area and learn little bit about herself. Amy is a great addition to the team of Information Coordinators we have across the state. tnwildlife.org #tnwildlife #WZYXradio

Tennessee WildCast is excited to announce a new partnership with WZYX “The Eagle Radio” in Franklin County. WildCast will air every Saturday morning at 6:05. Also today we are going to talk about the upcoming elk raffle, recap the latest commission meeting, and who knows what else. tnwildlife.org www.wzyxradio.net #tnwildlife

If you love the outdoors, then Humphreys County is a great place to spend a day, a weekend, or even a week or two. Kentucky Lake, the Duck River, and the Buffalo River are ALL in Humphreys County. With all these great oppertunities so close together we decided to talk Boating Safety today with Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods and also hear from this week’s show partner on the oppertunites to enjoy the great outdoors at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. Thanks to Humpreys County for becoming a TWRA Outdoors Partner. #tnwildlife #tnboating #boatsafe #lorettalynnranch Hurricane Creek Stables, LLC at Loretta Lynn's Ranch www.hurricanecreekstables.com www.tnwildlife.org