Tennessee Wildcast

The western pygmy rattlesnake is Tennessee’s smallest and least know venomous snake in Tennessee. Western pygmy rattlesnakes are listed as threatened by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, considered rare to very rare and imperiled by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. These snakes are found in a narrow range of habitat following the Tennessee River in west Tennessee. Tennessee State University graduate student Shawn Snider is studying these snakes because very little is know about this species, and they are not very abundant in Tennessee. Learn about this study and more on this episode of Tennessee WildCast. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo

Join us today as we talk with David Hanni, Bird Conservation Coordinator, and Nancy Williams with the Cherokee Removal Memorial. There is so much going on around the Hiwassee Refuge. We will learn about the upcoming Sandhill Crane Festival , work happening in the world of birds and history surrounding the Cherokee Removal Memorial. www.tnwildlife.org #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo

Asian Carp have been on our radar for more than 20 years. Most of these fish are found in the Mississippi River and other parts of West Tennessee. The week we are highlighting the Asian Carp Harvest Incentive Program (ACHIP) developed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. This program provides commercial fisherman with TWRA-supplied gillnets and a higher rate of return to hopefully slow the spread of this fish in Tennessee waters. ACHIP was implemented on Sept. 18, 2018 and has reimbursed ACHIP-contracted wholesale fish dealers for 262,333 pounds of Asian carp.  www.tnwildlife.org #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo

Chronic Wasting Disease has been confirmed in two counties in west Tennessee. Today on Tennessee WildCast we will be discussing the next steps in managing this disease. We will be joined by Joe Benedict, Chief of Wildlife and Dr. Dan Grove, Wildlife Veterinarian, University of Tennessee Extension. They will fill us in on the steps taken by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, help us learn more about what we have found and what happens moving forward. CWDinTennessee.com #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo

Today we will visit with Wildlife Habitat Biologist Clint Borum to learn about the job of a wildlife biologist and how they assist landowners with land improvements for wildlife. Clint serves 26 counties in Middle TN and has also work closely with this weeks Pro Shop Partner, The McEwen Group. We have a lot to discuss this week so stay tuned and thanks for tuning in. To learn more about private land management visit tnwildlife.org. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo

Today we are on location in Fall Creek Falls State Park for the Jim Hall Hunt For Warriors. This hunt is a great partnership between the TWRA and many other partners. We will be talking with our very own Ben Layton and Hero Hunt Inc. President, Joe Towers. This hunt provides Men of Service an opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. We will cover all the details right here on Tennessee WildCast. Thanks for watching.  #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo  tnwildlife.org

Today we are talking all things waterfowl with Statewide Waterfowl Coordinator Jamie Feddersen. The season is in “full choke” and we are excited about this weekend. For all things waterfowl visit tnwildlife.org. #tnwildlife

This week we welcome Pro Bass Angler Michael Neal in to talk about his new tour and support efforts with the TWRA. Michael has been helping our fisheries division get the word out about Aquatic Nuisance Species, like Asian Carp, and how we can help stop the spread. Fisheries Chief Frank Fiss will also join us to offer up a little insight on the step the Agency is taking to try and slow the movement and spread of Asian Carp. For more info and the latest on ANS visit www.tnwildlife.org. #tnwildlife

Deer season is in full swing and we have TWRA’s Lead Deer Biologist, James Kelly, joining us today to discuss the upcoming rifle season and also TWRA’s efforts in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling and research. We have crews out each week sampling and folks working around the clock learning all they can about this disease. We are developing plans and procedures just in case we detect this disease here in Tennessee. We want to keep Tennessee CWD Free. You can help by following the cervid importation restriction. Remember to check you Hunting Guide online at www.tnwildlife.org for the latest information. #tnwildlife

The Winter Trout stockings are in full swing and we are excited about the opportunities available to Tennessee sportsmen and women. Today we will here from River and Stream Coordinator, Brandon Simcox. He has been updating the schedule and resources on our website to make it easier for you to keep up with the stocking schedule. David Daniel from Humphreys County will also be with us to fill us in the happening around his neck of the woods. www.tnwildlife.org #tnwildlife

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.