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TENNESSEE FISHING & HUNTING GUIDE 1805 Amarillo Ln Knoxville, TN 37922 865-693-7468 J.L. & Lin Stepp Publishers Serving Tennessee Since 1990 BENTON SHOOTERS SUPPLY The Largest Shooters Supply Store In The South! WWW.BENTONSHOOTERS.COM 423-338-2008 Hwy 411, Benton, TN 37307 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm HUNTING & FISHING SUPPLIES - GUNS - AMMO ARCHEREY EQUIPMENT - SAFES OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR MEN/WOMEN/CHILDREN Our E-mail: steppcom@aol.com Send us your pictures! ABOUT THE COVER Fishing Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell displays a huge musky caught out of Melton Hill Lake. Melton Hill has yielded several trophy muskies in recent years. February flooding in Tennessee is receding and fishing should be resuming back to normal this month - so enjoy the nicer weather and get out there! Photo courtesy FISH-ON! Guided Tours 865-455-0412 Fish & Hunt Tennessee! 2 Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock! Ammo and supplies for every shooting need. KEEP OUR TENNESSEE LAKES CLEAN Introduce A Kid To Fishing!
2019-20 Migratory Gamebird Hunting Seasons Set; Final Meeting for Five Commissioners NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission set the state s 2019-20 migratory gamebird hunting seasons at its February meeting, which concluded Friday at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Region II Ray Bell Building. The commission approved the regulations for next season which includes the season dates and bag limits for ducks, geese, crows, dove, snipe, woodcock, rails, and sandhill cranes. Changes in the federal framework require the TWRA to update its proclamation each year. The season changes were made to duck, woodcock, and crows. WATTS BAR LAKE 4 CORNERS MARKET Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN * Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings (Delicious & Best @ Prices) Call In or Carry Out * Hunting & Fishing Licenses * Live Bait & Fishing Supplies * Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries * 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93) OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station 423-334-9518 The duck season for the Reelfoot Zone will be Nov. 9-10 and reopen Dec. 5 through Jan. 31, 2020. The statewide season will be Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 and the second phase is Dec. 7-Jan. 31, 2020. Changes to the woodcock season were driven by hunter input to provide opportunities to hunters in East Tennessee who see a large number of woodcock migrating through the area in January. The dates are Nov. 9 and closes Dec. 1 for the first segment. Phase 2 is Jan. 10-31. * Groceries * Deli - Take-Out * Pizza * 100% Gas - no ethanol * Live Bait * Worms * Beer * Ice * Lottery * Propane * Minnows The changes to crow include a split season with hunting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June 1 through Aug. 18. The second phase is Oct. 5-Jan. 1, 2020 with hunting allowed all seven days through the week. One of the primary reasons for the change was to give hunters more of an opportunity during expected cooler weather. Concerning bag limits, the only change was a reduction for pintail from two birds per day to one per day. An update on chronic wasting disease (CWD) was given by Chuck Yoest, the project coordinator for the TWRA. A total of 2,999 deer have been sampled in the CWD Management Zone with 185 positives with just a few more results remaining. (Con t on p.4) 3
WATTS BAR LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat 423-365-2266 290 Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN 37381 ( Migratory Gamebird Seasons con t from p. 3) The commission elected its officers to serve for 2019-20. Kurt Holbert (Decaturville) will serve as chairman, Brian McLerran (Moss) is the vice chairman, and Angie Box (Jackson) is the secretary. The five outgoing commissioners were honored for their service during the two-day meeting as their appointments conclude. Completing their service were Chad Baker (Bristol), Dr. Jeff Cook (Franklin), Bill Cox (Collierville), Bill Swan (Dunlap) and Jamie Woodson (Lebanon). 4 ---TWRA--- Robbie Howard got this big striper on Watts Bar. Photo courtesy Jerry s Bait Shop. Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! Plan to Hunt or Fish This Year? Licenses Now on Sale NASHVILLE --- Plan to hunt or fish this year? Now is the time to purchase your license to get the most out of Tennessee s license year. New 2019-20 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale, with over one million licenses expected to be purchased in the coming year. All current year Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses expire Feb. 28. Licenses are available online anytime at www.gooutdoorstennessee.com, on the TWRA On the Go App, or at one of more than 700 license agents across the state. You can now select to auto- (Con t on p.5)
( New Licenses Now On Sale con t from p. 4) renew your license and never worry about your license expiring again. Customers can also purchase a collector s card for any annual license. This waterproof, durable card features paintings by Tennessee artists. Customers may choose between a largemouth bass or a waterfowl hunting scene featuring mallards and a retriever. If you like wildlife of any kind, you should thank a hunter or fisherman. Without them, we would not have the abundance of fish and wildlife that we all enjoy. WATTS BAR LAKE Hunters and anglers have been funding Tennessee s and the nation s wildlife conservation for more than100 years through license purchases. One-hundred percent of hunting and fishing license fees go to support wildlife conservation in Tennessee. What s more, a license purchase returns taxes paid on firearms, archery equipment, fishing gear and boat fuel to Tennessee at a rate of up to $40 per year so a license purchase is a great investment. This successful funding system is the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration program which is the largest driver of wildlife conservation nationwide. Support Tennessee wildlife and buy your 2019-20 licenses now! Restaurant and store open every day from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 89 octane fuel - no ethanol fishing license, live bait, marine supplies, snacks Authorized service on Evinrude and Yamaha outboards by appt. Authorized Stratos Bass Boat dealer 423-365-6484 arrowheadresort@volstate.net Ph: (423)365-9521 Fax:(423)365-0921 1190 Whites Creek Rd - Spring City, TN 37381 * Lodging For Any Need * Plus New Floating Covered Docks www.whitescreekmarina.com Daddy s Creek, like so many waterways is raging! As our friends at TEMA share, Turn around. Don t drown! Please be safe! #tnwildlife Photo courtesy Catoosa WMA technician, Brian Burgess. 5
WATTS BAR LAKE Archery Equip & Supplies Custom made Long-Bows and Muzzleloaders Guns - Ammo - Scopes Treestands - Clothing Open: Tu - F 12-7 / Sat 12-8 Business 423-619-8739 wilkey.doa@gmail.com Mike 423-605-2299 Stacia 423-605-0116 1367 Market St. Dayton, TN 37321 6 Post 3: WET WILDLIFE There are winners and losers when mother nature decides to open the perpetual shower and you've probably noticed the multitudes of unfortunate earthworms that have become trapped on the roads and sidewalks of late. Scientists say earthworms can live underwater for weeks if the oxygen content is right, so there is a debate on whether they come to the surface to avoid drowning or if it is a means of migrating to new areas. Either way, worm eating birds are enjoying the endless buffet and when earthworms and other invertebrates are washed into the waterways, fish are also benefitting. #tnwildlife
HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS Nice elk herd on Hatfield Knob at NCWMA in Campbell County. Watch live now on the TWRA Elk Camera at https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/ mammals/large/elk.html #tnwildlife 7
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO 8 Photos this page: Take your pick: both big stripers and big catfish taken below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business!
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies Licenses - Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart OPEN 7 DAYS Fishing Guide Chadwick Ferrell with trophy muskie caught on Melton Hill. Photo FISH ON! Guided Tours. New Regulations Remain in Effect for Chronic Wasting Disease Zone NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding people that regulations remain in effect in response to chronic wasting disease (CWD). The disease is now confirmed in Fayette, Hardeman and Madison counties. The proximity of these CWD positive locations to border counties have added Chester, Haywood, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton to the CWD Management Zone (CMZ). Feeding wildlife is prohibited in the CMZ. You may not place grain, salt products, minerals, or other (Con t on p.14) 9
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Allen s Guns and Leather - FREE 6-MONTHS LAYAWAY! - NEW AND USED GUNS - LARGE SELECTION OF AMMO BUY - SELL - TRADE - TRANSFER - FFL DEALER Looking for something? We cand help you find it! Ammo - Holsters - Scopes - Carry Purses Ask About Out Custom Leather Belts, Wallets, Zippo Lighters, Belt Buckles - Glock Armor - 865-986-4888 5125 B Hwy 321 N, Lenoir City, TN - This Business For Sale by Owner - Photos above: Left: nice walleye taken below Ft. Loudon Dam Right: big rainbow trout on Melton Hill Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 10 Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO "Every cast is a new adventure!" Capt. Chadwick Ferrell Join "Fish On!" Guided Tours, Located on the Tennessee and Clinch rivers. Est. 1998. As seen on "Live at Five","Allstar Cast" and featured in Tennessee Sportsman magazine. Member: Knoxville Chamber Of Commerce in 2007. Your guide has over 24 years exp. as a LOCAL, sponsored/pro angler. We are a FULL TIME guide service, targeting ALL east Tennessee species: Trophy Striper, Trout, Catfish, Bass, Crappie, White bass, Sauger and Muskey. We fish ALL year round..great Gift Idea! Gift Certificates available. Book Today! Check us out at WWW.FISHONTOURS. COM. Contact : USCG Certified, Captain Chadwick Ferrell, 865-455-0412 Thank You and Tight Lines. Photos above: this couple enjoyed some fine striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. 11
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FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Photos this page: Big striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 13
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO ( Chronic Wasting Disease con t from p. 9) consumable natural and manufactured products with very few exceptions. The ban does not apply to feed placed within 100 feet of a residence such as bird feeders, feed placed in a manner not accessible to deer, or feed and minerals as the result of normal agricultural practices. If you have had feed placed, you must remove the feed or make it inaccessible. Food plots are still legal in the CMZ. Feeding sites increase contact between deer thereby increasing the likely spread of CWD. So, by not feeding wildlife, you are helping prevent the spread of CWD. So far 185 deer have tested positive for CWD out of the over 3,000 deer sampled this season. For up to date information visit CWDin- Tennessee.com. ---TWRA--- Jackson s local Quail Forever Chapter will be hosting a Wildlife Management Workshop at UT s Lone Oaks Farms in Middleton, TN on April 12, 2019. The workshop is a great opportunity for landowners to learn about technical and financial assistance for wildlife projects in Hardeman, Fayette, Shelby, Haywood, Madison, Chester, Tipton, and McNairy counties. 14 Photos this page: Big striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. Seating is limited to 100 guests and guest must RSVP with Chris Hunter (7312254108, chris. hunter@tn.gov) or Gordon Counts (7314870239, gordon.counts@ usda.gov). #tnwildlife
CHEROKEE LAKE Swango s Precision Firearms 7272 St. Clair Rd. Whitesburg, TN 37891 423-235-1022 Open: Mon - Sat 9-5 www.precisionfirearms.com Buy, Sell, Trade, Transfer Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Safes Ammo, Accessories, Reloading Supplies Special Orders, & Handgun Carry Classes Addison Young, age 15, got this 8 pt in Hawkins County using 7mm-08 rifle. Photo Swango s Precision Firearms. Matthew Young, age 13, shot this 287 lb bear in Unicoi County with 30TC Icon rifle. Photo Swango s Precision Firearms. Deer season may be over but the work never stops. Our Chronic Wasting Disease Team is working around the the clock, studying the data and preparing for the next steps in the CWD Plan. Recently, part of the team visited the Legislature to update the AG Committee with the latest details on CWD. Stay up to date by opting in to receive email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/tnwra/subscriber/new CWDinTennessee.com #tnwildlife 15
NORRIS LAKE ELK WORKSHOP MARCH 5th You're invited to the Elk Program Workshop on Tues. Mar. 5 from 6 to 8 pm @ Ball Farm Event Center, 2107 General Carl W. Stiner Hwy in La- Follette. Comments also accepted: Ask.TWRA@ tn.gov or mail at 3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown, TN 37814. Add "Elk Program Comments in subject. (see elk photo page 21) Tweets by @tnwildlife Ty Daugherty with a 5.5 lb largemouth bass. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. Ryan with two nice Norris Lake striipers. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. 16
NORRIS LAKE Scott Liford & Jeff Norris Owners *Houseboat Rentals *Speedboat Rentals *Pontoon Rentals *Open Pontoon Slips *New Wave Runner Rentals *New Park Models Rentals *Paddle Board & Boat Rentals *Water Toy Rentals *Overnight & Primitive Temt Camping Phone (865)278-3131 cedargrovemarina.com Ryan and his brother with a fine striper catch. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. CEDAR GROVE MARINA & CAMPGROUND A Full-Service Marina conveniently located on beautiful Norris Lake off Hwy 33 in New Tazewell, TN New Luxury Houseboat Rentals Speedboat Rentals Pontoon Rentals Open Pontoon Slips New Wave Runner Rentals New Park Models Rentals Paddle Board & Paddle Boat Rentals Water Toy Rentals Overnight & Primitive Tent Camping Contact us today and start planning your next lake get-away! 865-278-3131 e-mail: cedargrovemarina@hotmail.com www.cedargrovemarina.com 17
NORRIS LAKE 18 This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business!
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Post 5: WET WILDLIFE There are winners and losers when mother nature decides to open the perpetual shower causing this turkey to get a little concerned for his safety. He asked the ducks for advice and this is the best they could do. Thankfully, two days of sunshine and warm temperatures have turned the tide but with more rain in the forecast, he is keeping his lifejacket within reach. Seriously though, if you know who took this photo, we'd love to hear from you! Our friends at the U.S. Forest Service sent this our way and we couldn't help but share it. #tnwildlife Kevin Griggs got this smallmouth on the South Fork Holston River. Photo K. Griggs. 19
DALE HOLLOW LAKE Boat Parking With Elec. Hook-ups Wireless Internet Security Cameras - FACILITIES FOR SALE - - Dale Hollow Fishing Report - courtesy Sportsman s Lodge Motel Smallmouth Bass: Several smallmouth are being caught on tailspinners and shad whiel fishing secondary points in 25-35 feet of water. Largemouth Bass: A few largemouth are being caught on a-rigs while fishing channel banks in the creeks in 15 feet of water. Crappie: A few crappie are being caught on minnows around sunken brush near East Port in 15 feet of water. (tnfishingreport.com) Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com 20 FISH MORE IN 2019! Elk Program Workshop - March 5th - LaFollette, TN elk photo - TWRA
CENTER HILL LAKE For more info visit: www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256)232-0406 or Tourn. Mgr. (256) 230-5633 WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 21
CENTER HILL LAKE ABA COUPLES CENTRAL TENN DISTRICT 3 TOURNAMENT SERIES MARCH 17, 2019 - OLD HICKORY - FLIPPERS - 6 AM - 3 PM Entry fee is $100.00 per couple and $10.00 each for Men & Ladies BIG FISH Must be active member in the ABA to participate in ABA Couples All couples must be 1 male and 1 female to participate For info contact: Roger Lovvorn 615-904-5425 or Deanna Lovvorn 615-542-0248 ABATNCOUPLES@OUTLOOK. COM 22 As kids, we'd race to the Ice Cream Truck. Now, we race to the TWRA Trout Truck! It's safer, less shady and without the never-ending melody. Trout stockings begin in late Feb. or early March: https://www.tn.gov/ /fishi /trout-information-stockings.html #tnwildlife
OLD HICKORY LAKE 2019 Sunday Morning Bulls Creek Bass 3/3/19 3/17/19 & 3/31/19 info 615-388-1971 0r 615-308-4023 American Bass Anglers Tenn Central Division 3/23/19 - Center Hill - Ragland Bottom info 256-232-0406 0r 256-230-5633 Old Hickory Percy Priest Bass Tournament 3/9/19 Percy Priest Long Hunter 3/23/19 Old Hickory Shute s Branch SL - 2pm info 615-349-6358 Big things come in small packages Angler, John Williams landed a bluecat that tipped the scales at just over 50 pounds from the 47 acre Bedford Lake in Normandy, TN. It's one of the 18 Family Fishing Lakes managed by the TWRA. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn ALL TOURNAMENTS HELD AT BULLS CREEK BOAT RAMP Director Reed Durham (615) 974-2279 Assistant Director Chris Durham (615) 0=927-7709 Ist Tournament March 9th - 7am - 3 pm 23
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