MORE FACTS, PHOTOS, AND FUN INSIDE!

January 2017 FREE! FREE WWW.TNFHG.COM - Full Color On The Web! MORE FACTS, PHOTOS, AND FUN INSIDE! FREE

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 The trophy buck on this month s cover was taken in Meigs County. Tennessee s deer season is winding down this month, but small game seasons continue. Crappie, sauger, and walleye fishing also offer opportunities for outdoor fun. So get out this month and have fun in 2017! Photo courtesy Four Corners Market, Hwy 58, Decatur, TN 423-334-9518 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!

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 A nice buck for this hunter. Photo courtesy Four Corners Market. * Groceries * Deli - Take-Out * Pizza * 100% Gas - no ethanol * Live Bait * Worms * Beer * Ice * Lottery * Propane * Minnows J & S Pawn Shop 1008 River Road, Decatur, TN 37322 (423) 334-3468 * New & Used Guns & Ammo * Gun Accessories * We buy gold and silver * Fishing Supplies & much more! OPEN: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm A heavy deer checked in at Four Corners. Photo courtesy Four Corners Market. INRODUCE A KID TO FISHING! NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM 3

WATTS BAR LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat 423-365-2266 290 Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN 37381 A successful duck hunt for this party! - Photo courtesy Four Corners Market. 4 Josh Colvin with a limit of walleyes. Photo courtesy Watts Bar Bait & Tackle. A big buck like this will make you smile! - Photo courtesy Four Corners Market. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Support Them With YOUR Business!

WATTS BAR LAKE www.kingstongunsandfirearms.com Camo Clothing - Reloading Supplies - Ground Blinds Gunsmith Services - Fishing Supplies - Zoom Worms Open: Tu - Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5 Watts Bar Bait and Tackle 1831 State Hwy 68W Decatur, TN 37322 423-334-4286 LIVE BAIT - TACKLE - FISHING SUPPLIES 100% GAS - GROCERIES - DELI LICENSES - BIG GAME CHECKING STATION BEER - ICE - CIGARETTES Open 7 Days from 5am - till fish quit biting! - AMERICAN OWNED - George Urban, owner of Watts Bar Bait & Tackle, with walleye catch below dam. Photo Watts Bar Bait & Tackle. Jeff Stone - two walleyes at Watts Bar Dam. Photo Watts Bar Bait & Tackle. Spring City Resort & Marina First Choice on beautiful Watts Bar 2109 New Lake Road, Spring City, TN 37381 * Restaurant * Beach * Lakefront Cabins * RV Sites * Open & Covered Slips * Gas & Diesel Tel 423-365-5150 Fax 423-365-4290 springcitymarina.com Josh Colvin & Mathew Loomis (above) got this limit of walleyes at the dam. Photo Watts Bar Bait & Tackle. 5

WATTS BAR LAKE 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 6 Joe and Jim from Ohio with a nice catch of Watts Bar crappies. Photo Barry s Guide Service.

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 Rev. Campbell back for another awesome day! Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. Three Youth Spring Turkey Quota Hunt Applications Now Being Accepted NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is announcing that three Young Sportsman 2017 spring turkey quota hunts is underway. The available youth hunts are Tellico West on March 25-26 (5 hunter quota), Tellico Lake WMA (McGhee Carson (Con t on p. 9) Guide Capt. Barry White with a big Watts Bar crappie. Photo Barry s Guide Service. 7

HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS Little Dan with a 3 pt. Photo Benton Shooters Supply. 8 Johnny Morgan with a big 10 pt. Photo courtesy Hiwassee Corner Market.

HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS ( Spring Youth Hunts... con t from p. 7) Unit), on March 25-26, (5 hunter quota), and Yuchi Refuge on March 17-19 (10 hunter quota). The deadline for entry is Jan. 18. Youth hunters ages (6-16 by the date of the hunt) may submit one application for the regular quota hunt and one for the youth-only hunt. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Hunters may apply for a spring turkey quota hunt online at TWRA website. Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! John Morgan hauled in this big buck. Photo courtesy Hiwassee Corner Market. 9

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. 10 Some good rockfish action below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by Capt. Chadwick Ferrell of FISH ON! Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours.

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Global Loan & Pawn Need Cash Quick? We loan on guns, jewelry, car titles, land, boats, any item of value We Pawn, Buy & Sell We can order any gun you need, If we don t have it! (865) 988-5263 312 West Broadway, Lenoir City, TN 37771 OPEN: M - F 10-6 Sat 10-3 pawn@globalpawn.net $10.00 Off $10.00 Off $10.00 OFF ANY GUN WITH COUPON $10.00 Off $10.00 Off TWRA Fisheries Division Annual Honors NASHVILLE --- John Hammonds and Perry Massengill have been honored by being named the Fisheries Division s biologist of the year and fisheries technician of the year, respectively. John is the Reservoir Operations Coordinator in TWRA Region IV. Perry serves as a Technician 2 for the Region III reservoir fisheries crew. John has been with the Agency for 12 years, where he has served as a reservoir biologist prior to moving into his current position. As the coordinator for Reservoir Operations, he is responsible for fisheries programs focusing on fisheries data collection, and habitat improvements. John has made efforts in developing and implementing innovative reservoir habitat management projects and assisting on aquatic nuisance species issues. He has administered and secured reservoir funding opportunities for the Agency and addressing habitat permitting for area reservoirs. John has played a key role in securing in funding to assist with cooperative projects regarding reservoir habitat enhancement and shoreline vegetation management in regional reservoirs.fisheries Biologist of the Year-John Hammonds His efforts over the last year have led to the expansion of the habitat enhancement project within TWRA and developed a new level of cooperation in managing East Tennessee reservoirs. He has worked to prevent the spread of the invasive zebra mussels from a quarry used by recreational divers. John has continued to act as the chair for the Outreach Committee of the Tennessee Chapter of (Con t on p. 12) 11

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS ( TWRA Honors... con t from p. 11) the American Fisheries Society. John has always been willing to assist other work units and regularly helps out with harvesting hatchery ponds, stream surveys, public programs, and administrative support. He has also recently been involved with a trout in the classroom project in his hometown of Newport and conducts a stream side ecology program for a local school every year. Perry has served the TWRA for 20 years. In addition to performing a variety of fish survey work, he is also entrusted with the task of entering and organizing most of the data. He displays a sincere (Con t on p. 13) 12 John Hammonds (holding plaque) is the Fisheries Biologist of the Year. Pictured (from left) are TFWC Chairman Harold Cannon, Fisheries Chief Frank Fiss, TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter, John Hammonds, and Region IV Fisheries Program Coordinator Bart Carter. - Photo TWRA.

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO ( TWRA Honors... con t from p. 12) commitment to Tennessee s anglers which is evident in his willingness to go above and beyond on various projects. He works to help educate the next generation of anglers. He has teamed with his colleagues to conduct workshops with local high school fishing teams. These workshops show young anglers how aquatic nuisance species move and how to check their boats. Perry served on an advisory board for Rhea County High School to help develop job descriptions for wildlife and fisheries management careers. He also participated in Earth Day activities in Rhea County. Perry has an active role with the Annual Chuck Copeland Memorial Fishing Rodeo, which is one of the largest events in the state. He takes a lead in planning the event, arranges for special guests, and works on prizes and donations. Fisheries Technician of the Year-Perry Massengill ---TWRA--- Perry Massengill holds his award for being named Fisheries Technician of the Year. Pictured (from left) are Region III Fisheries Program Coordinator Mark Thurman, Region III Fisheries Manager Mike Jolley, Perry Massengill, Frank Fiss, Region III Reservoir Manager Brandon Ragland and Region III Manager John Mayer. - Photo TWRA. New License Vendor in Operation for TWRA NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has a new vendor that has changed the appearance of hunting and fishing licenses and should also provide a service that improves the license buying experience. Brandt Information Services is the agency s new license vendor, making TWRA the latest state agency to contract with this Florida-based company. Fish and wildlife agencies in Georgia, Florida, and Virginia also contract with Brandt. (Con t on p. 14) 13

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO ( New License Vendor... con t from p. 13) Most new licenses will now be printed on an 8½ by 11-inch paper. However, about 25 percent of TWRA s 1,200 current license agents will continue, for now, to provide the same receipt-style license of which sportsmen are more familiar. Sportsmen are still able to purchase licenses from local businesses and TWRA s regional offices, but can now more easily buy licenses using home computers or mobile devices. If a license is lost, sportsmen can print a new copy at no cost provided they have access to a printer. Once a license is purchased, verification emails will be sent to license buyers regardless of whether a purchase was made at home or from a business. If they chose to, sportsmen can store this emailed certification on mobile devices and use that information as proof of purchase. Hunters and anglers will also have the opportunity to purchase license packages, which TWRA believes will help simplify the buying process when multiple licenses or permits are needed for a hunting or fishing endeavor. Waterfowl hunting on TWRA wildlife management areas often requires multiple licenses and/or permits purchases and is an example of a shopping experience that sometimes creates confusion. The agency believes a waterfowl package can help eliminate (Con t on p. 16) WHY NOT TALE A KID FISHING THIS MONTH IT S THE SPORT OF A LIFETIME 14 Big striper below Ft. Loudon dam. Photo courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. A nice striper below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo FISH ON! Guided Tours. Boating Officers of the Year NASHVILLE --- Brad Bagwell and Melvin McLerran have been selected as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2015 Boating Officer of the Year and part-time Boating Officer of the Year, respectively. Both officers are assigned to work District 21, a 12-county district in Middle Tennessee. District 21 contains the five major reservoirs of J. Percy Priest, Cordell Hull, Old Hickory, Cheatham, and Barkley. Brad inspected 457 boats for compliance, issued 63 court citations for violations, 15 warning citations, administered Field Sobriety Tests to 22 boat operators and made 10 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests. Additionally, Brad assisted other TWRA officers with 19 violations and helped 20 boaters on the water that required immediate assistance. Brad worked patrol at three major public marine events in the Nashville area. Brad also checked close (Con t on p. 16)

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Allen s Guns and Leather - FREE 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 Stripers below Ft. Loudon dam - Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color! 15

CHEROKEE LAKE ( New License Vendor... con t from p. 14) that confusion. However, if they choose, sportsmen can continue to purchase licenses a la cart as always. The agency s new vendor is providing a shopping cart experience similar to numerous online sites. We believe our vendor will make the purchasing experience much quicker and easier, said Ed Carter, the executive director of the TWRA. We are excited to be working with Brandt because this company is innovative and our friends in Georgia and Florida have said great things about the service it provides to hunters, anglers, and boaters. - TWRA - ( Boating Officers... con t from p. 14) to 400 people for various hunting, fishing, and access area violations throughout the year. Brad was the lead investigator on seven boating incidents and assisted on four others. Three investigations led to criminal charges being filed. In the area of education and outreach, Brad assisted with three boater education classes, certifying 35 and assisted with the training of law enforcement officers. Brad has also spent a lot of his time working with numerous groups teaching them boating safety, hunting safety, and providing education on the importance of our agency and its mission. 16 Nathan Flanary with a nice striper out of Gilmore Dock. Photo Gilmore Dock. In his duties as a parttime officer, Melvin inspected 567 boats for compliance, issued 85 court citations for violations, 56 warning citations, administered Field Sobriety Tests to 14 boat operators and made two arrests for boating under (Con t on p. 21)

CHEROKEE LAKE Annual Wildlife Biologist, Technician Awards Candace Flanary with a big Cherokee Lake striper. Photo Gilmore Dock. NASHVILLE --- Tony Duncan and David Whitehead have been honored by being named the TWRA Wildlife Technician of the Year and Wildlife Biologist of the Year, respectively. Tony has served as a wildlife technician at Wolf River Wildlife Management area in TWRA Region I since 2012. David is the wildlife manager on Tellico Lake WMA and South Cherokee WMA in Region III. They were presented their awards at the October meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Knoxville. Regarded as a talented well-rounder worker, Tony is always eager to volunteer in various areas. He assisted in Canada with the Mississippi Flyway Council on the duck banding project and helped with the elk census at North Cumberland WMA. Wildlife Technician of the Year Tony Duncan (center) with (from left) Wildlife and Forestry Chief Mark Gudlin, TFWC Chairman Harold Cannon, TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter, and Region III Wildlife Manager Brandon Gilbert. - Photo TWRA - Tony is instrumental in the manipulation of habitat on the Wolf River, which is the Region I Quail Anchor WMA. He participates in the quail censuses on both Wolf River WMA and private Lands Quail Focus Area. He is proficient (Con t on p. 27) 17

INDIAN CREEK MARKET & DELI 1811 Indian Creek Road Dandridge, TN 37725 OPEN 7 Days a Week 6:00 am - 9:00 pm Phone # 865-397-0880 Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts! Live Bait - Fishing Supplies BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS DOUGLAS LAKE www.bucksnbass.net 18 2017-18 Tennessee Wildlife Calendar Photo Contest Underway NASHVILLE ---The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now accepting entries for its 2017-18 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife s annual calendar issue. All interested photographers are invited to submit up to 10 of their best photos on fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife species native to Tennessee.Photos of bear, deer, and belted kingfisher from 2016-17 calendar The photos will be reviewed for publication in the annual calendar edition of Tennessee Wildlife, which is the summer issue. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60. Interested photographers must submit their photo entries by the March 17, 2017 deadline. Photos must be horizontal (landscape), in JPEG format, and submitted on a CD. They must be sized to print no smaller than 8-1/2x11 and resolution should be as least 300 pixels/inch. Photographers must be sure to provide their name, address, phone number, and e-mail address with their disk. Disks cannot be returned. Entries can be mailed to: Tennessee Wildlife Calendar Issue P.O. Box 40747 Nashville, TN 37204 Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Subscription rates are $10 for one year, $17 for two years and $25 for three years. ---TWRA---

DOUGLAS LAKE TFWC s Final 2016 Meeting Includes Visit from Hunter Who Bagged Possible World Record Buck NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission held its final 2016 meeting on Friday which included a visit from the hunter who harvested a 47-point buck which almost certainly will be a new state record and could possibly establish a new world record for a whitetail deer. Stephen Tucker, 26, of Gallatin met with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency staff and commission and brought along a piece of wildlife history to the meeting held at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building. Stephen recently bagged a non-typical buck in Sumner County with antlers that are record book quality. 1114 Douglas Dam Rd, Dandridge, TN 37725 Fishing Supplies - Live Bait - Licenses - Groceries - Deli - Take Out Open 7 Days 6am - 10pm Call In Orders Welcome! OUR DELI HAS DAILY BREAKFAST & DINNER SPECIALS AVAILABLE! Without a doubt, the Tennessee Tucker Buck as it is being touted, will be a state record in deer in what is referred to as the free-roaming non-typical classification by the Boone and Crockett Club. Commissioners had the opportunity to meet Tucker, view the deer s antlers, and have photos taken during a break in the meeting. The commission heard a description from TWRA Capt. Dale Grandstaff about how the non-typical rack on Tucker s buck (Con t on p. 20) 19

NORRIS LAKE ( TWFC Meeting... con t from p. 19) seems to be inherent to other bucks in the area where Tucker had his harvest.stephen with TFWC and TWRA staff Brad Miller, TWRA Region IV Elk Program Coordinator, presented an update on elk management issues which included the pros and cons of supplemental feeding. He also discussed research efforts which included the collaring of elk. Cliff Walker, founder and owner of Outdoor Recreation Corporation of America (ORCA) was recognized for his contributions to the TWRA. ORCA has donated hundreds of coolers to the agency s outreach programs and wounded soldier events. Hard to say who s prouder - Papa or shooter of this buck with massive rack! (photos above and top right). Photos courtesy Crossroads Grocery. In addition, ORCA recently donated more than $200,000 worth of coolers for use by all agency wildlife officers, boating officers, wildlife managers, tech- (Con t on p. 26) 20 Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com

NORRIS LAKE ( Boating Officers... con t from p. 16) the influence (BUI). Additionally, Melvin assisted other TWRA officers with nine BUI violations and helped 43 boaters on the water that required immediate assistance. Melvin worked patrol at major public marine events in the Nashville area and fulfilled the need to have more enforcement presence during hunting season when full-time officers were tasked with other duties. In the area of outreach, Melvin participated in the Nashville Boat Show, conducted public programs and participated in other public venues to promote boating safety. He also provided support during the 2015 Fun Run event that highlights high performance - See photos of Boating Officers of the Year on pages 22 and 30 this issue - - TWRA - Tony Davis with a good buck. Photo Judy s Grocery. Chris Taylor - 8 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. 21

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 Brad Bagwell holds his award for being named the Boating Officer of the Year. Pictured (from left) are Lt. Jim Hooper, Col. Rider, Director Carter, Officer Bagwell, Lt. Col Moates, Chairman Cannon, and Cpt. Grandstaff - TWRA - Leon Johnson - 8 pt. Photo 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 22

NORRIS LAKE SOUTHERN OUTDOORS 2089 Hwy 25 E, Tazewell. TN (423) 626-7388 Live Bait - Fishing, Hunting, Archery Supplies Groceries - Snacks - Ice - Discount Tobacco 100% Ethanol-Free Gas - Diesel Fishing & Hunting Licenses Big Game Checking Station OPEN 7 DAYS Jed Carroll, age 10, with 7 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. Carl Edwards - 7 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. Jerry Fortner - 8 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. 6pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. 23

NORRIS LAKE Keith Goins - doe. Photo Judy s Grocery. 9-yr-old Bo Dossett with his 1st deer. Photo Judy s Grocery. Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! 24 Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com Calvin Geddings - heavy 9 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery.

Tennessee Deer Muzzleloader Opens Nov 5 - Jan 8,2017 Tennessee Deer Gun Opens Nov 19 - Jan 8, 2017 Rabbit & Quail Seasons Open Nov 5 - Feb 28, 2017 NORRIS LAKE Thanks To All Our Advertisers and Readers For A Great 2016 We Wish All Our Friends Best Wishes For 2017! 9-yr-old Mac Fritts - doe. Photo Judy s Grocery. Calvin Geddings - 9pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. Brittney Smith - 4 pt. Photo Judy s Grocery. 25

WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Indoor Shooting Range - Keeping You On Target 118 First Avenue, Hampton, TN 37658 Phone: 423-896-7123 Open: Mon - Sat 10-6 Sun 1-6 WE HAVE LAYAWAY! ( TWFC Meeting... con t from p. 20) nicians, environmental services, and fisheries field staff with engineering staff set to receive coolers in the near future. A lifetime sportsman license was purchased and presented to Walker for his contributions. John McFadden, Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Environmental Council, made a presentation on the council s goals to plant or care for native trees in the state. He was accompanied by representatives from Hero Hunt, Inc., one of the council s partners who spoke of the benefits of the council s efforts to provide hunting opportunities. Two former soldiers, who are recipients of Purple Hearts, spoke on how much the organization had meant to them. The recipient of the inaugural Robert M. Hatcher Ornithological Scholarship was introduced to David Torbett - 8 pt. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. the commission. Megan Hart, a graduate student at Austin Peay State University, was presented the honor in August. The $1,000 scholarship is named in honor of Bob Hatcher, who served the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for 38 years including serving as the Non-Game and Endangered Species Coordinator from 1987 until 2001. The TFWC also approved a budget expansion for a computer assisted dispatch and reporting system and a Weekend for Wildlife. Two other budget expansions were matched funds for the Varney 26 (Con t on p. 28)

WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Brummitt s Bait & Tackle Live Bait ( Wildlife Awards )... con t from p. 19) in operating heavy equipment, welding, and carpentry. Through his skills and input he has saved the agency money on projects. His ability as a trapper on the WMA has help eliminate a lot of issues concerning flooding for adjacent landowners due to beaver dams. A certified Hunter Education instructor, Tony also assists with Trapper Education classes. Since joining the TWRA, Tony has become certified in herbicide/pesticide application, explosives, hunter safety instructor, CPR, Tennessee Deer Registry, and maintains his CDL license. David began his career with TWRA in 1984 as a wildlife officer in Cocke County. In 1986, he became the Wildlife Manager on White s Mill Refuge, Kyker Bottoms Refuge, and the Tapoco Unit of the South Cherokee/Foothills WMA. 423-895-8161 746 Hwy 321 Hampton, TN 37658 Over his 32-year TWRA career, David has been involved in the restoration of black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, river otter, and elk. (Con t on p. 29) Tim Leonard with pistol kill 9 pt. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. 27

WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Cheryl Leonard - 8 pt and doe. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. Johnny Jones with trophy-racked buck. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors.0 ( TWFC Meeting... con t from p. 26) tract acquisition and for fire equipment and supplies. The TFWC next meeting will also be held on one day. It will take place at the Bass Pro Shops location in Memphis on Friday, Jan. 13. 28 Stephen Tucker and TWRA Director Ed Carter.

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 smallmouths are being caught on jigs in 25-35 feet of water on points. Largemouth Bass: Several largemouths are being caught while fishing grass with jigs in 10 feet of water. Crappie: A few crappies are being caught on minnows around grass in 10-15 feet of water. (Huntfishbuddy.com) ( Wildlife Awards )... con t from p. 19) David has been involved in relocating about 250 black bears, many of these rehabilitated black bear cubs through his work with the Appalachian Bear Rescue Center. Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES David supervised the development of more than 1.5 miles of levee, representing some of the first waterfowl impoundments on TWRA lands in East Tennessee. Through the years, he and his team created an area on the McGhee-Carson Unit of Tellico Lake for the running of field trials. The Chota Waterfowl Refuge Unit of Tellico Lake was the first M.A.R.S.H project that Ducks Unlimited and TWRA partnered on in Tennessee. Chota Waterfowl Refuge has grown to four water impoundments, creating more winter habitat for migrating waterfowl. David continues to build partnerships with various groups to develop wildlife habitat. (See photo next page of more awards). - TWRA - Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com 29

CENTER HILL LAKE Melvin McLerran holds his award for being selected as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s part-time Boating Office of the Year. Pictured (from left) are Boating and Law Enforcement Cpt. Dale Grandstaff, Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission chairman Harold Cannon, Col Glenn Moates, Officer McLerran, Boating and Law Enforcement chief, Lt. Col. Darren Rider, and TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter. - TWRA - Wildlife Biologist of the Year David Whitehead and his wife Anita, along with Chief Gudlin, Chairman Cannon, and Region III Wildlife Program Manager Kirk Miles. Photo TWRA Thanks To All Our Advertisers And Readers For A Great 2016 We Wish All Our Friends Best Wishes For 2017! 30

OLD HICKORY LAKE THE THIRD ANNUAL SPORTSMAN SWAP MEET The Percy Priest Hybrid and Striper Club in association with The Central Tennessee Kayak Anglers are sponsoring a swap meet to benefit the fish hatchery program of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The sportsman swap meet will be held Saturday, Jan. 28th, 2017, at Charlie Daniels Park in Mt. Juliet, TN. Doors open to the public at 9 am and will close at 3 pm. A $5 donation at the door is requested and proceeds will be used by the hatcheries in the stocking program. It has been proven the larger a fry is when stocked the better the survival rate to maturity. High protein food is critical to that increased size. All manner of hunting, boating, and fishing equipment both new and used will be at prices too low to ignore. The major sporting retailers are elated that this is a once a year event. Sorry... no firearms. If you wish to participate 8 foot tables are available for rental for $20. 615-449-5431 for more information or to reserve a table. Kids under 14 free. Paul Sharp of Franklin killed this 10 pt buck while hunting in Williamson County. Photo courtesy Jim Summers. 31

New For 2017! The new Halon 32 is a longer version of the awardwinning HALON, providing an enhanced string angle and superior stability, while delivering speeds up to 350 fps. HALON 32 IBO: up to 343 fps @ 75% Axle-to-axle: 32 Brace Height: 6 Draw Weight: 40-70 lbs Weight: 4.73 lbs Let-Off: 75 or 85% Draw Lengths: 26-31 Half Sizes: 25.5-31.5 Cam: Crosscentric The all-new AVAIL is designed specifically for women, providing high speed and an unmatched shooting experience. IBO: up to 320 fps Axle-to-axle: 30 Brace Height: 6 Draw Weight: 40,50, &60 lbs Weight: 3.96 lbs Let-Off: 80% Draw Lengths: 22-28 Half Sizes: 22.5-27.5 Now In Stock!