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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 Chris Taylor displays a nice smallmouth bass caught on Norris Lake. Chris has several smallies in the Norris Lake section of the magazine. Crappie action has also been good on Tennessee waters this winter. Get your new fishing license now because spring is just around the corner! Cover photo courtesy Judy s Grocery, LaFollette, TN 423-562-3285 Fish & Hunt Tennessee! Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock! Ammo and supplies for every shooting need. Introduce A Kid To Fishing! 2 KEEP OUR TENNESSEE LAKES CLEAN

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 * 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 Photos above: Blake from Knoxville with late January crappies Photos courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 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 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 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 Nice late-winter crappie. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. Watts Bar Fishing Report: Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 740.5 feet. Winter normal elevation: 736.0 feet. Current elevation: 736.7 feet. The water surface temperature is 44 degrees. Largemouth Bass: Slow. Anglers are not finding many fish willing to bite. Jigs are being used more than other baits along rocky banks near deep water. 4 Smallmouth Bass: Slow. Jigs and rocky banks is the combination offering the best opportunity for catching a few fish. (Con t on p.5) Guide Barry White of Barry s Guide Service with Watts Bar striper.

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 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 - www.kingstongunsandfirearms.com Camo Clothing - Reloading Supplies - Ground Blinds Gunsmith Services - Fishing Supplies - Zoom Worms Open: Tu - Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5 ( Fishing Report... con t from p. 4) Walleye/Sauger: Slow. Heavy water flows in the tailwater is creating difficult conditions. Just a few anglers caught just a few fish while fishing along the bottom while using jigs. Crappie: Slow. A lot of fish are tight along the bottom in the deeper ditches in the larger creeks. Use minnows or jigs along the bottom. (Con t on p. 6) Guide Barry White (left) and with happy client (left above) with January crappies on Watts Bar. Photos courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 5

WATTS BAR LAKE ( Fishing Report... con t from p. 5) Catfish: Drifters in the main channel while using meaty baits are catching large fish. The number being caught is low. Striped bass: Bass anglers are catching more striped bass than those that are targeting striped bass. The Rig is the most used and probably most effective lure. - TWRA - 6 Guide Barry White (R) and happy client with big smallmouth on foggy, cold day on Watts Bar. Photo Barry s Guide Service.

WATTS BAR LAKE HILLTOP MARKET 175 Loop Road, Kingston, TN 865-376-1919 * Live Bait, Night Crawlers & Minnows * Discount Tobacco, Beer & Groceries * TN Lottery OPEN 7 DAYS Guide Barry White got this striper on a warm December day. Photo Barry s Guide Service. Photos above: wintertime crappie action on Watts Bar. Guided by Barry s Guide Service. Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! 7

HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS 2016-17 Hunting Licenses Now on Sale; 2015-16 Licenses Expire on February 29 NASHVILLE --- The 2016-17 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale. Licenses are available at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional offices, license agents, on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org, and at the TWRA On the Go App and charged to a credit card. Licenses may also be ordered by telephone and charged to a credit card by calling 1-888-814-8972. The new licenses annually go on sale each Feb. 18. The 2016-17 licenses are valid through February 2017. License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA, which does not receive any funding from the state's general fund (i.e. state sales tax). The 2015-16 licenses expire Feb. 29. 8 Resident licenses may be purchased by persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver s license; persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home(but do not hold a driver s license in another state); military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status; students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. (Con t on p. 13)

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 Guide Chadwick Ferrell (L) and client below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo FISH ON! Guided Tours. 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. Photos this page: striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam - all guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. 10 This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Support Them With YOUR Business!

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 Big Clinch River brown trout - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. Send Us Your Hunting And Fishing Pictures! Our Email: steppcom@aol.com Attention Fishing Tournament Directors: We will list your event in this magazine FREE - send date and info to: steppcom@aol.com - Thanks! Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! - Guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. 11

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS Gabriel Houston with his 1st deer - an 8-pointer taken 1/4/16 in Monroe County. Photo Sloan s Center. 12 GET OUTDOORS MORE IN 2016!

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO ( New 2016 Licenses... con t from p. 8) All licenses purchased by credit card will be charged a processing and handling fee. The fees over the telephone are $7.50 for those licenses mailed and $6.25 for those not mailed. Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for those licenses mailed and $3 for self-prints. To expedite telephone orders, the caller should have ready the name, address, physical description, Social Security number, driver s license number, TWRA ID number (if renewal), and credit card number. Licenses are printed on a special tear-resistant, water-proof paper. In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any TWRA license agent for an $8 fee. ---TWRA--- Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell of FISH ON! Guided Tours with big cat below Ft. Loudon. Leith Konyndyk Wins NWTF National Award NASHVILLE --- Leith Konyndyk, a wildlife officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, has received another prestigious honor with a national award from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). He was named NWTF Wildlife Officer of the Year during the 40th annual NWTF Convention. The NWTF award comes following last fall s honor when he was named the Wildlife Officer of the Year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA). Konyndyk serves as a wildlife officer in TWRA Region II s Lincoln County. Another big winter-time striper below Ft. Loudon - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. Konydyk s latest honor comes for his dedication in creating the next generation of hunters and sportsmen, as well as his accomplishments in upholding the state s game laws. (Con t on p. 16) This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! FISH AND HUNT MORE IN 2016! 13

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO This beautiful rainbow trout caught last summer on Clinch River - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. 14 Catfish time in Tennessee! Photo FISH ON! Guided Tours. Action below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photo FISH ON!Guided Tours.

FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Randall Guider of Lenoir City got this 140 lb, 8-pointer 11/9/15 on muzzleloader hunt in Morgan County. Photo courtesy Randall Guider. Striper fishing good below Ft. Loudon Dam. These two anglers guided by Capt. Chadwick Ferrell of FISH ON! Guided Tours. 15

CHEROKEE LAKE ( NWTF Award... con t from p. 13) Agent Konyndyk is an outstanding example of someone who recognizes the importance of conserving wildlife and habitat, and preserving our hunting heritage, said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. His dedication to upholding game laws and reaching potential hunters is impressive. We commend his service and are proud to honor him with this award. Among Konyndyk s activities during the year, he conducted educational and outreach events for more than 3,300 participants that included a youth fishing rodeo, Scholastic Clay Target Program, sportsman groups and an ATV safety at the Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit. He also coordinated a Kid s Hunting for a Cure deer hunt that raised more than $50,000 that was donated to St. Jude Hospital. He taught and certified 109 students in hunter education. Konyndyk s enforcement duties resulted in the inspection of hundreds of sportsmen for compliance. These efforts produced more than 200 court citations. He has been trained in Individual and Group Crisis Prevention Management, Kenneth Kilgore with good rockfish out of Gilmore Dock. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock. Concerns of Police Survivors and Traumas for Law Enforcement through the American Police Chaplains Association and has become a Chaplain for the Agency. Konyndyk is very active as an instructor for the TWRA. He teaches ATV safety not only for TWRA personnel (Con t on p. 17) 16 Agent Leith Konyndyk with NWTF National Award. Photo TWRA

CHEROKEE LAKE ( NWTF Award... con t from p. 16) but for the National Guard, Drug Task Force, ABC, THP and the U.S Forest Service. The NWTF is a private, non-profit conservation and education organization founded in 1973 with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving the hunting heritage. The NWTF has more than 250,000 members and volunteers, along with its wildlife agency and corporate partners, who have helped restore and manage North America's current population of more than 7 million wild turkeys. - TWRA - 2016 Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summitt (TOYS) Set June 12-17 NASHVILLE --- The Seventh Annual Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit (TOYS), will be June 12-17, 2016 for high school students from across Tennessee. The students will be introduced to many outdoor activities at the event to be held at the Montgomery County Shooting Complex near Clarksville. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation are partnering to host this year s event. Among the different outdoor activities that the students will have an opportunity to become introduced to will include boating, hunting, trapping, archery, photography, marksmanship, plant identification, forestry, camping, water quality, trap shooting, skeet shooting, wildlife identification, and several classes with wildlife and fish biology as the topic. The summit is designed to deepen the students appreciation for outdoor-related activities. Students will participate in hands-on classes that teach the importance of the natural resources and their management. Instructors will be wildlife and fisheries biologists, wildlife officers, college professors, professional shooting coaches and experts from specific fields of interest. Students can plan on each class they sign up for to be two to four hours in length and will include hands-on application in that subject. Once students are accepted to the program, they will be able to attend at least 10 classes during the week. During this week, the students will have the opportunity to gain certification in many different programs. TOYS will provide the youth opportunities to learn more in depth about hunting, (Con t on page 18) 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 ( Youth Summit... con t from p. 17) fishing, and shooting. Students, who are interested in a career in the natural resources field, will also enjoy the experiences that normally are not learned until they are members of the work force. The cost to attend TOYS is $300 for the weeklong experience. Scholarships are available and based on financial need. Students interested in attending should log on to www.tnwildlife.org and submit an application by May 2, 2016. Applicants will be required to pay a deposit of $150 to the TWRF. Students wishing to receive a scholarship only need to submit an application form indicating that they want a scholarship. 503 Hwy 25/32 White Pine, TN 37890 Fishing Supplies - Live Bait - Licenses - Breakfast Big Game Checking Station Open: M-T 6-8, F-S 6-9, Sun 7-6 Enrollment is limited to 120 students and if an application is not accepted, refunds will be returned in full. If an application is chosen, the successful applicant will be sent a password and web address to the location of the scheduling packet. Students will select their classes of interest and pay the balance of the cost of the program. Students will be housed in a hotel in Clarksville and bused each day to the complex. All meals are covered in the fee. (Con t on p. 19) 18 Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com

( Youth Summit... con t from p. 18) Students will be assigned a roommate with two students to a room. If applicants have someone they know they would prefer as a roommate, it should be indicated on the application. Applications can be downloaded from www.twrf.net. DOUGLAS LAKE Parents or guardians will be required to bring students into town on Sunday night and pick them up either Friday night at the awards ceremony or the following morning. Rooms will be available, for a fee, if parents wish to attend the banquet Friday evening and stay the night. Students will be required to be picked up by 10 a.m. on (Saturday) June 18. For questions or additional information, contact Lacey Lane at (731) 415-0641 or email, LLane@ twrf.net 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! ---TWRA--- www.bucksnbass.net All Tennessee Outdoor Youth Summit photos courtesy TWRA. Cold Water Can Be Dangerous When Boating Practice Safety First Always Use PFDs! NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM 19

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 NORRIS LAKE Two Mid-State Men Get Lifetime Hunting Bans Across Country For Poaching NASHVILLE --- Two young men have lost privileges to hunt in Tennessee and most of the United States because they pursued unethical poaching methods rather than following the lawful path of ethical hunters. Eddy Albert, 21, and Densibel Calzada, 23, both residents of La Vergne, might not have known that a permanent hunting ban for poaching deer in Tennessee could also mean no hunting in other states, but after illegally killing numerous deer they learned a message that will last them a lifetime. Their actions were among the worst I have seen for their lack of respect to our landowners and to our wildlife, said Matt Brian, a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency sergeant assigned to Rutherford County. Most of our states now abide by what is called the Interstate Wildlife Violator s Compact, which means a ban in Tennessee is upheld by every compact member, explained the officer. Albert and Calzada entered guilty pleas Feb. 3 in Rutherford County General Sessions Court. The result of their misconduct included the hunting bans, thousands of dollars in lawyer expenses and court costs, confiscated rifles and bows, $5,000 each in restitution fees, and at least $1,800 each to post bail. General Sessions Judge Barry Tidwell presided over the case where Sgt. Brian and Sgt. Jonathan Lee, also a wildlife officer in Rutherford County, explained that Calzada and Albert documented their numerous illegal kills with cellular phone video and photographs. 20 Chris Taylor was featured on this month s magazine cover with one of his fine smallie catches this winter. Photo Judy s Grocery. The wildlife officers noted that the poaching took place on private (Con t on p. 21)

( Men Get Lifetime Hunting Bans... con t from p. 20) NORRIS LAKE property and often at night when deer hunting is illegal. Judge Tidwell ordered Albert and Calzada to serve 100 hours of community service supervised by TWRA, along with placing each on probation for 18 months. If they decide to hunt or poach again, they face the likelihood of going to jail, explained Sgt. Lee. With their actions they have created a bad situation for themselves. Considering that most wildlife violations in Tennessee are misdemeanors, the judgments against Albert and Calzada--neither with prior criminal records--indicated the seriousness with which Judge Tidwell considered their offenses. Charges brought by TWRA included hunting out of season, hunting without permission, illegal transportation of wildlife, and failing to report to TWRA the deer they had killed. Sergeants Brian and Lee became familiar with Albert and Calzada in late December after responding to a landowner call about trespassers. Both men received citations from the officers for hunting without permission. Approximately 48 hours after this initial encounter, the officers responded to a midnight call from the Smyrna Police Department, which had detained the suspects following a report of firearms discharged near the city s airport. The wildlife officers began their investigation after Smyrna Police Department officials told them that Albert and Calzada had a rifle and dead deer in a pickup truck, and were probably responsible for the reported shots. (Con t on p. 22) Chris Taylor found winter smallmouth fishing good on Norris Lake. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. 21

22 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 ( Men Get Lifetime Hunting Bans... con t from p. 21) In the weeks that followed, questioning of the suspects would lead to search warrants issued for their homes and cell phones, said Sgt. Brian. The cell phone searches provided wildlife officers with their most incriminating evidence. Images of dead deer lined up alongside each other and video of the two men celebrating their kills were among collected evidence. We will never know how many deer these two killed, but we believe they could have poached at least 40, said Sgt. Brian. We charged them with violations based on the strongest evidence we found showing the seriousness of their poaching crimes. - TWRA- Margaret Lovins with a 43-inch rockfish. 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

NORRIS LAKE Chris Taylor with another nice Norris smallmouth. Photo courtesy Judy s Grocery. New Officers Elected During February TFWC Meeting NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission elected its new officers for 2016-17 during its one-day February meeting on Friday at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Region II Ray Bell Building. Harold Cannon (Lenoir City) will serve as the 2016-17 chairman after he was vice chairman this past year. Jamie Woodson (Lebanon) moves from serving as secretary to vice chairman. David Watson (Lookout Mountain) was elected as the TFWC s new secretary. Chairman Cannon replaced Jim Bledsoe (Jamestown) who served in the role this past year. He was presented a plaque of appreciation for his service as chairman and will continue to serve as a commission member. In other items at the meeting, the TFWC voted to withdraw a rule and follow TWRA s recommendation that no changes be made concerning the required permits to hunt and fish on Reelfoot Lake/Wildlife Management Area. The TWRA held a public meeting on the subject in December and those persons in attendance were overwhelmingly opposed to changing permit/license requirements. (Con t on p. 24) 23

WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON 24 Cheryl Leonard got this big 6-pound smallmouth bass on Watauga Lake fishing with guide Willie Tunnell. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. A.J. Lipford with his first deer - a good spike. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. ( New Officers... con t from p. 23) The rule had originally been scheduled to come before the TFWC in January, but was postponed due to the impending inclement weather. TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Division Chief Mark Gudlin gave a follow-up on his January presentation of preliminary harvest numbers for the recently completed deer, bear, and sandhill crane seasons. The update included the fiveday private lands only January antlerless season in Unit L. There were 3,277 deer harvested during the period. (Con t on p. 25)

WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON ( New Commission Officers... con t from p. 24) Concerning bear harvest by equipment type, there were 434 by gun and 116 by archery. By method (dogs only vs. dogs not allowed), there were 408 with dogs and 142 without. In addition to the harvest reports, Gudlin also said there have been two more verified cougar sightings in Humphreys County. They occurred near the location of two previous sightings. The verifications bring the total to six, the first two confirmed sightings coming in Obion and Carroll counties. McNairy County Wildlife Officer Sam Bedwell was introduced as the 2015 Tennessee Shikar Safari Wildlife Officer of the Year. Shikar Safari representative Jim Maddox made the presentation. Bob Drury was introduced to the commission for being named the Information Technology Division (IT) 2015 Professional of the Year. He is a Property Officer 2 for the division and was selected from four quarterly award winners for the yearly honor. IT Division Chief Michael May made the award presentation. (Con t below) BOONE LAKE 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! Jim Bledsoe (Jamestown) holds a plaque of appreciation he received for his service as chairman of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Chairman Bledsoe will continue as a commission member and is pictured with the newly-elected TFWC officers for 2016-17. To Mr. Bledsoe s left is Vice Chairman Jamie Woodson (Lebanon), and to his right are Chairman Harold Cannon (Lenoir City), and Secretary David Watson (Lookout Mtn) The TFWC will also hold its next meeting on one day. The TFWC will meet Thursday, March 24 at the Region II Ray Bell Building. - TWRA - Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! Fish More In 2016! 25

DALE HOLLOW LAKE 26 Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES Permit Application Now Available for Free Light Goose Conservation Season NASHVILLE --- Sportsmen are reminded that a free permit is required to participate in the 2016 Light Goose Conservation season which will be held Feb. 14-March 10. The application for the free permit is now available at the TWRA website www.tnwildlife.org. The Light Goose Conservation season is for Blue, Snow and Ross s geese. The following provisions apply during the Light Goose Season only which are unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. Shooting is allowed 30 minutes before official sunrise until 30 minutes after official sunset. There is no daily bag or possession limit during this season. No federal or state waterfowl stamps are required to hunt during the conservation season. Hunters must possess a Light Goose Conservation Season permit and have a valid hunting license, but the hunting license may be from any state. ---TWRA--- Cheatham Lake, Haynes Bottom WMA Seeking Farming Bids NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is seeking bids to award an agricultural lease totaling approximately 405 farmable acres at Cheatham Lake Wildlife Management Area in Cheatham County near Ashland City. In addition, the agency will also be seeking bids for an agricultural lease of approximately 500 acres on Haynes Bottom Wildlife Management Area in Montgomery County near Clarksville. The submitted sealed bids will be opened on Monday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., according to TWRA. For more information about either or both of the bids, contact Cheatham WMA Manager Eric Tummins at (615) 294 5432. ---TWRA--- BULLFROG HUNTING All waters of the state are open to bullfrog hunting except waters within state and federal wildlife refuges. The season is open year-round, except on TWRA managed lakes the season is June 1-30. The bag limit is 20 per person, per night. The use of firearms is prohibited for bullfrog hunting on Wildlife Management Areas and TWRA lakes. Pellet guns (air rifles) are not firearms. Only domestically raised bullfrogs or parts thereof may be sold. A hunting license is required to take bullfrogs. No WMA permit is required. - See more at: http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/small-gamehunting-trapping-seasons#sthash.yhtpewwg.dpuf

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 Fishing is fair. Water temperature is 44 degrees at Lillydale. Lake is rising. Smallmouth: Fishing is good. Several nice Smallmouth are being caught on jigs on points in 20-30 feet of water. Laregmouth: Fishing is good. A few are being caught on football jigs while fishing point in 15-20 feet of water on the main lake. Crappie: Fishing is fair. A few are being caught about Eastport on minnows in 15 feet of water. For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com TN-05 Percy Priest Spring Division Schedule 03/05/2016 Fate Sanders Marina 6am - 2pm 03/19/2016 Fate Samders Marina 6:45am-2pm 04/09/2016 Fate Sanders Marina 6:15am-2pm 04/23/2016 Long Hunter State Park 5:45am-2pm 05/14/2016 Fate Sanders Marina 5:30am-2pm Membership Fee: $30.00 Per Person Entry Fee: $50.00 Per Boat ($10.00 Optional Big Bass Pot) To view more USA BASSIN Tournament Divisions in your area go to www.usabassin.com Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! Team Tournament Trail TN-05 Percy Priest Spring Division For info and entry contact: Jim Anderson 615-305-3978 sbd10490@gmail.com $5,000 First Place Prize at the Old Hickory Regional 27

CENTER HILL LAKE Center Hill Fishing Report Fishing is slow. Water temperature is 46 and lake is high. Bass Fising: A few are being caught on jigs on bluffs in 20-30 feet of water. Walleye: Fishing is fair. A few are being caught near Webbs Camp on jigs in 20 feet of water. For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com BASS FISHING LEAGUE SCHEDULE March 12 Dale Hollow Lake Star Point Resort (Music City Division) March 19 Dale Hollow Lake Star Point Resort (Mountain Division) April 9 Dale Hollow Lake Star Point Resort (Mountain Division) April 23 Percy Priest Lake Fate Sanders Marina (Music City Division) www.flwfishing.com OLD HICKORY LAKE 28

OLD HICKORY LAKE Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club - Feb 3rd Place: Terry Hogan and Ray Whitehead - 12.96 lbs including Big Hybrid of Tournament 8.53 lbs. Photo courtesy Jim Summers. Team Tournament Trail TN-04 Old Hickory Lake Spring Div. $5,000 Guaranteed First Place Prize at the Old Hickory Regional 03/26/2016 Bulls Creek Ramp 6-2:30 04/02/2016 Bulls Creek Ramp 6-2:30 04/17/2016 Bulls Creek Ramp 6-2:30 04/24/2016 Bulls Creek Ramp 6-2:30 05/01/2016 Bulls Creek Ramp 6-2:30 For more information and entry contact: Tony Eckler 615-210-9268 www.usabassin.com PPHSC - 2nd Place: Paul Quallls & Herbert Odum - 13.44 lbs Photo courtesy Jim Summers.. 29

OLD HICKORY LAKE Old Hickory Elites Old Hickory Lake Bull Creek 2016 SCHEDULE $150.00 entry per boat $10.00 Big Fish $200.00 enry per boat for the two day $20.00 Big Fish 100% payout February 13th March 19th April 9th May 14th June 11th July 23rd August 13th September 10th October 7th & 8th 2 tournaments are required to be fished to qualify for the 2 day Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club Feb Tournament 1st Place - Blake Hess and Dad Steven Hess with 14.73 lb striper which was Big Striper of Tournament. Photo courtesy Jim Summers. $25.00 membership per man Membership $20.00 if you sign up before February 13th 30

Calais 100A, 200A, 200APV, $399.99 2001A Calais 200DC 4 X 8, 201DC 4 X 8 $649.99 Chronarch 50E, 51E, 201 E7, 201 E6, $199.99 Chronarch 150 C14+, 150HG C14+ $249.99 Core 50 MG 51 MG $369.99 Core 101 MG $349.99 Calcutta 50, 100, 200, 101, 201 $199.99 Calcutta 100TEGT, $349.99 Calcutta 100DCTE, 200DCTE, 201DCTE, 250DCTE $529.99 Calcutta 200 GTB $229.99 Spirex 1000FG, 2500FG, 4000 F6 $59.99 Caenan CAE 100, 101 $89.99 Sedona 500FD, 1000FD, $59.99 Sedona 4000FD $59.99 Curado CU 200 / 200PG / 200HG $179.99 CU 201HG $179.99 CU 300E, 301E $249.99 Citica CI 200G7, 200G6, 200G5 CI 201G6 $149.99 Stradic 1000FJ, 2500FJ, 3000FJ $179.99 Stradic C14 1000, C14 2500 $219.99 Stradic C14 3000 $229.99 Stradic C14 4000 $239.99 Stradic 4000 FJ $199.99 Sustain 2500PG $329.99 31

New For 2016! OUR HARDEST-HITTING FLAGSHIP BOW TO DATE HALON 6 IBO: up to 345 fps Axle-to-axle: 30 Brace Height: 6 Draw Weight: 40-70 lbs Weight: 4.55 lbs Let-Off: 75 or 85% Draw Lengths: 25-31 Half Sizes: 25.5-30.5 Cam: Crosscentric Now In Stock! NO CAM HTX IBO: up to 326 fps Axle-to-axle: 30 Brace Height: 6 1/8 Draw Weight: 40-70 lbs Weight: 3.99 lbs Let-Off: 65, 75, or 85% Draw Lengths: 23-29 Half Sizes: 23.5-28.5