September 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 Enjoying crappie fishing on Watts Bar Lake is Corbin from Colorado, and Parker and Travis from New York. Take advantage of cooler temps this month and good fishing on Tennessee waters. Dove and deer archery seasons also open this month - it s great to be in Tenn! Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service, Crossville, TN 931-261-4114 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 Dove Season Opens Friday, Sept. 1; Early Canada Goose Season Also Begins NASHVILLE --- Dove season opens on Friday, Sept. 1 at noon (local time), the annual start of one of Tennessee s most long-standing outdoor sports traditions. Tennessee s 2017 season is again divided into three segments: Sept. 1 through Sept. 28; Oct. 14 through Nov. 5; and Dec. 8 through Jan. 15, 2018. Hunting times, other than opening day, are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Photo above: Father, Son Dove hunting edge of corn field.-haynes Btm. WMA Doves are found throughout the various regions in the state, but the highest concentration is in farming areas. The hunter must have in his/her possession a valid state hunting license and Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit at all times while hunting. Hunters must have landowner s permission to hunt on private land. TWRA manages dove hunting fields in each of the four regions. For more information and location of fields visit http://tn.gov/twra/article/dove. The daily bag limit for doves is 15. There is no limit on collared doves. Doves not readily identifiable as collared doves will be considered mourning doves and will count toward the mourning dove daily bag limit. No person shall take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area. Any auto-loading or repeating shotgun must be incapable of holding more than three shells while being used for dove hunting. (Con t on p. 4) * 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 INRODUCE A KID TO FISHING! NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM 3
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 - WATTS BAR LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat 423-365-2266 290 Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN 37381 ( Dove Season... con t from p.3) In addition to the start of dove season, the early season for Canada goose also starts on Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15. There is a daily bag of five for Canada goose. Other hunting seasons that open Sept. 1 are moorhens/gallinules and rails (Virginia and sora). The Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit is also required to hunt these species. More information on Tennessee s dove and other migratory birds can be found on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website by clicking here. The 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide can also be viewed on the website or a copy may be obtained at any TWRA regional office or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. ---TWRA--- Miss Brylen and her lunker! Photo courtesy Watts Bar Bait & Tackle. TWRA Letting Bear Hunters Know That Dogs Are Prohibited During Nov. 18-21 Hunt NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is clarifying an error that has occurred in the printed copy of the agency s 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. On page 28, there is a chart that indicates hunters will be allowed to use dogs during the Nov. 18-21 gun/muzzleloader/archery hunt in Bear Hunt Zones 1, 2, and 3. However, dogs will not be allowed during that particular hunting segment. Bear hunting takes place in the eastern portion of the state and dogs are allowed during many of the 4 (Con t on p. 5)
( Dogs Prohibited... con t from p.4) various bear zone hunts between late September and late December. However, TWRA has not usually allowed dogs during the Nov. 18-21 hunt, which coincides with the opening of the gun season for whitetailed deer. We schedule hunts with different bear-hunting interests in mind and we believe most bear hunters are aware of our traditional seasons, but we just want to make sure they know about this mistake, noted Mark Gudlin, the chief of TWRA s Wildlife and Forestry Division. Nickajack Reservoir Fishing Report: WATTS BAR LAKE The agency s digital version of the bear zone chart in the hunting guide is correct and can be viewed on tnwildlife.org website. ---TWRA--- Summer Deer Mortality Attributed to Common Virus NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) offices are receiving reports of dead deer in scattered areas of the state. The timing and details of the reports are all indicative of hemorrhagic disease (HD). HD occurs at varying levels of severity each year in Tennessee s deer herd. The catch-all term for (Con t on p. 6) Reservoir Conditions: Mean elevation: 633.5 feet. Current elevation: 633.81 feet. The water surface temperature is 85 degrees. Largemouth Bass: Grass located on the main channel with some feature that is different than the other areas should be the target area. Plastic worms, frogs, and buzzbaits are being used regularly. Spotted Bass: Spots are being caught most often on the upper reservoir. Crankbaits are a popular lure choice. Smallmouth Bass: Crankbaits, jigs, and live bait are being used for bait. Fish the tailwater. Crappie: Most crappies are being caught near Chickamauga Dam. Minnows and jigs are both being used but not together. Catfish: All observed catfish were caught on the upper reservoir this week by those using shad, chicken parts, or shrimp. White Bass: Bass anglers in the upper reservoir are catching several white bass while using the typical lures such as small top water baits, spinner-type lures, and spoons. - TWRA - 5
WATTS BAR LAKE ( Deer Virus... con t from p.5) this disease is hemorrhagic disease (HD), and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue are the closely related viruses that fall under the umbrella of HD. So far this year, reports are predominantly coming from East Tennessee, and based on the volume of reports it appears to be above average in severity. According to officials in Athens, Ga., at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), the outbreak being experienced appears to be a part of a larger multi-state outbreak involving several nearby states. Reports to TWRA offices indicate mortality of deer in at least 20 counties with more expected as the season progresses. The last major outbreak of HD in Tennessee was in 2007 and involved virtually all of the state. Jason & Corbin from Colorado and Travis from New York with crappie catch. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. So far the intensity of the outbreak seems to be localized, said Roger Applegate, Wildlife Health Program Leader for TWRA. We don t anticipate this outbreak to rival that of 2007, but it is still early and we re actively monitoring the situation. HD is caused by a virus that is transmitted to deer from biting midges or no-seeums. 6 Jason and Travis enjoy Watts Bar crappie fishing! Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. It is not transmitted from deer to deer by contact. The virus causes fever, respiratory distress, and swelling of the neck or tongue. Not all deer exposed to the virus will die, but those that do usually do so within 5 to 10 days of exposure in or near water as they seek to cool their bodies from the fever. Incidence of HD usually peaks around mid-september and is usually done by mid-october with the onset of cold weather. Although some of the clinical symptoms are similar, it is important to not confuse HD with CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease), said James Kelly, TWRA Deer Management Program Leader. Unlike CWD, HD (Con t on p. 9)
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 THE CLASSIC SEPT 28th & 29th Lake Chickamauga - Dayton, TN Dayton Boat Dock For info: 615-485-1524 or 615-756-4042 www.seniorsteambasstrail.com 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 J.P. from California here with friends from Louisiana get in on some super crappie fishing! Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 7
WATTS BAR LAKE Chickamauga Reservoir Fishing Report: Reservoir Conditions: Summer normal elevation: 682.0 feet. Winter normal elevation: 676.0 feet. Current elevation: 682.25 feet. The water surface temperature is 85 degrees. 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 Largemouth Bass: A few anglers are catching some fish while using top water lures early and late. Bass are being caught close to deeper water around brush, points, or irregular features. Crankbaits and plastic worms are being used as often as any other weapons in most anglers arsenal. Smallmouth Bass: A few upper reservoir and lower reservoir fish are being caught while using crankbaits. Crappie: Fish deep brush in the creeks around ledges, docks, or around lights at night. Use minnows or jigs. Some anglers are catching a lot of fish. Same report as last week. Striped bass: A few fish were caught in the tailwaters area while using shad. The number of interested anglers was low. Bluegill/Shellcracker: Bluegills are being caught in the main channel in the upper river. Lower reservoir anglers are fishing around bluff walls. Worms or crickets offer equal opportunities. The bluegill report has not changed - TWRA -. 8 WWW.TNFHG.COM Download this magazine in full color!
HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS ( Deer Virus... con t from p.6) is a virus and deer can survive infection. It comes and goes at varying levels of severity much like the flu does for humans. CWD, on the other hand, is actually a much greater concern because the causative agents known as prions persist in the environment and in deer populations indefinitely. Fortunately, CWD has not been detected in Tennessee, and intensive surveillance will continue this fall by TWRA biologists and agency partners for this neurological and always fatal disease. For more information on CWD please visit cwd-info.org. ---TWRA--- Squirrel Season Set to Open; Tennessee s 2017 Free Hunting Day is August 26 NASHVILLE --- Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 26 which coincides with the opening day of squirrel season. Free Hunting Day is an event the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency annually provides in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee s oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for persons to experience the enjoyment of the sport. The TWRA encourages regular hunters to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoors sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for persons who have not tried hunting in a while to be reintroduced to the sport. On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements. Many of the WMAs are open to hunters seeking public access on Aug. (Con t on p. 18) 9
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FORT LOUDON / TELLICO This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! Above: smallmouth, walleye, and stripers below Ft. Loudon Dam. Photos courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. First Segment DEER ARCHERY SEASON Sept 23 - Oct 27 15
CHEROKEE LAKE Photo right: KEEPING WATERWAYS SAFE Patrolling waterways is a year round duty. Monroe County officers Kip Kite and Joe Pike are just two of our dedicated officers keeping you safe and protecting the great resources in our state. Photo from TWRA website. Permit Drawing for Sandhill Crane Hunt August 12; Any Leftover Permits Go to Statewide Draw NASHVILLE --- A hand-held permit drawing for the fifth sandhill crane hunt in Tennessee will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Birchwood Community Center (formerly the Birchwood School) in north Hamilton County. Tags at this draw are only valid for use in the Southeast Crane Zone. Any leftover tags will be in included in the first computerized draw to issue tags for statewide use. This is the first year Tennessee hunters will be able to harvest a sandhill crane statewide. More than 1,100 tags will be issued, but hunters can only receive one tag for statewide use and the tag is valid in the Southeast Crane zone as well. The application period for the computerized draw is Sept. 6-27, 2017. A total of 1,200 tags are available at the handheld draw for 400 successful applicants at least 13-years-old. Registration for the drawing begins at 8 a.m. (EDT). The drawing will begin at approximately 10 a.m. Tags are non-transferable and individuals must be present to obtain tags. Tags are not valid until a 2017 Sandhill Crane ID Test validation code is written on the tag. The purpose of this test is to improve hunter s awareness of and ability to distinguish between sandhill cranes and protected species which may be encountered while hunting. The TWRA will provide computers for persons wishing to take the identification test on the day of the drawing. However, the test is currently available on the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org and will remain available until the end of the season. Applicants must have a current Tennessee hunting/fishing license (Type 001) and a waterfowl license (Type 005) or equivalent. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission established a statewide sandhill crane hunting season expanding the hunt beyond southeast Tennessee. The 2017-18 season will be Dec. 2. - Jan. 28, 2018; however, there is a three-day closure (Friday-Sunday, Jan. 12-14) in the Southeast Crane Zone for the annual Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival. 16 ---TWRA---
CHEROKEE LAKE ENJOYING TIME OUTDOORS! Warren County officer Pete Geesling s daughters were successful on this hunt. Izzy with her first squirrel and Hailey with a stick! It s awesome to see families outside and that is just one reason for free hunting day. Find more ways to get kids outside at:http://www.tn.gov/twra/section/hunting-in-tennessee. Photo courtesy TWRA website tweets section. Tennessee Wildlife Officers working 100% totality eclipse on Kentucky Lake. Photo TWRA. 17
DOUGLAS LAKE ( Squirrel Season... con t from p.9) 26. Hunters are asked to check the information for particular WMAs in the newly-published 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide which is available online at www.tnwildlife.org or copies are available at any TWRA regional office or at most outlets where licenses are sold. 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! The TWRA offers a reminder that hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 is required to have successfully completed a hunter education course. An apprentice license is required for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 if the hunter education course has not been completed. This license exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education law for one year from the date of purchase, but may only be purchased for up to three consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter. Hunters are allowed to harvest up to 10 squirrels a day from the opening day of squirrel season through Feb. 28, 2018 with each hunting day beginning a half-hour before sunrise and ending a half-hour after sunset. In addition to squirrels, those species that have a year-round season will be open as well. The yearround species include armadillos, beavers, coyotes, groundhogs, and striped skunks. For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit TWRA s website at www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA regional office. --TWRA--- Chronic Wasting Disease Awareness With the start of hunting seasons across the country, it is important to review the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s rules and regulations on importing any out of state cervid harvest. Currently Tennessee is a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free state and TWRA is working hard on preserving this status. CWD is a highly contagious and deadly neurological disease that causes a spongy deteriation of the brain of infected animals. CWD infects the members of the cervid family which includes whitetailed deer, elk, moose, mule deer, black-tailed deer, red deer, and sika deer. CWD is transmitted through animal to animal contact, animal contact with a contaminated environment and with contaminated feed or water sources. Prions are responsible for the CWD transmission, not a bacteria or a virus. Prions are misfolded or abnormal proteins found throughout the body but are concentrated in the eyes, brain, tonsils, spleen and lymph nodes of infected animals. (Con t on p. 19) 18 This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Support Them With YOUR Business!
( CWD Awareness... con t from p.18) The environment including food and water sources become contaminated through prions being shed in the urine, saliva, blood, and feces of infected animals. Symptoms of the disease include: weight loss, drooling, loss of muscle control, difficulty swallowing, grinding teeth, excessive thirst, frequent urination, exaggerated posture, staggering, unusual behavior, and drooping of the head and ears. CWD occurs mostly in adults and symptoms can take up to 16 months to appear. The disease cannot be identified by symptoms or a live animal test. The only way to confirm the disease is to examine a deceased animal s brain and lymph nodes. DOUGLAS LAKE 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 Once CWD is established in a population it is impossible to eliminate. Preventing the disease is the best method of protecting Tennessee s deer and elk herds. So, as a hunter that is planning a hunting trip in confirmed areas of CWD, you must lawfully prepare any part of the animal before entering into Tennessee. Tennessee Rule and Regulation 1660-01.15.02 states that no person may import, transport, or possess in Tennessee a cervid carcass part from any area that has a known case of CWD except provided herein: www.bucksnbass.net Meat that has bones removed Antlers, antlers attached to clean skull plate, or cleaned skulls (where no meat or tissues or attached to the skull) Cleaned teeth (with all tissue removed) Finished taxidermy and antler products Hides and tanned products In summary, meat which has bones removed along with cleaned antlers, cleaned skull plates, cleaned teeth, and finished taxidermy products are allowed. The following 24 states and two Canadian provinces are included in the CWD importation ban: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. It is important to remember that CWD is not known to infect humans or livestock. However, The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that parts of an infected deer should not be consumed. Hunters can also be on the lookout for animals exhibiting symptoms of the disease. If an animal is encountered, do not touch, disturb, kill or remove the animal. Take pictures, a GPS coordinate, and contact the local regional office in the state that you are hunting to report a sick cervid. (Con t on p. 20) 19
NORRIS LAKE This 5 1/2 lb bass caught on Douglas Lake using a Circle V Baits lure. Photo Pro Anglers Shop. ( CWD Awareness... con t from p.19) Dalton Beshears with a 36-inch striper. Photo courtesy Pro Anglers Shop. To date, 80 free ranging elk and 9,394 deer have been tested for CWD in Tennessee with all the results being negative. From Region I, Amy Spencer, Madison County Wildlife Officer - TWRA - Early Canada Goose Season Sept 1-15 Daily bag limt 5 20 DOVE SEASON OPENS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST Segments: Sept 1 - Sept 28 / Oct 14 - Nov 5 / Dec 8 - Jan 15, 2018 Daily bag limit 15
NORRIS LAKE Seth White, age 11, used a.243 to down this buck last season. Photo courtesy Pro Anglers Shop. CEDAR GROVE MARINA & CAMPGROUND 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 Fishing Proposals, Elk Hunt Winners to Be Announced at August TFWC Meeting NASHVILLE --- A preview of the commercial fishing and sport fish proclamations will be presented at the August meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. The meeting will be held Aug. 29-30 (Tuesday-Wednesday) at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Region II Ray Bell Building. Committee meetings begin at 1 p.m., Tuesday while the regular meeting starts at 9 a.m., Wednesday. The public is invited to attend. In addition, winners of the 14 drawn permits and one auctioned permit to hunt elk on North (Con t on p. 22) 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 21
NORRIS LAKE ( Fishing Proposals... con t from p.21) Cumberland Wildlife Management Area or private lands within the Elk Restoration Zone will be announced. Wildlife and Forestry Division Chief Mark Gudlin will announce this year s group of expanded winners. permit), and one youth permit. At its May meeting, the TFWC voted to increase the total number of elk hunt permits from 11 to 15 and increase the three hunt segments to seven days each. This will include seven archery permits, seven for gun (which includes the auctioned Fisheries Division Chief Frank Fiss will present the proposals for commercial fishing and the 2018-19 sport fishing regulations. The regulations for both will be set at the September TFWC meeting to be held in Gatlinburg. (Con t on p. 23) 22 Deer season is just around the corner - above are from hunts last season: (L) 11-yr-old Seth White got this impressive buck with a.243, (R) Caleb Whithe, age 14, killed this spike with 7mm08. Photos courtesy Pro Anglers Shop.
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE ( Fishing Proposals... con t from p.22) David Roddy, TWRA s Hatchery and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Coordinator will present an overview of the new Florida largemouth bass spawning facility in Humboldt. Members of the Humboldt Hatchery staff will be present. The agency will also present its fiscal year 2018-19 budget recommendations to the commission. ---TWRA--- Todd Weaver Named Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Tennessee Wildlife Officer of the Year NASHVILLE --- Todd Weaver has been honored as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Wildlife Officer of the Year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAF- WA). The recipient of the award was announced by Darren Rider, TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division colonel. (Con t on p. 25) Crowder s 1st trout! Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors. This Magazine Provided To You FREE By The Advertisers Thank Them With YOUR Business! 23
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE Brummitt s Bait & Tackle Live Bait 423-895-8161 746 Hwy 321 Hampton, TN 37658 24 R.J. Tolley - 17 rainbow on Watauga River. Photo Brummitt s Bait & Tackle. Ezra Tolley - 18 brown on Watauga River. Photo Brummitt s Bait & Tackle. 2017-18 Tennessee Wildlife s Calendar Contest Winners Selected NASHVILLE --- The winning entries for the 2017-18 Tennessee Wildlife magazine photo contest have been selected by staff members of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The selections will appear in the annual calendar issue of the magazine which will be available in early July. The staff selected the winning photographs from hundreds of submissions and had the challenge to narrow the entries to 13 photos that will (Con t on p. 27)
WATAUGA / S. HOLSTON / BOONE ( Todd Weaver... con t from p.23) Weaver serves as a wildlife officer in TWRA Region IV s District 42 s Sullivan County and just reached his 10th anniversary with the agency. He was selected among other TWRA law enforcement officers to become the state recipient. He will be recognized during the annual SEAFWA meeting in October to be held this year in Louisville, Ky. While assigned Sullivan County, Weaver works throughout the district s 11 counties. Also honored as TWRA region and district selections were Greg Barker, Region I and Timothy Ward, District 11; Eric Anderson, Region II and Leith Konyndyk, District 22; Andrew Ward, Region III and Jason Ramsey, District 31; and Greg Julian, District 41. The officers were selected for their efforts in teamwork, public outreach, innovation, attitude, leadership, achievements and accomplishments. It is always a difficult situation when one officer is selected out of a group of officers that have all gone above and beyond the duty of ensuring Tennessee hunters, anglers and boaters are provided safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities, said Rider. All these officers are to be commended for their professionalism and efforts they displayed this year. All these officers had a fantastic year, but Todd really (Con t on p. 26) 25
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: A few smallmouths are being caught early in the morning and late in the afternoons while fishing top water baits around schooling shad. Largemouth Bass: Several largemouths are being caught on top water baits and soft plastics while fishing grass in 10-15 feet of water. Walleye: Lots of walleye are being caught while jigging spoons on breaks in 32 feet of water. (Huntfishbuddy.com) ( Todd Weaver... con t from p.25) excelled in all aspects of his job. His achievements and accomplishments were outstanding. Todd Weaver photo In Weaver s enforcement efforts, close to 3,800 hunters, fishermen and boaters were inspected for compliance. These efforts produced a total of 199 court citations and seven physical arrests. He also issued 73 warning citations and assisted other officers with 27 cases. He worked four marine events, assisted 20 distressed boaters and recovered two stolen boats. He also handled 80 calls involving big game damage, injured or orphaned wildlife and provided the necessary technical assistance to resolve these calls. Todd s efforts in excellence and innovation were also great, said Rider. He spent many hours searching Facebook, system harvest data, and other social media outlets to determine who might have harvested big game illegally. Active in his community, he conducted and assisted with 55 school programs, seven newspaper articles, a pair of free fishing day events, 10 days at the Appalachian Fair, three days working a NASP tournament and three sportsman programs. He spoke to a behavior modifications class to encourage youth to become interested in the outdoors. 26 (Con t on p. 27)
( Todd Weaver... con t from p.26) Todd s attitude and leadership efforts are also to be commended, said Rider. He rendered aid to an individual who was having a seizure on the side of the road until EMS arrived. He also conducted a search for a lost hunter in the winter that resulted in him being found alive and well. Todd is certainly not only a great asset for the Agency but also for the hunters, anglers and boaters that recreate in the state of Tennessee. Cordell Hull Fishing Report: DALE HOLLOW LAKE ---TWRA--- ( Calendar Winners... con t from p.24) appear in the calendar issue. The 2017-18 calendar will begin with the month of August. Other entries will be kept on file and could have the opportunity to appear in future agency publications and on the agency s website. The photographers with the winning 2017-18 entries are Paul Bay (Greenback), Ray Gobernatz (Palmyra), Ralph Hensley (Hiltons, Va.), Ron Jackson (Clarksville), Becky McRae Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES (Bartlett), Holly Nelson (Rockwood), Richard Powers (Louisville, Tenn.), Brian Shults (Greenback), Rick Small (Rock Hill, S.C.), and Nicole Witzel (Nashville). The staff of Tennessee Wildlife offers congratulations to all of the winners and reminds photographers that if your photo was not chosen this year, your next year s entry could be a winner. Rules and (Con t on p. 30) Reservoir Conditions: Fishing is good. The water temperature is 72 degrees. Lake is at summer pool. Black Bass: Several nice largemouths are being caught on topwater baits while fishing grass on the main lake. Smallmouth Bass: Several smallmouths are being caught on jigs on river channel banks near the dam. White Bass: A few white bass are being caught while trolling crankbaits in 10 feet of water. Bluegill: Several bluegills are being caught on night crawlers and crickets while fishing bluff walls in 5 feet of water. Catfish: Several catfish are being caught on cut bait while fishing main lake flats. Sauger and Walleye: A few sauger and walleye are being caught while fishing trolling crankbaits in 15 feet of water. - TWRA - 27
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DALE HOLLOW LAKE TWRA Leasing Fields for 2017 Dove Season NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is seeking fields to lease for the upcoming 2017 dove season. The first segment of dove season opens at noon on Friday, Sept. 1. Mourning doves are a popular game bird and one of the most widely distributed and abundant birds in North America. More mourning doves are harvested than all other migratory bird species combined in 39 of the continental states. In Tennessee, an estimated 12,000 hunters harvested approximately 290,000 mourning doves last year. Landowners can earn up to $3,600 for providing a dove field for public hunting. These fields must be available for a minimum of three priority hunt dates in September. TWRA began its leased dove field program in the late 1980s and the program has been very successful in providing quality hunting opportunities for hunters. In addition to leased fields, many public dove fields are provided on wildlife management areas in each TWRA region. The TWRA website will have specific information about WMAs and leased dove fields in each region by Aug. 15. The standard fall leased field is a harvested grain field to which TWRA leases the hunting rights for three priority dates. The hunting access rate paid to landowners for fall leased fields may be up to $75 per acre for a maximum of 40 acres. Fields that are top sown with wheat are eligible for an additional $15 per acre. Interested landowners must sign up their fields in August. Anyone interested in leasing a dove field to TWRA should contact their TWRA regional office. The TWRA has four regional offices across the state that interested landowners can contact: Region I (West Tennessee) 731-423-5725 or toll free 1-800-372-3928; Region II (Middle Tennessee) 615-781-6622 or toll free 1-800-624-7406; Region III (Upper Cumberland) 931-484-9571 or toll free 1-800-262-6704; Region IV (East Tennessee) 423-587-7037 or 1-800-332-0900. ---TWRA--- 29
CENTER HILL LAKE VOLUNTEER BASS TRAIL $1500 1ST PLACE Guaranteed Per Tournament PLUS 100% of Entry Fees Entry Fee $60.00 Per Team Includes $10 Big Bass Fee September 30th Old Hickory - Bulls Creek 865-354-2853 30 $35,000 WEST CHAMPIONSHIP September 22 & 23 Old Hickory Lake - Flipper s - Bulls Creek ( Calendar Winners... con t from p.27) deadlines for the 2018-19 Tennessee Wildlife photo contest will appear in future issues of the magazine and also in the fall on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s website, www.tnwildlife.org. Photographers will again be invited to submit their best photos on fishing and wildlife species native to the Volunteer State, and fishing and hunting scenes in Tennessee. ---TWRA---
OLD HICKORY LAKE Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club Tournament on Cumberland River: 1st Place - Donny Sykes, Steve Hess, Blake Hess - 39.82 lbs - all fish released. PPHSC 2nd Place: Bob Angello - 37.93 lbs including Big Fish of 21.37 lbs - all fish released. PPHSC 3rd Place: Bill Allen, Pete Peters, and Ron Wynn - 13.57 lbs - all fish released. Photos this page courtesy Jim Summers. SUMNER/WILSON BASS ANGLERS ASSOCIATION FISH OFF SEPT 23rd & 24th Bull Creek - for info 615-517-5521 Old Hickory Bass Anglers September 9th, 6am - 2pm - Bulls Creek Ramp - 615-974-2279 31
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