October 2016 FREE! It s Football - Fall Fishing & Hunting Time in Tennessee! TENNESSEE DEER ARCHERY SEASON OPEN September 29 - October 28 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 Lloyd LeMaster and Gibby Gibson won the Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club September Tournament on Old Hickory Lake with a catch of 52.79 lbs. Fall temps are cooling the waters for good Fall fishing and deer archery, dove, and squirrel seasons open this month for hunting fun. It s great to live in Tennessee! Photo courtesy Jim Summers, Hendersonville, TN. 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!
Four Decatur County Residents Honored for Long-Time Contributions to Hunter Education NASHVILLE --- Four Decatur County residents have been honored for their long-time contributions to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Hunter Education program. Husband and wife, Grafton and Sandra Dodd, along with Neal Shea, and Philip Spence were recognized at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission s September meeting held at Pickwick Landing State Park. The program s four volunteer instructors have worked as a team through the years. Grafton Dodd became a certified instructor in 1975. Wife, Sandra, was certified in 1979and have taught close to 40 classes and certified more than 1,000 students. Neal Shea became a certified instructor in 1974 and has certified close to 1,100 students in the 37 courses he has taught. Philip Spence has taught 39 courses, certifying more than 1,150 students. WATTS BAR LAKE 4 CORNERS MARKET Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN * Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings (Delicious & Best @ Prices) Call In or Carry Out * Hunting & Fishing Licenses * Live Bait & Fishing Supplies * Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries * 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93) OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station 423-334-9518 The volunteers were introduced to those in attendance at the meeting by Steve Henderson, who serves TWRA Region I (West Tennessee) as its Hunter Education Coordinator. They each received a plaque of appreciation in recognition for their efforts with the program. Decaturville resident Kurt Holbert serves as a member of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. The commission is the governing body of the TWRA. Tennessee s Hunter Education program provides firearms safety training and introduces students to their responsibilities in the fields of hunter ethics and wildlife management. (See photo next page) ---TWRA--- NBT TOURNAMENT TWO DAY EVENT October 29 - Chickamauga October 30 - Watts Bar - Dayton Boat Dock 423-223-8624 or 423-223-6849 * 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 LAKE * Fishing Equipment * Tackle * Live Bait * Open Mon - Sat 423-365-2266 290 Whites Creek Road Spring City, TN 37381 Crappie fishing fun on Watts Bar Lake. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 4 Four Decatur County residents were honored at the September meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission for their contributions for many years of volunteer service to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency s Hunter Education program. Philip Spence (fourth from left), along with Neal Shea, Sandra Dodd, and her husband, Grafton, have worked as a team to certify thousands of students through the years in the county. Steve Henderson (far left) is the TWRA s Hunter Education program coordinator in West Tennessee. Harold Cannon, of Lenoir City, (second from left) serves as the TFWC chairman, while to his right is Decaturville resident Kurt Holbert who serves on the TFWC, representing Decatur County and six other West Tennessee counties. - Photo courtesy TWRA.
WATTS BAR LAKE 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 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 - TWRA Confirms Sighting of Cougar in Wayne County NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has confirmed the sighting of a cougar in Wayne County on property located in an area between Linden and the county seat of Waynesboro. A trail camera captured the cat s image on Sept. 4 and the agency, as it does when it receives reports accompanied by credible evidence, began investigating the report. www.kingstongunsandfirearms.com Camo Clothing - Reloading Supplies - Ground Blinds Gunsmith Services - Fishing Supplies - Zoom Worms Open: Tu - Fri 9-6 Sat 9-5 We often get asked what it means if we confirm the documentation of a cat in an area where we haven t seen one before, said Joy Sweaney, a wildlife biologist with TWRA and head of the agency s Cougar Action Team. Most likely they are repeated sightings of an individual cougar, as they can travel long distances in a short period of time. However, there is no way of knowing for sure if it is the same individual or a new arrival. The wildlife agency has confirmed eight sightings since September 2015, with the previous five confirmations in Humphreys County. This is the first documented sighting in Wayne County. (Con t on p. 8) Two big crappies on Watts Bar Lake. Photo courtesy Barry s Guide Service. 5
WATTS BAR LAKE Archery Equip & Supplies Custom made Long-Bows and Muzzleloaders Guns - Ammo - Scopes Treestands - Clothing Open: Tu - F 12-7 / Sat 12-8 Business 423-619-8739 wilkey.doa@gmail.com Mike 423-605-2299 Stacia 423-605-0116 1367 Market St. Dayton, TN 37321 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Believed Cause Of Deaths This Past Weekend (9/25) On Chickamagua Lake By Mime Barnes TWRA--Region III 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 Crossville, TN Two boaters and their pet were pronounced dead at the scene of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning on Chickamauga Lake. Kristy D. James and Mike L. Richardson of Chattanooga were reported missing to the (Con t on p. 17) 6 Photos above: Crappie action on Watts Bar Lake - guided by Barry s Guide Service.
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HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS ( Cougar Sighting con t from p. 5) A list of Tennessee confirmed cougar sightings can be found on TWRA s website at www. tnwildlife.org. Other states surrounding Tennessee are also confirming the presence of western cougars, which have been expanding their range for years. We suspect that cougars are expanding from western populations as there have been many recently documented sightings in Arkansas and Missouri, noted Sweaney. There are no hunting seasons established on cougars in Tennessee. Anyone sighting a cougar, especially accompanied by supporting evidence, is asked to contact the TWRA. Telephone numbers and email address are listed on the agency s website. ---TWRA--- 8
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO Photos above: striper action below Ft. Loudon Dam - guided by FISH ON! Guided Tours. TENNESSEE DEER ARCHERY SEASON OPEN September 29 - October 28 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. Guide Capt. Chadwick Ferrell gets this young angler hooked on striper fishing below Ft. Loudom Dam. Photo courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. 10 Tennessee Dove Season 2nd Segment - October 8 - October 30 Young Sportsman Deer Hunt - October 29-30 Woodcock Season Opens October 29 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 Striper action below Ft. Loudon dam. Photo courtesy 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 12 Gary Myers got this 27 lb stiper on topwater lure below Ft. Loudon Dam 9/16/16. Photo Sloan s Center. Brandon Hampton - double drop tine 10 pt on opening day. Photo Sloan s Center.
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 Kelly Johnson got this opening-day 7-pointer. Photo courtesy Sloan s Center. 13
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO All photos this page courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. 14 Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business!
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO All photos this page courtesy FISH ON! Guided Tours. 15
CHEROKEE LAKE October 1 Watts Bar Tom Fuller Park October 27 Dandridge Dinner Banquet 16 Oct 29, 30 Douglas Shady Grove Nola Bridgman with two good stripers. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
Limited Number of Monarch Seed Packs Available DOUGLAS LAKE NASHVILLE --- In the ongoing project to help conserve monarch butterflies, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is among the agencies participating in the campaign. For the second straight year, a limited number of Conservation Seed Packs are available on a first come, first serve basis. Persons wishing to obtain seed packs, can email TWRA.Monarchs@tn.gov and leave your physical mailing address and receive a free packet of milkweed, coreopis, coneflower, and other host and nectar plant seeds. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is among the organizations launching a campaign to help save monarch butterflies. 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! Each seed packet will cover approximately 15 square feet. Recipients of the seed packets are urged to plant these seeds in open spaces, such as gardens or flower boxes. ---TWRA--- ( Chickamauga Deaths con t from p.6) Hamilton County Sheriff s Office earlier in the day by a concerned family member. The boaters had not been heard from since Saturday. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Officer Joe McSpadden responded to a call from the Hamilton County Sheriff s Department regarding the boaters on Chickamauga Lake around 10:45 a.m. (EST). The Hamilton County Sheriff s Department located the vessel, a 34 Bayliner, afloat in a cove near the 477 mile marker, near Harrison Island. The bodies of both (Con t on p. 27) 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 Enjoy Tennessee Waters Practice Safety First Always Use PFDs! NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM 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 DOUGLAS LAKE Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts! Live Bait - Fishing Supplies BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS October 22, 2016 Cherokee Lake- 25E Bridge Sportsmen Reminded of Definition Changes in Regard to Antlered, Antlerless Deer www.bucksnbass.net NASHVILLE --- Sportsmen are reminded of changes made for the 2016-17 deer hunting seasons in Tennessee in regard to the definition of antlered deer. An antlered deer is now defined as any male or female deer with an antler protruding above its hairline. An antlerless deer is now defined as any deer with no antler protruding above its hairline. The new definition was established by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at its season-setting meeting this past May. The definition is also listed with photo examples on page 23 of the 2016-17 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide as produced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Male fawns with no antler protruding above the hairline do not count toward a hunter s antlered bag limit, rather toward the hunter s antlerless bag limits. Deer having already shed their antlers and does without antlers are also considered antlerless. Male fawns with an antler protruding above the hairline do count toward a hunter s antlered bag limit, since the deer does have antler(s) as opposed to hair covered pedicles (i.e., antler attachment point to the skull). Velvet antlered deer are also considered antlered. The statewide archery season for deer is Sept. 24-Oct. 28. The first of two Young Sportsman hunts is Oct. 29-30. Archery season resumes Oct. 31-Nov. 4. Archery/muzzleloader season is Nov. 5-18. Gun/muzzleloader/archery season has the traditional opening date of the Saturday before Thanksgiving which this year is Nov. 19. The season runs through Jan. 8, 2017. An antlerless hunt on private lands is Jan. 9-13 in Unit L counties only while the final Young Sportsman hunt is Jan. 14-15. Anterless bag limits in archery season are three per day in Unit L while Unit A, B, C, and D have a 18 (Con t on p. 19)
( Definition Changes con t from p.18) bag limit of four. The antlered bag limit is two for the license year. NORRIS LAKE Unit C and D are new management units this year. Unit C includes Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Jefferson, Unicoi, Union, and Washington counties. Unit D includes the four counties of Blount, Monroe, Polk, and Sevier. For the exact boundaries of the different deer units and license requirements, hunters can refer to the 2016-17 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at all TWRA offices. The guide can also be viewed at TWRA s website at www. tnwildlife.org. ---TWRA--- 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 Licensed Tennessee Hunters Can Now Use TWRA Non-Staffed Firing Ranges Considered Tier 1 For Free NASHVILLE --- Sportsmen who possess Tennessee hunting licenses will no longer be charged a fee to sight in firearms on shooting ranges managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, but considered by TWRA as Tier 1 ranges. The agency s governing body, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, recently voted to waive the $5.50 shooting fees on Tier 1 ranges for license holders because these ranges do not have TWRA staffs assigned to them daily, or include amenities found at Tier 2 and 3 ranges. Many TWRA ranges are assigned tier status and are listed in the 2016 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, which can be found on TWRA s website at www.tnwildlife.org. The guide is also available from businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses. (Con t on p. 20) 19
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 ( Tier 1 Firing Ranges con t from p.19) Hunters need to read the guide to make sure of range location, months, days, and hours of operation, and tier status of a range before visiting it. The TWRA ranges classified as Tier 1 include: Cheatham WMA, Yanahli WMA (Yanahli is only open for sighting in rifles intended for big game hunting), Catoosa WMA at the Genesis Checking Station, Catoosa WMA at the Peavine Campground location, Prentice Cooper WMA, Chuck Swan WMA, and North Cumberland WMA. While the fee has been waived for license holders from Tier 1 ranges, the agency stresses that the two-hour time limit still applies to shooters. ---TWRA--- Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com Support Our Advertisers With YOUR Business! 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 20
WATAUGA / S HOLSTON / BOONE Tennesseans Hunting Deer Out of State Reminded of Carcass Importation Changes NASHVILLE --- At its August meeting, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) voted unanimously to approve a proposal that will impact Tennesseans who plan to hunt deer out of state for the 2016-17 season. Brummitt s Bait & Tackle Live Bait The approved proposal, effective immediately, extends the restrictions on importation of deer, moose, and elk carcasses to the entirety of any state not bordering Tennessee that has found a positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). It also includes states bordering Tennessee if that state has a CWD-positive county within 150 miles of Tennessee s border. Beginning May 1, 2017, the restrictions will apply statewide to all CWD-positive states including those that border Tennessee. The restrictions prohibit deer carcasses being brought into Tennessee from the CWD-positive areas where the restrictions are applied unless it is deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to a clean skull, a clean skull (no meat or tissue), cleaned teeth, finished taxidermy products, or hides and tanned products. Previously, 11 of the 24 CWD-positive states had carcass importation restrictions applied to only the CWD-positive counties, while the other 13 already had statewide restrictions. As of now, 23 of the 24 CWD-positive states have the restrictions applied statewide. Three of Tennessee s bordering states, Arkansas, Virginia, and Missouri, have found CWD in their state, but only Arkansas and Missouri have CWD-positive counties within 150 miles of Tennessee s border. Consequently, Virginia is the only CWD-positive state that has county-specific carcass importation restrictions for the current hunting season. 423-895-8161 746 Hwy 321 Hampton, TN 37658 The carcass importation restrictions also apply to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in their entirety just as they did prior to the August Commission meeting. The intent of the action taken by TFWC is to minimize the risk of CWD being introduced to Tennessee s deer herd while also affording taxidermists and processors in Tennessee some time to make necessary preparations to minimize impacts to their business. Chronic Wasting Disease is a contagious, incurable, and always fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose. It causes a characteristic spongy degeneration of the brains of infected animals resulting in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and eventually death. The misfolded proteins, or prions, that are responsible for the disease accumulate in brain tis- (Con t on p. 22) 21
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! ( Deer Carcass Changes con t from p.21) sue, eyes, tonsil, spleen, lymph nodes, intestinal tracts, and spinal cord of infected animals. Live deer can also shed the prion through saliva, urine, and feces. Once introduced into the environment, the infectious prions can persist for up to 18 years so prevention truly is the only medicine. To date, 80 free-ranging elk and 9,394 free-ranging deer have been tested for the disease in the state with all the results coming back negative. For official rule language and a description of which states will be impacted please click here. ---TWRA--- Austin Peay Graduate Student Megan Hart First Recipient of Robert M. Hatcher Scholarship NASHVILLE --- Megan Hart, a graduate student at Austin Peay State University, is the first recipient of the Robert M. Hatcher Memorial Scholarship. 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. Megan completed her bachelor s degree in biology in 2015 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She is pursuing her master s degree in biology, focusing on conservation and wildlife biology. She was presented the scholarship award on the campus at Austin Peay with members of the Hatcher family, members of her family, and officials from the TWRA, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, and the Tennessee Ornithological Society. A resident of Cumberland City in Montgomery County, her research interests are to examine various habitat-species interactions among mammalian and avian species. Following completion of her M.S. degree, she plans to complete her doctorate degree. Her ultimate goal is to study the anthropogenic effects on at-risk, threatened, and endangered avian species for a state or federal agency. She has served both as an undergraduate and graduate research assistant, involved in various projects. Megan is an executive officer with the Alpha Lambda Honors Society and a member of other honor organizations. She was honored in the President s Emerging Leaders Program, exclusive to the top one percent of students at APSU. Mr. Hatcher initiated the state bald eagle recovery efforts in the early 1980s resulting in the release of 284 eagles over 22 years. He also was responsible for reintroducing osprey, river otters, endangered mussels and other species throughout Tennessee. 22 (Con t on p. 23)
TWRA NEWS ( Robert M. Hatcher Scholarship con t from p.22) The establishment of the scholarship was announced in 2014 at the release of a 13-week old bald eaglet named Hatcher s Legacy in his honor at a ceremony at Bells Bend Park near the Cumberland River, just outside of Nashville. The announcement came shortly before Mr. Hatcher s death after a battle with cancer. The Robert M. Hatcher College Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF). Donations are welcome and tax deductible and can be sent to TWRF at 5000 Linbar Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. ---TWRA--- Megan Hart has received the honor of being the first recipient of the Robert M. Memorial Scholarship. To Megan s right is Mr. Hatcher s wife, Betty. Also pictured from left are the Hatchers daughter, Terri Hatcher Goodwin, TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter, the Hatchers son, Jerry, TWRA Bird Conservation Coordinator, David Hanni, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation Executive Director, Julie Schuster, and TWRA Biodiversity Division Chief, Bill Reeves. The presentation was made on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. - Photo TWRA. Send us your hunting & fishing photos: email to steppcom@aol.com 23
TWRA NEWS White-tailed Deer White-tailed deer may live up to 12 years in the wild, although they rarely reach anything over seven years of age. Hunting is the number one cause of mortality for adult white-tailed deer in many parts of their range, including Tennessee. The summer coat of a white-tailed deer is reddishbrown, while its winter coat is gray. Young fawns have white spots on their coats as camouflage for hiding from predators. The average live weight for adult males in Tennessee is 140 pounds, and average the live weight size for females is 100 pounds. Sexually mature males, known as bucks, grow antlers in the spring/summer of each year. Antlers are vascular extensions of the skull covered with hairy skin, called velvet, during the growing period. Once the antlers are fully developed, the males rub the velvet off, exposing the bone antlers. Antlers remain on the bucks until after the breeding season, when they are shed. Antlers may vary from small spikes that grow only a few inches above the skin to much larger racks including multiple points. Conversely, buck fawns only have small bony growths, which do not protrude through the skin, during the fall and winter after their birth. Females typically mature at 1.5-2.5 years of age and give birth to 1-2 young annually (although they may occasionally have 3). Does 2.5 years of age and older in high quality habitats generally have two fawns, whereas their 1.5 year old counterparts usually have one. Gestation period is around 199 days, and the fawns are weaned at 3-4 months of age. Although, young females may stay with their mothers for an extended amount of time and ultimately overlap her home range. Alternatively, yearling males disperse away from their mother; which is thought to prevent inbreeding. White-tailed deer are generalists, thriving in a variety of habitat types. Deer can be found from sea level to high elevations in the mountains. In Tennessee, white-tailed deer are found throughout the entire State. White-tailed deer are even found in urban and suburban areas. Deer are browsers, eating young vegetation and twigs of shrubs and young trees. Deer also eat hard mast such as acorns, fruits (soft mast), and herbaceous plants based on seasonal availability. Deer populations in Tennessee are affected by hemorrhagic disease (HD) on occasion. HD may be caused by many serotypes of viruses causing epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and bluetongue. These viruses are transmitted through a biting fly or midge in the genus Culicoides. Deer become infected after being bitten by a midge carrying the virus. Deer with HD often lose their appetite and fear of humans. Furthermore, they salivate excessively and have an increased pulse, respiration rate, and temperature. Some deer may survive and recover from the disease, but many die and are often found in or near water. Hemorrhagic disease has not been found to be a danger to humans. White-tailed deer are the most economically important big game species in Tennessee. However, deer overpopulation can lead to damage and problems for human safety. For example, deer have the potential to cause damage to crops and other ornamental plants. Additionally, deer-vehicle collisions affect human safety and can cause economic loss. Lastly, parasites (e.g., ticks) commonly associated with deer can present human health challenges. 24 (Con t on p. 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: Lots of smallmouths are being caught at night on jigs on river channel points in 20 feet of water. Largemouth Bass: Lots of largemouths are being caught on soft plastics in sunken brush drops in 20-25 feet of water. Walleye: Several Walleye are being caught while jigging spoons on drops in 30 feet of water. ( White-tailed Deer con t from p.24) White-tailed deer have played an important role in the lives of humans for generations and will continue to do so. They were essential as a source of food, clothing, tool materials and currency for Native Americans and European settlers. Today, white-tailed deer continue to be a highly-valued resource for Tennesseans, especially for hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts. - TWRA - TWRA Presents Sport Fish Proposals for 2017-18; Now Accepting Comments COUNCE, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Fisheries Division presented its proposed 2017-18 sport fish regulation changes during the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission s Sept. 15-16 meeting held at Pickwick Landing State Park. The public is invited to provide comments on the 2017-18 proposals. The deadline for the sport fishing comments is Oct. 19, 2016. To provide comments, email TWRA by clicking here, or write to TWRA Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204. The TFWC will vote on the sport fish regulations its Oct. 27-28 meeting to be held in Knoxville. (Con t on p. 26) 25
DALE HOLLOW LAKE ( 2017 Fish Proposals con t from p.25) If approved, the sport fishing changes would become effective March 1, 2017. Region I *** Horse Creek Dock & Resort 703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551 931-243-2125 * COTTAGES * BOAT RENTALS * FISHING SUPPLIES * BAIT * ICE - GROCERIES Kentucky Lake: Crappie Reduce the creel limit from 30 to 20 fish per day. This recommendation was offered for consideration by the Fisheries Committee of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Region III Dale Hollow Reservoir: Currently boat anglers are limited to 3 rods in use, and bank anglers are limited to 6 rods in use. The proposal would limit all anglers to 4 rods per person. Additional rods may be in possession; this regulation only limits the number that can be used at one time by each angler. The 4-rod limit would also apply to the seasonal walleye run restrictions. Region IV Douglas Reservoir: White bass, hybrid striped bass, and striped bass in combination, 15 per day, no length limits. The TWRA is not managing for striped bass or hybrid striped bass in this reservoir. The proposed regulation will help maintain one of the most robust white bass populations in East Tennessee by reducing the potential for hybridization with striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Calderwood Reservoir: The current reciprocal agreement with North Carolina is limited to boat anglers. The TWRA is pursuing a new agreement that would allow both boat and bank anglers to have similar privileges on Calderwood Reservoir. Laurel Fork (Carter County): Wild trout regulation boundaries - the cable crossing located onehalf mile upstream of the USFS Dennis Cove Recreation Area extending upstream to the USFWS boundary. Statewide - Bait Proclamation Proposed changes to the bait proclamation would regulate the possession of both live and dead bait fish. Descriptions of Class A, B and C bait fish are available in the current fishing guide (pages 38-39). The proposal would keep the current 100 fish per day limit for skipjack herring, and establish a 200 fish possession limit. Creel limits for each species of Class B baitfish would remain at 100 per day, with a proposed 200 fish possession limit for each species. The proposal would also establish a 50 fish per day limit for Class C bait fish, all species combined, with a possession limit of 100 fish. A new category, Class D, would define species that may be sold by bait dealers as dead bait in addition to Class A bait fish. (Con t on p. 27) 26
( 2017 Fish Proposals con t from p.26) Class D species are silversides, and any of species that are not native (or selfsustaining) in Tennessee and are imported in a preserved state (frozen, dried, salted, etc.). Dipping, cast netting, and shad trawling would be removed from the other-than-rod-and-reel section of sport fish methods and these methods would remain among those available for bait collection. ---TWRA--- ( Chickamauga Deaths con t from p.17) CENTER HILL LAKE victims and their pet were discovered on board. The bodies of both victims were transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner s office and the case remains under investigation. TWRA confirms three previous fatalities resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning since 2010. Enclosed cabin boats were involved in all incidents. - TWRA - BALD EAGLE RETURNED TO THE WILD ON SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE BRISTOL, Tenn.---An American Bald Eagle was released back into the wild this morning after it was rescued by TWRA Wildlife Officers and rehabilitated by the American Eagle Foundation. (Con t on p. 30) 27
28 OLD HICKORY LAKE
OLD HICKORY LAKE 29
OLD HICKORY LAKE Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club Sept Tourn on Old Hickory Lake - 3rd Place: Ed Hance, Ray Vivrette, and Taylor Vivrette - 43.79 lbs - Big Fish 31.89 lbs. Photo courtesy Jim Summers. ( Bald Eagle Rescue con t from p.27) TWRA boating officers Matt Swecker and Mark Williams rescued the eagle that had become entangled in a limb line on South Holston Reservoir on August 25. They transported the bird to TWRA officers Brent Harrison and Kim Gibson who delivered it to the University of Tennessee Veterinarian Hospital. The eagle was treated and then transferred to the American Eagle Foundation who rehabilitated it into releasable condition. This bird is a great example of the success of eagle restoration and rehabilitation efforts in Tennessee. 30 The size and distribution of the Bald Eagle population in Tennessee before the continent-wide population crash in the 1950s to mid-1970s, is unknown. However, there were no known successful Bald Eagle nests found in the state between 1961 and 1983. Efforts, coordinated by TWRA to restore Tennessee's eagle population began in 1980 and continued until 2003, and young eagles were "hacked", a form of reintroduction, at several locations in the state. The first successful Bald Eagle nest was discovered near Dover, TN in the spring of 1983. Now, there are over 175 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles in Tennessee and most of these birds remain in the state year round. Individuals from more northern breeding populations migrate to Tennessee for the winter, arriving in late October, and peak numbers of 300 to 500 individuals occur in late January to mid-february.
OLD HICKORY LAKE Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club Sept Tourn on Old Hickory Lake - 1st Place: Lloyd LeMaster & Gibby Gibson - 52.79 lbs. Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club Sept Tourn on Old Hickory Lake - 2nd Place: Steve Hess & Blake Hess - 52.05 lbs. Photos courtesy Jim Summers. 31
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