Tennessee WildCast

Join us on this week’s Tennessee WildCast as we visit with Matt Backus, Research Center Director at Ames AgResearch and Education Center. Discover the rich history and groundbreaking research at Ames Plantation, home to the National Championship and a hub for collaboration with UT AgResearch and Southeastern universities. From innovative agricultural studies to exceptional outdoor recreation, Ames...

Join us this week as fiddle virtuoso and traditional bow hunter Jimmy Herman shares captivating tales from his music tours and outdoor adventures! Raised in Wisconsin, Jimmy honed his craft early, performing on stages and exploring the wild. From touring with Carrie Underwood to an unforgettable hunting experience, his stories will keep you hooked. Tune in for an episode packed with music and natu...

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the 7th Annual Smallmouth King Bass Tournament on June 7-8, 2025, in Sevierville, Tennessee. Anglers of all levels will compete on Sevierville’s renowned bass waters, fishing the Little Pigeon River and its tributaries. Whether from the shore, wading, or paddling a kayak, participants will vie for the title over two exciting days.  Learn more at ww...

This week, WildCast takes a fresh turn as we explore the world of mushroom growing with Jeffrey Collins-Key, a Forestry Manager at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. With his fine dining background and deep appreciation for the outdoors, Jeffrey discovered a passion for cultivating mushrooms. Now, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and teaching others how to grow these unique delights in...

Get ready, folks! Turkey season is almost here, and we're kicking things off with a bang! This week, the GSM Outdoors Giveaway returns, featuring awesome gear from HS Strut. We're thrilled to have champion turkey caller and Hunter Specialties Pro Staff member, Steve Cobb, join us to showcase some of HS Strut's top-notch products and share his expert tips to help you prepare for the sea...

Join us for an in-depth chat with Eagle Bend Hatchery Manager Chris Morton! Hailing from Spring City in East Tennessee, Chris takes us through his journey—from coon hunting with his dad to graduating Tennessee Tech in 2006 and joining TWRA in 2007. Now leading Eagle Bend since 2022, he oversees 36 ponds on 100 acres along the Clinch River, raising species like walleye, striped bass, black crappie,...

Get ready for an exhilarating episode as the WildCast crew welcomes Lee Ellis from Seek One! This week, we’re diving deep into the thrilling world of urban and public land deer hunting. Lee’s bringing his A-game, sharing expert tips, reliving an incredible season, and igniting our passion for preserving hunting traditions. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as Lee recounts how he outsmarted a jaw-...

Join us this week on Tennessee WildCast for an awesome episode with Dr. Adam Edge! We’re taking a fun look back at a fantastic deer hunting season, complete with harvest numbers, a recap of our new units, and the latest on CWD. He’ll also share some cool facts about why deer shed their antlers and how it all works. It’s the perfect time to hunt for sheds and plan for next season. All this and more...

Our big GSM Outdoors giveaway is back! This week, Crispin Powley, VP of GSM Fishing, and Brian Robinson, Senior Regional Manager, are here to showcase some of the top brands in GSM’s fishing gear lineup. Want a chance to win? Here’s how: 🎣 Subscribe to our YouTube channel & tag a friend in the comments. 🎣 Follow us on Facebook & tag a friend in the comments. 🎣 Winners will be announced...

This week on Tennessee WildCast , we’re thrilled to welcome No. 1 Billboard-charting artist Lucas Hoge into the studio for an unforgettable session of music and conversation. Lucas seamlessly blends his love for songwriting, the great outdoors, and adventure—whether he’s reeling in a big catch, chasing wild game, or commanding the stage with his electrifying performances. When he’s not entertainin...

Welcome back for part 2 of this powerful story! Last time, we heard from TWRA Valor Award recipients who risked their lives during the devastating floods of Hurricane Helene. With over 1.3 million gallons of water rushing over the Nolichucky Dam every second, these heroes sprang into action, rescuing stranded individuals and putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. In this episode, we bring...

Join us as we visit with TWRA Valor Award recipients who risked their lives during the devastating floods of Hurricane Helene. With over 1.3 million gallons of water rushing over the Nolichucky Dam every second, these heroes sprang into action, rescuing stranded individuals. Hear firsthand accounts of the daring rescues, the intense moments, and the sacrifice that earned them this prestigious hono...

Join us for our first-ever GSM Outdoors giveaway show! We’ll dive into everything predator hunting and give away some amazing gear, including a Western Rivers Mantis Pro 100 and a Cyclops RS 1600 light. Want a chance to win? Here’s how: Subscribe to our YouTube channel Like , comment , and share on Facebook Follow , like , and comment on Instagram Winners will be announced on February 12th Every a...

Every hunter’s journey is unique, and R3 programs aim to reconnect adults with the sport they once loved. By engaging adults, we’re not just reigniting their passion but creating a ripple effect that brings families and new generations along for the adventure. It’s all about guiding someone on their journey and watching their story unfold—it’s what makes this work so rewarding! #tnwildlife #gooutd...

Tennessee Wildcast is back for 2025! Join host Jason Harmon and co-host Don King as they kick off the season in Studio B with live giveaways, fresh plans, and exciting updates. From the Sandhill Crane Festival to the Bill Dance Signature Lakes, we’re diving into the best of Tennessee’s outdoors. This episode is brought to you by GSM Outdoors, preserving the sportsman’s legacy and inspiring future...

Join us for an exciting episode as we head to Smith & Wesson’s headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee to visit with President & CEO Mark Smith. Dive into the rich history of this iconic firearms company, from its founding by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson to its evolution into a leader in revolvers, pistols, long guns, and more. Explore the craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy that make Smith &...

Life jackets save lives—that’s why they’re called what they’re called. In this episode, Chris Hennessee joins us to dive into why common sense on the water is more important than ever. Whether you're duck hunting, fishing, or just out on the lake, small precautions like wearing a life jacket and planning ahead can make all the difference. Tune in for practical tips, life-saving advice, and a remin...

Join us at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the ultimate destination for all things sharp and collectible! From legendary Christmas trappers to fossils, World War II memorabilia, firearms and unique gift ideas, this iconic Tennessee spot has it all. Chief Operating Officer Josh Hill sits down with us to share some of the top products for your holiday shopping—don’t miss this fun and festive episode! Sp...

Join Daniel Jerrolds as he shares his passion for blending horseback adventures, public land hunting, and the challenges of working with dogs in the wild. From turkey hunts on public land to the thrill of training a good dog, Daniel and the WildCast Crew reflect on the rewards of embracing the outdoors and making the most of Tennessee’s rich natural resources.

Outdoorsman Daniel Jerrolds shares his journey, built on two lifelong passions: hunting and horses. Hear firsthand about his Spring turkey opening day success, doubling up on beautiful birds while encountering an unexpected visitor, and the unforgettable moment of spotting and taking down a "pinnacle" deer. These stories capture the thrill of the hunt and the dedication it takes to make each momen...

From hatching eggs to releasing fully grown fish, discover the year-round, seven-days-a-week dedication that keeps Tennessee’s rainbow trout populations thriving. Hatchery Manager Roger Bitz and his crew produce nearly 350,000 fish a year weighing in at 80 to 90,000 pounds. With 24 raceways, spring-fed water at a constant 58°F, and daily care—even on holidays—this is fish farming at its finest! Ro...

Join us as we dive into over 75 years of wildlife conservation history! In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of Tennessee’s early conservation efforts, with special guest Lt. Andy Collins showcasing rare collectibles, including licenses, badges, and more. Hear about the first game warden, Colonel Joseph H. Acklen, and discover how wildlife conservation in Tennessee began long before 1...

On this episode of Tennessee WildCast, we dive into the world of hunting mature whitetails, one of the most exciting times of the year for hunters. Our special guest, seasoned deer hunter Jimmy Kyle, shares his expertise and experiences on how to consistently track and harvest trophy bucks. With years of dedication and learning under his belt, Jimmy has perfected the art of patterning mature deer,...

Bears may wander through your yard, but with the right steps, you can keep them from sticking around. In this episode, we dive into practical tips from BearWise, a great resource for reducing human-bear conflicts. From securing trash, dog food, and even bird feeders (aka "bear feeders"), to understanding the root of the problem, we’ll show you how communities can work together to prevent bear issu...

Today, we're coming to you from the Waterfowl Festival at Bogota WMA. It’s been a fantastic day, with everything from seminars to tours, kids' games, and even a calling contest! Huge thanks to Bogota WMA Manager, Josh Emerson, and his crew, not only for their hard work in preparing for the festival but also for their efforts in getting crops planted to enhance the hunting experience for the upcomi...