Tennessee WildCast

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, Jason Harmon and co‑host Don King welcome Fisheries Biologist Mike Jolley and Assistant Chief of Fisheries Travis Scott for an in‑depth look at how TWRA builds and sustains Tennessee’s warm‑water fisheries. From walleye and sauger to crappie, striped bass, hybrids, and more, the team breaks down why stocking is essential in our reservoirs and how brood fish c...

In this powerful and emotional episode of Tennessee Wildcast, we share a story no family should ever have to endure. Nicole Carter opens her home and her heart to talk about the tragic day that changed her life forever—the day her husband, David, and their 6‑year‑old daughter, Olivia, were killed in a personal watercraft collision on Pickwick Lake. What began as a beautiful weekend on the water tu...

This episode is wild in every sense of the word. Host Jason Harmon teams up with co‑host Amy Spencer as they welcome TWRA District 11 Lieutenant Tim Ward to uncover a jaw‑dropping story that blends big bucks, bigger mysteries, and the relentless work of Tennessee’s wildlife officers. We’re talking 491 inches of antler across three trophy bucks — including a double drop‑tine giant — all illegally t...

If you love talking deer, turkey, and everything outdoors in Tennessee, this episode of WildCast is right up your alley. Jason and Don are joined by Adam Edge and Roger Shields — our go‑to guys for all things deer and turkey — and the conversation is packed with good stories and even better updates. Adam breaks down this past deer season, including why the giant acorn crop had deer acting a little...

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer hit the banks of the newly reopened Herb Parsons Refuge and Bill Dance State Fishing Area to explore one of West Tennessee’s most beloved fishing spots. After months of major upgrades, the lake is open again—boasting expanded parking, a wider boat ramp, improved fishing piers, and miles of easy‑access shoreline for ba...

Journey across Tennessee’s wild landscapes in this powerful new episode of Tennessee WildCast . This week, we take an inspiring look at four of TWRA’s dedicated land managers as they steward places like Bogota, Laurel Hill, North Cumberland, and the Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness—some of the most ecologically rich and recreationally diverse properties in the state. From wetlands full...

This week on Tennessee WildCast, we’re unlocking the ultimate tool for every hunter—the Hunt Regs App , created by none other than Ben Martin , the owner and visionary behind this game-changing resource. No more flipping through pages or guessing what’s legal in your area. We’ll break down how this powerful app keeps you informed with real-time regulations, season dates, and bag limits—all at your...

Join host Jason Harmon and co-host Amy Spencer as they travel to Brownsville, Tennessee, for an inspiring episode inside a trophy room filled with stories of grit, family, and the great outdoors. Our featured guest, 13-year-old Clayton Pinner, isn’t your average hunter—he’s harvested an incredible 61 deer, the most of any 13-year-old in Tennessee! But Clayton’s story goes far beyond hunting succes...

Welcome to another exciting edition of Tennessee WildCast !  Back by popular demand, Phillip Culpepper joins us once again to share his wealth of knowledge, unforgettable stories, and expert tips that every hunter—new or seasoned—will appreciate. In this episode, Phillip dives deep into what makes turkey hunting more than just a sport. For him, it’s an obsession, a lifelong passion, and even a for...

Ever wondered what it takes to bring down a wildlife poacher who’s been breaking the law for years? In this episode of Tennessee WildCast , we go behind the scenes with TWRA Game Wardens Colin Jones, Ethan Davis, and Hunter Daniels to uncover the details of a massive investigation that spanned multiple counties, countless hours, and led to a lifetime hunting ban. From anonymous tips to high-stakes...

Ready to dive into the wild side of Tennessee? This episode of Tennessee WildCast is packed with passion for conservation, turkey hunting, and the incredible work of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) . Host Jason Harmon and co-host Barry Cross visit with two special guests: Jereme Odom , former TWRA Game Warden turned NWTF Tennessee Chapter Vice President, and Derek Alkire , NWTF District...

Get ready for an action-packed episode of Tennessee WildCast as we welcome Phillip Culpepper, host of Hunt Club . Phillip joins Jason Harmon and Don King to talk about what every hunter should be doing right now to prepare for the next deer and turkey season. From scouting tips to habitat management, Phillip shares practical advice that will help you stay ahead of the game. In this episode, Philli...

We couldn't leave you hanging after last week—so we're back with even more walleye wisdom from Mike Jolly, TWRA's veteran Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager with over 30 years on the water. Tennessee's walleye story is one of science, dedication, and incredible success. This year alone, TWRA hatcheries produced 2.9 million walleye fingerlings (up from 2.2 million last year), making walleye the #...

Dive into the world of Tennessee's native walleye on this exciting episode of Tennessee WildCast! Host Jason Harmon and co-host Mime Barnes visit with Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager Mike Jolley to explore everything about this torpedo-shaped predator—from its unique pearly eyes and impressive teeth to its fascinating river-run spawning habits. Mike shares the incredible story of Tennessee's...

Dive into the fascinating world of falconry on this episode of Tennessee WildCast! Recorded live from the Region 3 office in Crossville, surrounded by impressive wildlife mounts, hosts Don King and Jason Harmon visit with Vincent Pontello, TWRA’s Region 3 Wildlife Program Manager and passionate falconer. Vincent takes us on a journey through one of the oldest hunting sports known to humanity. In T...

Join us on this special episode of Tennessee WildCast as we celebrate Darrell "Bones" Bernd and his well-deserved TWRA Fisheries Division Lifetime Achievement Award. With retirement just days away on December 31, Bones stops by to reflect on more than 40 years of service with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. From his start in 1984 mowing grass at Bedford Lake to building early el...

Tune in to the latest Tennessee WildCast episode for a candid, eye-opening conversation with TWRA bear experts Dan Gibbs and Janelle Musser, recorded right after the recent commission meeting. From historic bears roaming all the way to Memphis, to today’s thriving population of around 6,000, this is the real story of one of Tennessee’s greatest wildlife comeback successes – and the growing challen...

It’s a heartfelt farewell to Assistant Chief of Wildlife Wally Akins this week on Tennessee WildCast, as he steps into retirement after an incredible career with TWRA. Join us for a bittersweet, story-filled episode as we look back on Wally’s journey—from his first post as a wildlife officer in wide-open Hancock County, to managing the legendary Hiwassee Refuge during the early days of the Sandhil...

Imagine a snowy morning 25 years ago when 50 elk from Canada stepped onto Tennessee soil for the first time in over 150 years. Fast-forward to today: roughly 700 elk roam the mountains, and one young hunter just lived a story most of us only dream about. This special episode of Tennessee WildCast was recorded live at Thlete Outdoors with a packed house. We look back at the historic elk restoration...

Join us on Tennessee WildCast as we tour Flintville Hatchery – the state’s oldest operating trout hatchery – just days before the 2025-26 winter stocking season begins. Hatchery Manager Steven Day walks us through the raceways filled with rainbow trout (including some 16-20” trophies and golden palomino rainbows) that will soon be headed to lakes and streams across Tennessee. We see newly hatched...

Grab your orange gear and join host Jason Harmon for an unforgettable episode at the Feather to Fork event! Co-host Don King welcomes Tennessee football icons Coach Phillip Fulmer and Carl Johnson – freshman dorm rivals turned lifelong hunting buddies and SEC champions. Relive epic gridiron tales: From beating Bear Bryant’s Alabama three out of four years, to the nail-biting 14-13 Liberty Bowl ups...

Join host Jason Harmon and co-host Don King from the Feather to Fork event at The Sawbriar near Jamestown, Tennessee. John Bush, Director of Schools at Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute, shares his 28-year journey in education and why York is the most fulfilling chapter. Students don’t just learn—they work. From raising pheasants to operating backhoes, every CTE student spends three hours explo...

Buckle up, outdoor lovers! Hosts Jason Harmon and Don King dive knee-deep into the electrifying Feather to Fork event at The Sawbriar, where high schoolers from York Institute transform from classroom to field in Tennessee’s ultimate outdoor classroom. Meet Fred & Rhonda Moody - They’re not just raising pheasants; they’re raising the next generation of hunters, farmers, and leaders. From chick...

Get ready for an episode of Tennessee WildCast that’s buzzing with excitement! Host Jason Harmon and co-host Mime Barnes bring you the scoop on a groundbreaking conservation triumph: the reintroduction of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) to Tennessee!  Join us as we dive into this inspiring project with experts Sam King, Natural Areas Program Manager at TDEC, and David Haney, a Bird Conservation...

Dive into the ultimate deer hunting showdown on Tennessee WildCast with host Jason Harmon, alongside returning legend Adrian Wilson and YouTube sensation Catman Outdoors! In this pulse-pounding episode, they spill game-changing strategies for tagging trophy bucks on public AND private land—perfect for the heart of fall season! From winter scouting hacks (spot trails like never before in January—no...