Tennessee WildCast

This week we are coming to you from Academy Sports + Outdoors in Smyrna. Regional Marketing Specialist, Rick Burleson, joins us with a special presentation to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. Johnny Allred, TWRF Development Director, is with us to accept this donation and to talk hunting. Brandon Simcox will jump in to show us some gear for trout fishing and reminds us about the winter...

This week on Tennessee WildCast, outdoor collector and duck call maker Howard Harlan invites us to his man cave. He has an amazing collection of boat motors, paddles, hats, canes, minnow buckets, reels, and duck calls, just to name a few. Through the years, Howard has become an accomplished duck call maker and author. His passion for the outdoors started at a very young age and he now enjoys shari...

It may be deer season, but it’s still a great time to be fishing in Tennessee. Trophy Kayak Angler, Joey Monteleone stops by the studio to talk fishing on this episode. Joey's been blessed with many opportunities in his life to share his love of fishing and the outdoors. Today, He will introduce us to his new book, “I’ll Be Tennessean Ya’”, share a few tips and tricks, and talk about his favorite...

Wally Akins, Assistant Chief of Wildlife, joins us this week to catch up on what is happening in the world of wildlife and we will also learn about his recent promotion. From ducks and bucks to quail and grouse, Wally and the folks in the wildlife division have been busy. There are some exciting new projects coming down the pike! Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatw...

Governor Bill Lee joins us this week to talk hunting, fishing, and getting outdoors. Thanks to Governor Lee, the outdoors are wide open. Tennesseans have rediscovered hunting and fishing during this pandemic. We will learn how hunting and fishing have been positive impacts on his family and how important it is to keep the traditions alive. We will also discuss some of the steps he has taken to hel...

Author, Songwriter and Naturalist, Rob Simbeck, joins us for this episode of Tennessee WildCast. We will learn more about his new book, “The Southern Wildlife Watcher”. It is a colorful look at thirty-six common and not-so-common animals found in the southeastern United States—from the hummingbird to the bald eagle and from the bullfrog to the bobcat. Don’t miss this fun episode of Tennessee WildC...

Join us this week as we visit with TWRA’s new Executive Director, Bobby Wilson. Bobby started his career with our fisheries division and worked his way to the corner office in 2015 when he became a Deputy Director. He has now taken the reins and working harder than ever leading the Agency during the challenges of a pandemic. We will talk hunting and fishing, challenges of wildlife and fisheries ma...

After 65 years, the late D.L. Hayes smallmouth world record still stands. This week we visit with Butch Skillern, a very skilled taxidermist and good friend of Mr. Hayes, to talk about the art of taxidermy and Hayes' famous catch. Only a few people know where D.L. caught this monster smallmouth and some question if it was in Tennessee or Kentucky. We will try to get Butch to spill the beans. You d...

During the pandemic, folks are rediscovering the outdoors and some are new to hunting. Because of the demand for hunter education classes and limited availability, we are now providing an online class with no field day requirements to make it easier than ever to get hunter ed certified and be ready to go hunting this fall. Hunter Education Program Coordinator, Randy Huskey, joins us this week to d...

The long dog days of summer are getting shorter and temps are getting cooler! Fall is on its way and with that come deer season. This week Jason and Don cover many topics including the deer seasons, changes in CWD, hunter education updates, refer-a-friend, eStore and so much more. Don’t miss this episode as we gear up for the fall. #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo #GoOutdoorTennessee www.tnwildlife.org

Hunter and singer/songwriter, Tyler Deaver, joins us this week to talk deer hunting! Tyler grew up hunting in Wisconsin but now calls Tennessee home, where he enjoys exploring public land. In this show, we will learn how Tyler scouts a WMA, some of his tricks for finding that perfect spot, explore his passion for archery and hear a song or two. You don’t want to miss this episode of #TennesseeWild...

We join another Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, and her husband, for this week’s episode of Tennessee WildCast.  Commissioner Connie King and husband David, or ‘Dirt’ as most know him,  own Mid-South Shooting Supply in Clarksville Tennessee.  They have been in the shooting business a long while and now try to give back and pass on the tradition of hunting, fishing and shooting. When Conn...

We are excited to visit with the Legendary Bill Dance for a social distancing episode of Tennessee WildCast. We will learn about some of Bill’s favorite fishing spots, his favorite fish to catch and who introduced him to the great sport of fishing. You never see Bill without his Power T hat. We will get the scoop on this trademark as well. Don’t miss this fun conversation with a great guy and big...

Join us this week as we chat with Commissioner Jimmy Granbery. He grew up in the outdoors, with some of his earliest memories being boating with his family. We will learn about some of his favorite outdoor passions and what it is like to serve as a commissioner. Don’t miss this episode of Tennessee WildCast! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org

We have reached our 200th episode! This week, we invited back retired Director, Ed Carter, who was our first guest in 2016. In this episode, we will learn how retirement is going and reflect on his outstanding career. We would like to thank all our followers for tuning into the shows each week and we look forward to the next 200! #tnwildlife #itswhatwedo www.tnwildlife.org

This week we are coming to you from Caymas Boats in Ashland City, TN. Owner and long time supporter of the TWRA, Earl Bentz, graciously invited us to his plant to learn more about his company and all they have to offer. Mr. Bentz will share stories from his career in boat racing and boat manufacturing. He will also share about his time on the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission and role as a fo...

There are so many moving parts to an agency the size of TWRA. One department that might sometimes be overlooked is our Engineering crews. They do amazing work to provide sportsmen and women access to the outdoors. Today we meet up with crew member, Robert Hawkins, to talk about recent projects and learn more about the job. We will also visit with his son Eric Lowery to talk hunting and so much mor...

Tournament bass fishing is big in Tennessee. Over the past couple of years, youth bass fishing has exploded in Tennessee. This week, TWRA’s R3 Coordinator David Lowrie and Tournament Director for the Bassmaster College, High School and Junior Series, Hank Weldon joins us to break down youth fishing in Tennessee. We will learn how to start a team, become a mentor in the program and the impact it ha...

This week's episode covers mowing and food plot management. This time of year is prime nesting season and Wildlife Habitat Biologist, Clint Borum, joins us to discuss how mowing on your farm can impact wildlife. We will also learn what early successional cover is and why it is so important. Clint will explain how to manage and keep that early successional habitat, share his favorite perennial food...

This years Conservation Raffle is better than ever. You won’t believe what all you could win! For all the turkey hunters out there, the Turkey Hunt Package is one you will want to buy some chances for. This week World Champion Caller, turkey call designer, professional hunter and personal guide for this package, Preston Pittman, joins us to talk turkey hunting and what all you will get if you win...

The 2020-21 Hunting seasons are set and with that comes new regulations for Unit CWD. This week Chronic Wasting Disease Coordinator, Chuck Yoest, joins us to discuss the changes approved by the Commission. More counties were added to the unit, additional opportunities for Earn-A-Buck and replacement bucks, and mandatory physical check station requirements have been discontinued in the unit. Rememb...

This week on Tennessee WildCast, Turkey Program Coordinator, Roger Shields joins us to recap the 2020 spring turkey season. There were a lot of hunters in the field this year and a lot of birds harvested. Roger will share some numbers with us and how staff has adjusted during this pandemic to keep working for you and Tennessee wildlife. He will also update us on upcoming changes for the 2020/21...

Join us this week as we learn about Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and how you can join the mission by purchasing a t-shirt and other cool gear. This bill would provide $1.3 billion per year for state fish and wildlife agencies, like TWRA, to help protect non-game species across the state. The Alliance For America’s Fish And Wildlife is helping lead this charge and they are partnering with all...

The 2020 Tennessee Conservation Raffle is live! Previously known as the Tennessee Elk Raffle, this year's Conservation Raffle hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF) offers seven priceless, outdoor experience packages that are better than ever. They include so much more than just an elk hunt. On this week's show, TWRF Development Director, Johnny Allred joins us to introduce e...

There is a new program available to teach both young and old the skills they need for a successful hunting or fishing trip. It’s the Hunting and Fishing Academy and it is hosted by our friends at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. This week we will chat with Taylor Martin and he will tell us all about the program and how to get involved. We will also learn who the Federation is and their mission....