Tennessee WildCast

Chronic Wasting Disease has been confirmed in two counties in west Tennessee. Today on Tennessee WildCast we will be discussing the next steps in managing this disease. We will be joined by Joe Benedict, Chief of Wildlife and Dr. Dan Grove, Wildlife Veterinarian, University of Tennessee Extension. They will fill us in on the steps taken by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, help us learn...

Today we will visit with Wildlife Habitat Biologist Clint Borum to learn about the job of a wildlife biologist and how they assist landowners with land improvements for wildlife. Clint serves 26 counties in Middle TN and has also work closely with this weeks Pro Shop Partner, The McEwen Group. We have a lot to discuss this week so stay tuned and thanks for tuning in. To learn more about private la...

Today we are on location in Fall Creek Falls State Park for the Jim Hall Hunt For Warriors. This hunt is a great partnership between the TWRA and many other partners. We will be talking with our very own Ben Layton and Hero Hunt Inc. President, Joe Towers. This hunt provides Men of Service an opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. We will cover all the details right here on Tennessee...

Today we are talking all things waterfowl with Statewide Waterfowl Coordinator Jamie Feddersen. The season is in “full choke” and we are excited about this weekend. For all things waterfowl visit tnwildlife.org. #tnwildlife

This week we welcome Pro Bass Angler Michael Neal in to talk about his new tour and support efforts with the TWRA. Michael has been helping our fisheries division get the word out about Aquatic Nuisance Species, like Asian Carp, and how we can help stop the spread. Fisheries Chief Frank Fiss will also join us to offer up a little insight on the step the Agency is taking to try and slow the movemen...

Deer season is in full swing and we have TWRA’s Lead Deer Biologist, James Kelly, joining us today to discuss the upcoming rifle season and also TWRA’s efforts in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling and research. We have crews out each week sampling and folks working around the clock learning all they can about this disease. We are developing plans and procedures just in case we detect this dis...

The Winter Trout stockings are in full swing and we are excited about the opportunities available to Tennessee sportsmen and women. Today we will here from River and Stream Coordinator, Brandon Simcox. He has been updating the schedule and resources on our website to make it easier for you to keep up with the stocking schedule. David Daniel from Humphreys County will also be with us to fill us in...

This week on Tennessee WildCast, Boating Education Coordinator Betsy Woods and Officer Josh Landrum joins us to recap the past boating season. We will learn how to be safe on the water, prepare for cold weather boating, find a boater education class and steps to prevent accidents on Tennessee Waterways. Remember, TNwildlife.org is the best place to find all the latest information on boating and al...

The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have reached a multi-agency agreement to provide continued funding for three federal fish hatcheries that have stocked waters in Georgia and Tennessee with millions of trout. The Clinch River was great place to celebrate this partnership. The river is always among the best tailwaters in the state producing trophy rainbow and bro...

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Inc. (TWRF) was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1999 to support the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and to promote habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and the preservation of Tennessee's hunting and fishing heritage. TWRF assists TWRA with youth education programs as well as strategic land acquisitions to...

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has been fighting to stop aquatic nuisance species for years. The invasion of non-native plants and animals can have a major effect on our waterways. Today we welcome David Roddy, Fisheries Biologist of the Year, to discuss some new steps we are taking to stop the invasion of aquatic nuisance species, especially Asian Carp. We will also welcome new Pro Shop...

This week you will here from Dr. Krysten Schuler of Cornell University. She has been studying and dealing with CWD for many years. She will break down some CWD risk assessment and surveillance strategies for the TWRA.

Bear Hunting is a true Tennessee Tradition that has been around a long while and at one point had to be closed to help reestablish the population. Join us this week as look into a little history and this years hunting opportunities with Dan Gibbs, TWRA’s Black Bear Program Leader.

This week we are in Gatlinburg with Dan Gibbs, Black Bear Program Leader, Sgt. David Sexton of Sevier County, and Information Specialist Matt Cameron. We will discuss the challenges of co-existing with black bears and how you can be prepared when visiting Gatlinburg. Thanks to Gatlinburg Chateau for a great shooting location with a beautiful view. #tnwildlife

The TWRA has a total of four regional office to assist the public and provide office space for the field staff and law enforcement. Today we are visiting our Morristown office and chatting with Administrative Secretary, Becky Hensley and Regional Administrator, Shelia Dalton. They are on the front lines of the Region 4 office and make sure the day to day operations go smooth. Public Information Of...

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission recently met and was presented with the TWRA’s recommendations for fishing regulations. Topics concerning sport fishing, commercial fishing and bait were presented for review. This week on Tennessee WildCast we have Assistant Chief Of Fisheries, Jason Henegar. He is going to highlight the Agencies recommendations and let you know how you can voice your co...

The TWRA is seeking public input regarding deer management in Tennessee at three public meetings early September. Meetings will be held in West, Middle, and East Tennessee on the evenings of Sept. 4, 5, and 6, from 7-9pm. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input. Information received at the meeting will be used in the development of a 5-year strategic plan for TWRA’s Deer Management Pr...

Whether you hunt deer and or just enjoy watching them, you should be aware of a disease known among wildlife professionals by the abbreviation CWD. They stand for chronic wasting disease, a deadly and contagious neurological disorder that can destroy populations of deer, elk, and other animals classified as members of the deer family known as cervids. In Tennessee, deer and elk are the wildlife we...

We get a lot of question everyday in all of our offices across the state. Today we are visiting our Region 3 office in Crossville to chat with Admin Secretary Cara Dishman and Information Specialist Mime Barnes about some of the most frequently asked questions. All this and more right here on Tennessee WildCast.

A new opportunity for sportsmen and women is right around the corner. Tennessee's first velvet antlered deer hunt will be on August 24-26. We will cover the hunt, special opportunities on that weekend, and all you need to know to be legal, right here this week on Tennessee WildCast.

Join in as we discuss the up coming migratory bird hunting seasons and draw opportunities across Tennessee. All this and more on Tennessee WildCast.

Catfish Grabblin’ on the Hatchie River with Jonathan Sain and Blake Tranum. These guys are great at what they do. They will give us a few tips and share some stories on this episode of Tennessee WildCast.

This week, Wildlife Program Manager, Richard Kirk joins us to discuss the great hunting opportunities on Wildlife Management Areas in Middle TN. One spot in particular, Cheatham WMA, has become a prime spot for some trophy deer. Richard will update us on the season schedule and opportunities for this property. We will also highlight other season, drawing opportunities and the boating season thus f...

We hate to see him go, but Doug Markham is calling it quits after 31 plus years at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. We are going to miss him, but wish him the best as he enjoys retirement and tries to catch a few fish. Doug has had a great career in wildlife outreach and education. He has done it all from radio to tv and everything in between. Hear some of his stories and success on this e...

Alligator snapping turtles are listed as “in need of management” by the TWRA. Habitat loss, over harvest, slow growth and low reproduction have contributed to their population decline. In this edition of Tennessee WildCast we will talk with Southeast Missouri State University Grad Student Saidee Hyder. She is conducting research for her graduate thesis on Alligator Snapping Turtle Movement in West...