TWRA News / Press Releases
08/22/2008 ~ Early Goose Season Set For Sept. 1, Early Wood Duck/Teal Set For Sept. 13
Waterfowl hunters will have their first shot of the year at hunting birds when an early Canada goose season opens a half-hour before sunrise on September 1, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The early goose season will allow hunters to bag as many as five Canada geese a day between September 1 and September 15.
Hunters need to remember that in addition to their regular hunting licenses they must have in their possession a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit. That permit is also needed to hunt morning doves, which also has a its season opener on September 1 beginning at noon.
Waterfowl hunters also need to remember that they must plug their shotguns so that no more than three shotgun cartridges can be loaded at anytime and they must remember to use steel shot or other accepted non-toxic loads.
On September 13, the early wood duck/teal season will open in Tennessee with a bag limit of four birds per day, but only two of which can be wood ducks. The season runs through September 17.
More information about early waterfowl seasons can be found in the 2008 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide.
08/22/2008 ~ 2008 WMA Quota Hunts Draw Now Complete
The drawing has been completed for the Wildlife Management Area quota hunts and permits will be mailed soon to successful applicants, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
This is the third year that the WMA quota application process has been handled online and through the R.E.A.L system at license agents. This allowed the drawing to be completed sooner than under the paper application system, when applications had to be entered into the computer system after being mailed to TWRA. The drawing was completed approximately three weeks earlier than in past years.
This year, there were 20,991 applicants, which was down 1,606 from last year. Of these, 17,007 were successful in the drawing process. After the regular draw, there were 6,553 permits left over. All but 211 of these permits were issued through the vacancy drawing. This means that 6,342 applicants applied for and received permits from two drawings. Some 86% of the applicants were Sportsman License holders, which is up 1% over last year. (read more)
08/22/2008 ~ Tennessee's wildside weekly online
Learn about current happenings in the outdoors on the weekly edition of "Tennessee's Wild Side Weekly Online."
Be sure to gather the entire family and watch the next edition of the Emmy-award winning "Tennessee's Wild Side." Learn more at our website, www.tnwildside.org.
Some stories you'll see in the next few weeks include jug fishing for big catfish on the Tennessee River and women learning how to fly-fish as part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program. "Tennessee's Wild Side" airs on your local public broadcasting television station. Check your local listings for the days and times.
08/22/2008 ~ HUNTERS NOW ABLE TO CLICK OR CALL FOR DOVE FIELDS
With Tennessee’s 2008 dove season beginning at 12 noon on Monday, September 1, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has made looking for a dove field in West Tennessee a little easier. Hunters can just click on www.tnwildlife.org and find a list of public fields in West Tennessee on TWRA’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), plus dove fields that TWRA has leased. The web page will include maps of each region with the dove fields identified, along with additional information about each field.
The page will be updated as new information becomes available. Hunters who do not have access to TWRA’s website, contact the TWRA Region I Office for dove field information. In West Tennessee call 1-800-372-3928 or (731) 423-5725.
08/22/2008 ~ TWRA WARNS OF BAITED DOVE FIELDS
With the opening of dove season at noon on September 1, 2008, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reminding hunters to check their hunting area to make sure it is not baited.
"It is the responsibility of every hunter to be certain that he or she is not hunting over a baited area," said Sonny Richardson, Chief of Law Enforcement for TWRA.
"The best way to determine whether or not a field is legal to hunt is to ensure that the field has been planted by legitimate agricultural practices, as recommended by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. If a crop has been planted or harvested in a recommended manner, it is legal to hunt. However, if grain has been placed on the ground in piles or strips, is inconsistently distributed, or placed for the purpose of attracting doves, this is not a normal agricultural practice and would be considered bait," explained Richardson.
Wheat is sown at this time of the year in Tennessee as a standard agricultural practice and fields of freshly sown wheat offer excellent hunting opportunity. But, the hunter must be certain that the field has not been "double sown" which is not a recommended method of planting. If the hunter sees that wheat has already sprouted consistently on the field and hard grains of wheat are also distributed on top of the ground, it is evidence that the field has been sown more than one time. The hunter should depart such fields immediately.
Federal regulations also permit the taking of doves over wildlife food plots provided they are planted in accordance with official recommendations of the Agricultural Extension Service or in a manner consistent with official recommendations for production of a crop (example: one-time sowing of viable seed at recommended application rates and dates on a prepared seed bed).
Mature wildlife flood plots may also be manipulated for the purpose of attracting and hunting doves. However, the distribution of additional grain, such as wheat or sunflower, to a standing or manipulated food plot would be considered baiting.
In addition to state law violations, federal penalties for a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act include a fine up to $15,000 and 6 months imprisonment. The penalty for placing or directing the placement of bait, or allowing any person to take or attempt to take doves over a baited area includes up to one-year imprisonment.
Hunters are encouraged to visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website www.tnwildlife.org for more specific information on legal methods by which doves may be taken.
If a hunter has any doubt that a field may be baited, the best thing to do is leave the area and contact your closest Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Office.
08/22/2008 ~ CANADA GOOSE HUNTING AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER
Waterfowl hunters have opportunities for hunting Canada geese in September, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Canada goose hunting is allowed September 1-15, with a daily bag limit of 5 geese. Hunters should remember that all waterfowl hunting requires the use of nontoxic shot and all shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than 3 shells.
When hunting on public land or water, hunters should remember that it is illegal to hunt within 100 yards of a visible dwelling without the owner’s permission.
Waterfowl hunters age 16 and over should possess, in addition to other required licenses, a Federal Duck Stamp, which is available from U.S. Post Offices and many sporting good stores.
For all information on hunting in Tennessee, go to www.tnwildlife.org.
08/06/2008 ~ 3rd Annual Maury County Youth Dove Hunt
3rd Annual Maury County Youth Dove Hunt On Saturday, September 6, 2008, the TWRA, in conjunction with the University of Tennessee Ag. Experiment Station in Spring Hill, will be hosting the 3rd Annual Youth Dove Hunt.
Youths, ages 9-15, who have successfully completed a hunter education course may participate. All youth must be accompanied by one non-hunting adult. There is limited space, so participation will be limited to 50 hunters. You can register at the TWRA website.
Events will start at 10:00 a.m. and will include registration, lunch, clay target range, door prizes, safety orientation, and dove hunt. The hunt will end at sunset.
08/06/2008 ~ TWRC TO SET WATERFOWL SEASONS AUGUST 20-21
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission (TWRC) will meet at Pickwick Landing State Park on August 20 and 21, 2008, and the major item on the agenda will be the setting of the 2008-2009 waterfowl hunting seasons. The meeting will be held at the State Park Inn located 12 miles south of Savannah, TN on Pickwick Lake.
Committee meetings will be conducted during the afternoon on August 20th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. C.S.T. and the Commission meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. C.S.T. on Thursday, August 21, 2008.
The TWRC sets waterfowl seasons each year within guidelines determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The TWRC is the governing body of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The meetings are open to the public and all hunters, anglers, and media are encouraged to attend.
08/06/2008 ~ SQUIRREL SEASON OPENS AUGUST 23
Tennessee’s hunting season for gray, fox and red squirrels opens on Saturday, August 23, 2008 according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The season continues through February 28, 2009 with a daily bag limit of 10.
The hunting season for squirrels is one of the longest fall seasons and one of the most underutilized. All that is needed to hunt squirrels is a $28 combination hunting license. This is a small price to pay for months of enjoyment and relaxation.
Two of the most productive ways to hunt squirrels are still-hunting (slowly walking through the woods watching for squirrels) and stand-hunting (sitting near food trees). Squirrel hunting with dogs has been gaining popularity in recent years. The best hunting with dogs generally occurs from November through February after the trees shed their leaves.
Squirrels are abundant in most areas where patches of woods are available. Excellent squirrel hunting can be found on many of TWRA’s wildlife management areas.
Squirrel hunting is one of the best ways to introduce a young hunter to the outdoors and squirrels are known for their excellent table fare. Most recipe books have a variety of recipes for squirrel, with fried squirrel and squirrel and dumplings being two traditional southern favorites.
08/06/2008 ~ BOWHUNTER EDUCATION CLASS OFFERED
A Bowhunter Education class will be offered in West Tennessee on August 16, 2008. the class will be held at the TWRA Region I Office located at Lake Graham, east of Jackson, TN. Class hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The class is free of charge and bowhunters, from novice to expert, are encouraged to attend.
Anyone interested in attending should pre-register by calling the TWRA Region I Office at 1-800-372-3928 or (731) 423-5725.
08/06/2008 ~ TWRA Seized Contraband to Be Sold
A sale of personal property seized by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers will be held in Middle Tennessee.
TWRA wildlife officers seize various items involved in wildlife violations each year. After the violators have been before the court, any of the items seized that have been declared to be contraband by the court are then ordered to be sold by the TWRA.
This sale will be held at the front door of the County Courthouses and will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. Sale of any firearms open only to persons 18 years of age or older and legally capable of possessing a firearm under federal and state laws.
The following is a list of the contraband item to be sold, along with a description of the items:
Wilson County (Lebanon, TN)
Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
- One (1) Mossberg camo shotgun, 12 gauge, ser. no. P164717
06/09/2008 ~ Application Time for 2008 WMA Big Game Quota Hunts Begins June 18
Hunters may start applying
for the 2008 Wildlife Management Area Big Game Quota Hunts beginning
on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, according to the Tennessee Wildlife
Resources Agency (TWRA).
To apply, complete the information
form and take it to any place where hunting and fishing licenses are
sold. DO NOT MAIL THE FORM.
Remember to read the information
form carefully, fill out all requested information, double-check the
form, and take it (starting June 18, 2008) to a license
agent where it will be entered into the system. When applying at any
TWRA license agent, there is no fee for current Annual Sportsman License
holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, or seniors possessing a
Type 167 permit. For all other applicants, there is a $20.00 permit
fee for each drawing you enter plus a $1.00 agent fee. The information
form will be available at all license agents, TWRA Regional Offices
or can be printed off TWRA's website www.tnwildlife.org.
Hunters may also apply over
the Internet. There is no fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders,
Lifetime Sportsman License holders, or seniors possessing a Type 167
permit. All other applicants, in addition to the $2.00 internet usage
fee, will be charged a permit fee of $20.50 per drawing entered. The
$2.00 usage fee is collected by the company that maintains the internet
site. (It is not a fee that is charged by the TWRA.)
TWRA continues to use the priority
system for computer drawings. The WMA Quota Draw now has an increasing
priority system. Applicants, who applied but were unsuccessful
for the past three years, will have a priority of 3. Applicants
unsuccessful for one year will have a priority of one and those that
were drawn last year have a priority of zero.
Application must be made
no later than midnight, July 23, 2008.
The application period for
the Special Season deer and turkey hunts will be July 24 through September
3.
06/09/2008 ~ PFD’S REQUIRED TO BE WORN BY AGES 12 AND UNDER
Boat operators need to remember
that anytime their vessel is moving, even if it is only adrift, that
any passenger under 13 must wear a personal flotation device, according
to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
If a boat is not docked or
tied to a fixed object, then a young passenger is required to wear a
PFD (life jacket). A boat does not have to be under the power
of a motor for the law to apply. It applies even if the boat is
just drifting.
"Young boaters that are in
a cabin or enclosed area aren't required to wear a PFD," noted TWRA's
Chief of Boating Ed Carter. "Minus those enclosures, however,
the law helps provide protection to our boating youngsters."
The PFD law has been required several years by TWRA, but is now also
a U.S. Coast Guard law nationwide.
06/09/2008 ~ "BOATER FATIGUE" FOUND TO TRIPLE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
With the 4th of
July holiday weekend fast approaching, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency (TWRA) would like to remind boaters to be wary of "boater fatigue"
while on the water. "Boater fatigue" is a phenomenon in which
a combination of sun, wind, noise, vibration and boat motion can triple
the effects of alcohol on boaters.
"Boater fatigue" can occur
when a combination of the sun, wind and physical activity dehydrates
the body. Mildly dehydrated people will absorb alcohol more quickly
into their system and will have a higher blood alcohol content than
non-dehydrated people. Nationally, more than 50 percent of all
recreational boating fatalities involve alcohol use.
This phenomenon is not only
a concern for boat operators, but passengers as well. Passengers
may think they can drink alcohol and boat safely if they have a designated
driver, but fatalities and injuries can occur when intoxicated passengers
fall overboard or try to do recreational activities, like water skiing.
TWRA recommends that all boaters
take a safe boating class and always wear a life jacket. Nine
out of ten boating-related drownings involve a victim who was not wearing
a life jacket. Remember – "It Floats, You Don’t".
05/09/2008 ~ Boat Smart Super Saturday Sails For Fun On Area Lakes
NASHVILLE --- Volunteers have teamed up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at area lakes for Boat Smart Super Saturday on May 17. Super Saturday, the kickoff to National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, is geared to promote boating and water safety while having fun at the lake. "Wear It,” referring to life jackets, is the primary message for boaters to follow to arrive alive after a day on the lake.
The team will be ready at boat ramps around the lake on Super Saturday to greet visitors and remind them of tips to be safe on the water. With the warmer weather and summer approaching quickly, crowds are getting back out on the lakes. (full story)
05/09/2008 ~ Tennessee Teams, Individuals To Compete In NASP National Championships
NASHVILLE --- Four teams and a total of more than 90 students from elementary school through high school will represent Tennessee in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) National Championships to be held May 10 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Meigs County Elementary School, Siegel Middle School, Warren County Middle School, and Northwest High School from Clarksville will be competing in their respective divisions. Individuals from throughout the state also received invitations based upon their scores at the Second Annual NASP State Championships held at Tennessee Tech University’s Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion. (full story)
05/09/2008 ~ HAAP Announces 2008 Fishing Events
Because of the success of the initial year of a public fishing program on the installation in 2007, Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) will provide the opportunity for the general public to fish the Holston River within the installation’s boundaries once again in 2008. The installation’s public fishing program was approved by the plant commander under a strict set of guidelines designed to insure that safety and security standards are maintained while each fishing event is being held. Individuals interested in fishing on the plant must apply for the opportunity to fish and will be selected by a random drawing. There will be four fishing events held on the plant this year which are scheduled for: Saturday, June 28; Sunday, June 29; Saturday, July 12; and Sunday July 13. Participants will have approximately 7 hours to fish during each event. (full story)
05/01/2008 ~ 2008-09 PROPOSED HUNTING SEASONS HEARD BY TWRC
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission heard the 2008-09 hunting season recommendations from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency staff among items on its agenda at its regularly scheduled April meeting.
The meeting was held at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building. It was the first meeting presided over by Gary Kimsey, TWRC chairman for 2008-09.
Due to the severity and relative uncertainty of the impact of last year’s EHD outbreak, TWRA recommended only a few changes to the deer regulations for 2008. It was recommended that two counties, Obion and Shelby be placed into Unit L, while 21 Unit A and B counties saw only slight increases in the antlerless hunting opportunities.
TWRA also sought to allow Unit L Young Sportsman hunters the same opportunity of harvesting three does per day as the rest of the hunters. In other house cleaning items, the Agency made it easier for Unit A and L hunters to take their statewide limit of three bucks by allowing all three bucks to be taken with the same weapon in the same unit. For a number of years, it has been legal for hunters to harvest three bucks with the same weapon, they simply had to hunt in different units. The new regulation is meant to simplify regulations for the Unit A and L hunters. Clarifications were also made of bonus animals and youth accompaniment while the definition of a legal antler point was given.
In other big game news, bear and boar seasons saw a few minor recommendations liberalizing the hunting seasons, especially during archery season, while fall turkey season added a few more East Tennessee counties to the fall hunting list.
The bear archery still hunt was extended from Sept. 27 though Oct. 24.
The 2009 spring turkey season will begin March 28 and end on May 10. The youth hunt is March 21-22.
A complete list of all recommendations for the 2008-09 hunting season is available on TWRA’s Web site at www.tnwildlife.org.
A proclamation was passed on spotted bass identification. TWRA was presented a check of $1,000 from the Volunteer Musky Hunters.
The TWRC will next meet May 21-22 in Nashville at Ray Bell Building at the Ellington Agricultural Complex.
05/01/2008 ~ HOW DOES YOUR TURKEY SCORE
Lucky turkey hunters often wonder how their trophy stacks up against other turkeys. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has an official wild turkey records program.
According to the NWTF, the purpose of the program is to provide hunters throughout the world with a permanent record keeping system that will preserve information on all legally harvested wild turkeys taken in the spirit of fair chase.
Records are kept for Eastern, Florida, Rio Grande, and Merriam’s subspecies. The Eastern subspecies is found in Tennessee.
Weight, beard length, and spur length are considered to determine a total score for wild turkeys.
The formula for overall score is: weight (lbs. and oz.) plus 10 times spur length (right plus left) plus 2 times the beard length. The beard must be measured, to the nearest 1/16 inch, from the center point of the protrusion from the skin to the end of the longest bristle. Spurs must be measured, to the nearest 1/16-inch, along the outside center, from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur. Ounces and fractions of inches need to be converted to decimals.
Persons submitting records must be current members of the NWTF. Hunters may join when the record is submitted.
For rules or an official application form, contact: National Wild Turkey Federation, P.O. Box 530, Edgefield, SC 29824, or check out the NWTF web page at: www.nwtf.org.
05/01/2008 ~ CHEATHAM RANGE WILL CLOSE TO PUBLIC FIVE DAYS IN 2008 FOR SECURITY TRAINING
The Cheatham Wildlife Management Area Shooting Range will close for public use three days in the remainder of this year while local law enforcement agencies undergo Homeland Security Training on the site, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The training days are set for Thursdays. Those dates remaining are: May 22, August 28, and Sept. 25.
"Other than those days, the range will operate be the same as usual," noted Randy Cromer, the manager of Cheatham WMA. "The Cheatham County Sherrif’s office requested to use the range and were given permission."
The closure dates will also be listed in local businesses that sell daily range permits for the shooting range, noted Cromer.
