January 2015
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TENNESSEE
FISHING &
HUNTING GUIDE
1805 Amarillo Ln
Knoxville, TN
37922
865-693-7468
J.L. & Lin Stepp
Publishers
“Serving
Tennessee Since
1990”
BENTON SHOOTERS SUPPLY
The Largest Shooters Supply Store In The South!
WWW.BENTONSHOOTERS.COM
423-338-2008
Hwy 411, Benton, TN 37307 Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm
HUNTING & FISHING SUPPLIES - GUNS - AMMO
ARCHEREY EQUIPMENT - SAFES
OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR MEN/WOMEN/CHILDREN
Our E-mail: steppcom@
aol.com
Send us your pictures!
ABOUT THE
COVER
The thrill of your first
deer kill is a special
memory for every hunter,
and Gary Collins of
Mountain City got his first
deer - a doe - on Nov.
21, 2014. Congratulations to Gary, we’re sure
he will have many more
successes afield. Small
game hunting offers opportunities this month
and winter fishing can
be fun too! Happy New
Year to all our readers!
Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors, Mountain City, TN
423-727-4181
Fish & Hunt
Tennessee!
Long guns and handguns: Over 2,000 guns in stock!
Ammo and supplies for every shooting need.
2
KEEP OUR TENNESSEE
LAKES CLEAN
Introduce A Kid
To Fishing!
WATTS BAR LAKE
* Groceries
* Deli - Take-Out
* Pizza
* Gas
* Live Bait * Worms
* Beer * Ice
* Lottery
* Propane
* U-Haul Rentals
4 CORNERS MARKET
Intersection of Hwys 58 & 68, Decatur, TN
* Gotzza Pizza - Subs - Salad - Wings
(Delicious & Best @ Prices)
Call In or Carry Out
* Hunting & Fishing Licenses
* Live Bait & Fishing Supplies
* Cigarettes - Beer - Groceries
* 100% Ethanol-Free Gas (grades 87 & 93)
OPEN 7 DAYS - Big Game Checking Station
423-334-9518
A good buck for this hunter. Photo courtesy
4 Corners Market.
OUR EMAIL: [email protected]
SEND US YOUR PICTURES!
2015 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts Application Period Underway Through Feb. 4
NASHVILLE --- Applications for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2015 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts are now
being accepted. The application period runs from Dec. 17 through Feb. 4, 2015.
Applications are available and will be accepted at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online at the
TWRA website by clicking here. Applications can be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 4. Mailed applications will
not be accepted.
The areas available for the hunts are listed on the instruction sheets. Hunters have up to 12 choices, but will be drawn
for only one. Applicants may not use the same hunt code more than once. There are a total of 24 hunts listed. No person may apply more than once.
A permit fee will not be charged to Annual Sportsman (Type 004), Lifetime Sportsman (Types 402-405) license holders
(Con’t on p. 4)
NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM
3
WATTS BAR LAKE
DFJ Gun Smith Service
* Full Line Gun Smith
* USA Night Optics Dealer
* NRA Certified firearms
instructor
* Certified Chief Range Safety
Officer
- DeVaughn Jeffreys 423-744-4335
gunsmith
423-507-9872
859 County Road 130 Athens, TN 37303
(Bring this ad in for a 15% Discount on Services)
J & S Pawn Shop
1008 River Road, Decatur, TN 37322
(423) 334-3468
*
*
*
*
New & Used Guns & Ammo
Gun Accessories
We buy gold and silver
Fishing Supplies & much
more!
OPEN: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm
* Fishing Equipment
* Tackle
* Live Bait
* Open Mon - Sat
423-365-2266
290 Whites Creek Road
Spring City, TN 37381
John Henry with 5.26 and 5.11 lb largemouths caught 11/5/14.
Photo courtesy The Bait Box.
(“Spring Turkey Quota Hunts”.. con’t from p. 3)
or Senior Citizen Hunters (Type 166) with an Annual Senior Citizen Permit (Type 167). For all other license holders, the
cost is $10 per permit, plus the agent fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while
the application is processed. Hunters will receive a receipt with a confirmation number when the application is complete.
Hunters with Internet access may apply for a spring quota turkey hunt online. Hunters can click on Buy a License OnLine. Once the Internet site has been accessed, hunters can follow the on-screen directions.
---TWRA---
Rabbit - Squirrel - Quail - Raccoon Seasons
Open Until Feb 28, 2015
4
WATTS BAR LAKE
865-730-6410
Live Bait - Fishing Supplies - Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Hunting Gear - Ammo - Marine & Outdoor Supplies
Open: Mon-Fri 6 - 6 Sat 5 - 8
5110 Harriman Hwy Oliver Springs, TN 37840
[email protected]
One of the most impressive racks of the season!
Photo courtesy 4 Corners Market.
Fall Turkey Harvest Stands at More than 1,400
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee turkey hunters recorded 1,464
harvests during the two-week 2014 fall turkey season which
was held in October.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reports that the
2014 fall harvest stands at 1,464. The harvest is 165 less
than the 1,628 harvested during the 2013 fall season. Fall
turkey hunting was allowed in 78 of the state’s 95 counties
this fall.
Maury County was again the top county with a harvest of
117, 11 less than the total of 128 last year. Sumner County
was second with 63. The rest of the top 10 counties were
Rutherford 54, Sullivan 52 and Greene 52, Dickson 47,
Washington 44, Montgomery 43, Robertson 41, Cheatham
38, Cocke and Hickman 36.
The 2015 spring turkey season will run from April 4-May 17
in all Tennessee counties. The Young Sportsman Turkey
Hunt is the weekend of March 28-29.
---TWRA---
Photo courtesy 4 Corners Market.
5
HIWASSEE / OCOEE RIVERS
TWRA Proposes Changes to License Fee Structure
NASHVILLE --- For only the second time in 25 years, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is seeking to adjust the
way hunting and fishing licenses and fees are structured in order to maintain its successful wildlife, fisheries and education programs. The proposal includes some incremental fee increases and the inclusion of new user groups.
It wasn’t too long ago that the sight of a white-tailed deer, a bald eagle or a wild turkey in Tennessee was a rare treat. These and
other key wildlife and fish are now thriving across the state, thanks to intensive restoration and management by the TWRA.
“The reality is that managing our wildlife and fisheries has never been more expensive than it is today,” said TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter. “Our objective with this proposal is to spread the cost of these programs across more user groups who utilize Tennessee’s public lands and waters.”
This license fee change proposal is the first since 2005, and only the second to be sought since 1990. It’s also the smallest increase
in the TWRA’s 65-year history. The Agency, which is funded almost exclusively by hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations
and federal excise taxes on related equipment, has seen operating costs increase dramatically. This includes everything from fertilizer to fish food and other essential expenses over the last 10 years.
“We employ 46 fewer people Agency-wide now than we did eight years ago, and salaries and benefits such as health insurance
have increased significantly,” Carter said. “Our wildlife officers, biologists and other staff do an incredible job, and we’re doing more
work with fewer people than ever before to provide world-class outdoor opportunities.”
Changes to the way license fees are structured can be found
across the board in the new proposal, which will be considered
by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission in January. If
approved, the new fee structure would go into effect on July 1,
2015. Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses expire on Feb.
28, and new licenses will be on sale at the current prices from
mid-February through the end of June.
6
Highlights include: incremental increases for resident hunting
and fishing licenses; elimination of certain short-term nonresident licenses; a new fee for professional hunting and fishing
guides; new senior citizen license options; and fees related to
(Con’t on p. 22)
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Fishing Supplies - Custom Lures - Live Bait - Hunting Supplies - Licenses
Checking Station - Hardware - Gas - Convenient Mart - OPEN 7 DAYS
Doug Blair with an impressive buck. Photo courtesy Sloan’s Center.
Many Thanks To All Our Readers and Advertisers
Wishing All The Best In 2015!
NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM
7
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Allen’s Guns and Leather
- FREE LAYAWAY! NEW AND USED GUNS - LARGE SELECTION OF AMMO
BUY - SELL - TRADE - TRANSFER - FFL DEALER
Looking for something? We cand help you find it!
Ammo - Holsters - Scopes - Carry Purses
Ask About Out Custom Leather Belts, Wallets, Zippo Lighters, Belt Buckles
- Glock Armor -
865-986-4888
5125 B Hwy 321 N, Lenoir City, TN
8
Justin Keener - 7 pt 11/28/14. Photo courtesy Sloan’s Center.
Tyler Bryant - 8 pt 12/12/14. Photo Sloan’s Center.
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
Global
Loan & Pawn
Need Cash Quick?
We loan on guns, jewelry, car
titles, land, boats, any item
of value
We Pawn, Buy & Sell
We Offer TN Handgun Permit Classes
We can order any gun you need,
If we don’t have it!
(865) 988-5263
312 West Broadway, Lenoir City, TN 37771
OPEN: M - F 10 -6 Sat 10 - 3
[email protected]
$10.00 Off
$10.00 Off
TN HANDGUN
PERMIT CLASS
WITH COUPON
$10.00 Off
$10.00 Off
98-pound Ft. Loudon blue. Photo courtesy guide Scott Manning.
9
FORT LOUDON / TELLICO
"Every cast is a new adventure!" Capt. Chadwick
Ferrell
Join "Fish On!" Guided Tours, Located on the Tennessee and Clinch rivers. Est. 1998. As seen on "Live
at Five" ,"Allstar Cast" and featured in Tennessee
Sportsman magazine. Member: Knoxville Chamber Of
Commerce in 2007. Your guide has over 24 years exp.
as a LOCAL, sponsored/pro angler. We are a FULL
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species: Trophy Striper, Trout, Catfish, Bass, Crappie,
White bass, Sauger and Muskey. We fish ALL year
round. .Great Gift Idea! Gift Certificates available.
Book Today! Check us out at WWW.FISHONTOURS.
COM. Contact : USCG Certified, Captain Chadwick
Ferrell, 865-455-0412 Thank You and Tight Lines .
Photo Contest Underway for 2015-16 Tennessee Wildlife Calendar Issue
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now accepting entries for its 2014-15 photo contest for
publication in the Tennessee Wildlife Magazine’s annual calendar issue. All interested photographers are invited to submit their best photos on fishing and wildlife species native to Tennessee, and fishing and hunting scenes in Tennessee.
Interested photographers must submit their photo entries by March 11, 2015.
The photos will be reviewed for publication in the annual calendar edition of Tennessee Wildlife Magazine which is the
summer issue. If a photo is selected for the calendar edition, the photographer will receive a cash stipend of $60.
The format is horizontal digital images on disk. Only digital images in JPEG format and of high resolution (300 dpi)
sized as an 8 1/2x11 will be accepted.
Each disk submitted must have the name of the photographer stamped or written on it. No prints can be accepted.
(Sorry, disks cannot be returned).
Entries can be mailed to:
Tennessee Wildlife Magazine
Calendar Issue
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
Tennessee Wildlife is the official magazine for the TWRA.
Subscription rates are $10 for one year, $17 for two years
and $25 for three years.
---TWRA---
10
Grouse Season Opens Oct 11 - Feb 28
CHEROKEE LAKE
Preacher Stan and friend Guide Kenny with striper & hybrid.
Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
Gilmore Dock’s one and only Dave Lemon (L) and above
with Cherokee Lake stripers. Photos Gilmore Dock.
Gun, Muzzleloader, & Archery
Nov 22 - Jan 4, 2015
Take It To The Next Level in 2015!
11
CHEROKEE LAKE
Gilmore Dock Operator Dave Lemon with striper. Photo
Gilmore Dock.
Preacher Stan with striper. Photo Gilmore Dock.
Walter Mitchell with 46 lb catfish. Photo Gilmore Dock.
12
Blake Asbury with more weekend catch.
Photo Gilmore Dock.
Blake Asbury with weekend catch - guided by Uncle Kenny.
Photo Gilmore Dock.
Je
rry
’s
CHEROKEE LAKE
2637 N. Hwy 92
Jefferson City, TN
37760
Open 7 Days a Week
Always Available
Across form Cherokee Dam
JERRY BROWN
865-207-6876
David Bernowski - 20-inch, 3 lb 1 oz rainbow trout.
Photo courtesy Jerry’s Lazy Fisherman.
Donald Hall - 3 lb 9 oz rainbow below Dam Holston River.
Photo courtesy Jerry’s Lazy Fisherman.
Kenny Kilgore with striper. Photo courtesy Gilmore
Dock.
Preacher Stan with catch at Gilmore Dock.
Photo Gilmore Dock.
13
CHEROKEE LAKE
Shane Fain with his 8 pt shot in Hawkins County 11/9/14.
Photo courtesy M & M Firearms.
Blake Asbury of Wise, VA with striper. Photo courtesy
Gilmore Dock.
Invasive Mussels Found in Cherokee Lake
MORRISTOWN --- An invasive species has made its way
into Cherokee Lake in East Tennessee threatening to
disrupt the lake’s ecosystem and clog the lake with harmful
and unsightly mussel colonies.
Last month, an angler fishing near the Tennessee Wildlife
Resources Agency's boat ramp at Olen Marshall Bridge
(Con’t on p. 15)
14
Dave Lemon with big striper. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
CHEROKEE LAKE
Kenny and Wendall with weekend catch at Gilmore Dock.
Photo Gilmore Dock.
Dennis Short and Grandson Blake Asbury.
Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
Butch and Kenny with striper. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
Kenny with stripers. Photo courtesy Gilmore Dock.
(“Invassive Mussels” ... con’t from p. 14)
in Bean Station discovered what he believed to be zebra mussels. He contacted the TWRA office and biologists were
able to make a positive identification and verify there were more in the lake.
Originally brought to North America in international shipping ballast water from Eurasia, zebra mussels were discovered
in the Great Lakes in 1988 and have spread rapidly throughout the connected waterways, eventually making their way
to East Tennessee.
The rapidly reproducing mussels can have serious environmental, economic, and recreational impacts on Tennessee’s
reservoirs. Zebra mussels consume considerable amounts of beneficial microscopic organisms resulting in less food
(Con’t on p. 16)
NOW! VIEW THIS MAGAZINE IN COLOR ONLINE AT WWW.TNFHG.COM
15
DOUGLAS LAKE
INDIAN CREEK MARKET & DELI
1811 Indian Creek Road
Dandridge, TN 37725
OPEN 7 Days a Week
6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Phone # 865-397-0880
1114 Douglas Dam Rd, Dandridge, TN 37725
Fishing Supplies - Live Bait - Licenses Groceries - Deli - Take Out
Open 7 Days 6am - 10pm
Full Menu: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Take Out
Ask About our Daily Specials and Desserts!
Live Bait - Fishing Supplies
BOAT STORAGE - BOAT REPAIRS
Call In Orders Welcome!
OUR DELI HAS DAILY BREAKFAST &
DINNER SPECIALS AVAILABLE!
www.bucksnbass.net
11-yr-old Collin Tillman with his 1st deer - 140 lb, 8 pt shot in
Sevier County. Photo courtesy Nedra Tillman.
(“Invasive Mussells” .. con’t from p. 15)
for larval and juvenile fishes that support native fisheries and native freshwater mussels.
The fast multiplying zebra mussels attach and colonize on hard surfaces such as docks, break walls, boat hulls, engine
outdrives, water intake structures used for power and municipal water treatment plants, and even onto native freshwater
mussels. They also make water recreation hazardous because of their sharp edges.
Zebra mussels have also been discovered in nearby Norris Lake prompting TWRA to encourage TVA to keep the lake
level as low as possible to hopefully dry many of them out. TWRA is also in the process of posting signs at Norris and
Cherokee to notify boaters of how to slow the spread of zebra mussels by reminding them to “Clean, Drain and Dry”
16
(Con’t on p. 23)
NORRIS LAKE
Troy Davis - Photo Judy’s Grocery.
Darrell Pate - 8 pt. Photo Judy’s Grocery,
Leon Johnson - Photo Judy’s Grocery.
17
NORRIS LAKE
Scott Liford & Jeff Norris
Owners
*Houseboat Rentals
*Speedboat Rentals
*Pontoon Rentals
*Open Pontoon Slips
*New Wave Runner Rentals
*New Park Models Rentals
*Paddle Board & Boat Rentals
*Water Toy Rentals
*Overnight & Primitive Temt
Camping
Phone (865)278-3131
cedargrovemarina.com
Damon Evans - Photo Judy’s Grocery.
Jeffrey Turner - Photo Judy’s Grocery.
CEDAR GROVE MARINA & CAMPGROUND
A Full-Service Marina conveniently
located on beautiful Norris Lake off Hwy
33 in New Tazewell, TN
New Luxury Houseboat Rentals
Speedboat Rentals
Pontoon Rentals
Open Pontoon Slips
New Wave Runner Rentals
New Park Models Rentals
Paddle Board & Paddle Boat Rentals
Water Toy Rentals
Overnight & Primitive Tent Camping
Contact us today and start planning your
next lake get-away!
865-278-3131
e-mail: [email protected]
www.cedargrovemarina.com
18
NORRIS LAKE
SOUTHERN OUTDOORS
2089 Hwy 25 E, Tazewell. TN
(423) 626-7388
Live Bait - Fishing, Hunting, Archery Supplies
Groceries - Snacks - Ice - Discount Tobacco
100% Ethanol-Free Gas - Diesel
Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Big Game Checking Station
OPEN 7 DAYS
A monster buck! Photos above Crossroads Grocery.
Thomas Thompson Jr - 8 pt 12/8/14. Photo Judy’s
Grocery.
Mark Sutton - 3 pt. Photo Judy’s Grocery.
19
The
Tennessee Traveler
Places to go and see for fun in Tennessee
THE STORY OF WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK
PIGEON FORGE, TN - JAN 24 - 31, 2015
by Brandon Barns, Special Events Coordinator, Pigeon Forge
Not many events can lay claim to having an intimate relationship with the area in which they take
place. Perhaps no event is more intimarely tied to a place than the City of Pigeon Forge’s Wilderness Wildlife Week. In the event’s 25-year history, people have traveled as far as Australia, Canada, China, England and New Zealand to take part in the eight-day extravaganza of honoring and
celebrating the great outdoors, including nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
While attendance has grown from year to year for the event, it is important for event attendees to
know the story of how Wilderness Wildlife Week came to be one of Pigeon Forge’s flagship events.
In 1987 Ken Jenkins, who many of you know as “The Father of Wilderness Wildlife Week,” began
presenting programs in his studio at his gallery, Beneath the Smokies. These evening programs,
while well-attended and popular, helped Ken realize how much he enjoyed imparting his knowledge
of wilderness and wildlife to others.
As time passed and the series of programs continued to draw interest, the three cities of Sevier
County - Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg - committed to producing Winterfest, a winterthemed event taking place from early November through the end of February.
With Winterfest being an event designed to celebrate the best of the winter season, as well as to
create other events to entice visitors to travel to the Great Smoky Mountains area, Ken felt his presentations might be a good way of passing along knowledge while also bringing people to the area
and have a deep appreciation of the Smokies.
As such, Ken Jenkins met with Leon Downey, director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism,
and (former) Assistant Dirctor Kay Powell to discuss the possibility of working with Pigeon Forge to
craft a free event focusing on passing the passion of the natural world and the wilderness on to the
public.
On January 19, 1991, the first Wilderness
Wildlife was held as a half day event and
luncheon. With roughly 60 people in attendance, the event was considered a
success and attendees enthusiastically
believed Wilderness Wildlife should be
longer.
While there have been many people who
have volunteered their time and energy to
presenting programs, leading hikes and
assisting with behind the scenes event
functions, Wilderness Wildlife Week remains an ever-growing event because of
the love and passion for the event not only
from those involved in the process but
also those who attend each year from all
around the world.
20
2014 was an important year for Wilderness Wildlife Week as the event moved to its new home at
the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. Properly utilizing such a state-of-the-art facility, Wilderness
Wildlife Week has the benefit of offering more diverse nature-related programming while still focusing on the topics important to the Smokies.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Wilderness Wildlife Week, organizers are pleased to announce
this year’s event features a record-breaking number of sessions, outdoor excursions and exhibitors.
As an added bonus this year also features the Cades Cove Preservation Museum and a Wilderness and Wildlife themed quilt show in addition to the annual Photography Contest. Wilderness
Wildlife Week organizers will always, and passionately, keep the traditions and heritage of the event
alive. Here’s to looking forward for another 25 amazing years of living the wild life!
Editor’s Note: J.L. Stepp and Lin Stepp will be at this year’s
event to launch Lin’s newest novel Makin’ Miracles and will be
signing and selling their hiking guide The Afternoon Hiker. Details listed below:
BOOK LAUNCH – January 25, Sunday 2:00 – 3:00 pm, ALL
FANS WELCOME!!! Author signing of new book MAKIN’ MIRACLES and discussion titled: “Writing Smoky Mountain Books” in
Meeting Room North #2, LeConte Center during 25th ANNUAL
WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK, 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon
Forge, TN 37863
For more info and directions
see: http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/wildernesswildlife-week/
EXHIBITOR/PRESENTER
– all week January 24- 31,
Saturday-Saturday, 25th ANNUAL WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK, Booth #32, Exhibit Hall #9, LeConte Center,
2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon
Forge, TN 37863
AUTHORS PRESENTATION
– January 27, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, J.L. Stepp presenting “For the
Love of the Smokies: Hiking the Trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Meeting Room North #1, LeConte Center
during the 25th ANNUAL WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK, 2986
Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forghe, TN 37863 – Spotlighting books :
THE AFTERNOON HIKER Smokies hiking guide and Smokies
novel MAKIN’ MIRACLES
LeConte Center - Pigeon Forge
21
NORRIS LAKE
A nice rack on this buck. Photo Crossroads Grocery.
Good buck. Photo courtesy Judy’s Grocery.
(“Changes to License Fees” ... con’t from p. 6)
the use of TWRA firing ranges, as well as for horseback, off-highway vehicle and mountain bike riders whose activities have a maintenance impact on state Wildlife Management Areas. More details on the proposal can be viewed by clicking here.
“Our mission is to manage the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors,” Carter said. “We take that responsibility very seriously and have been very successful in creating access for
all user groups to these incredible public resources. We’re now asking more of those users to contribute to the effort.”
TWRA’s success stories are many. Plentiful wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, black bears and wild elk were
severely threatened or thought lost forever well in to the 20th century. All are thriving today, thanks to the efforts of TWRA.
The Agency has also stocked more than 100 million fish into Tennessee waters, and now manages more than 250 public boat access
points across the state. TWRA also oversees more than 1.5 million acres of publicly accessible land. In the last decade alone, the
Agency has planted more than three million trees and protected 42,000 acres of wetlands across the state.
Meanwhile, examples of significant cost increases abound: fish food pellets are up 76 percent since 2004, milo seed is up 150 percent, and farm diesel is up 58 percent. Items including vehicles, boats and motors, pond liners and other significant expenses have
all increased at or above the approximately 25 percent rate of inflation over the last decade.
“This new fee structure will allow us to continue doing the good work we do every day for Tennessee’s wildlife and fisheries into the
foreseeable future, without having further cuts to programs,” Carter said. “We don’t take these increases lightly, which is why this is
only the second time in 25 years that we’ve sought such an action. But it’s the reality of today’s economy, and a burden we can all
share incrementally. There’s no question that the world-class hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities available today in
Tennessee simply didn’t exist 25 years ago, and we’re excited to continue enhancing those resources for the public good.”
22
BOONE LAKE
2015-16 Fishing Regulations Set at TFWC Meeting
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission established the 2015-16 sport fish regulations during
its December meeting which concluded Friday afternoon
at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Ray Bell
Region II Building.
The regulations, which are normally set at the October
meeting, were postponed until this meeting. This TFWC’s
October decision to delay the action allowed time for the
public to comment on a recently proposed amendment to
(Con’t on p. 27)
WATAUGA
/ SOUTH
HOLSTON
(“Invasive Mussels” con’t from p.16)
their vessels before traveling from
one lake to another. On all boats,
trailers and equipment, follow these
steps:
• Inspect the boat, trailer and all
equipment and remove any visible
vegetation or organisms.
• Pull boat plugs and drain live
wells prior to leaving the water body.
• Flush engine with fresh, clean
water.
• Dry boat and equipment for 5
days before launching into another
water body.
TWRA Region IV Fisheries Coordinator Bart Carter stated, “The TWRA
can only do so much to stop the
spread of zebra mussels, Said Bart
Carter, TWRA Region IV Fisheries
Coordinator. "The majority of the responsibility lies with the angling and
boating public to be diligent in taking
steps to control their spread.”
---TWRA---
Brad Osborne - 9 pt. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors.
23
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
Small
Game
Seasons
Continue
In Tenn
Until
Feb 28
Ed Humphrey - 6 pt. Photo courtesy
TNT Outdoors.
Estel Mulvane with one of the biggest bears harvested this season - the monster
brute weighed 535 lbs! Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors.
Josh Bryant - 5 pt, and JW Tester - 7 pt. Photo TNT Outdoors.
24
Joe Smith - 9 pt wdith 19” spread 12/22/14.
Photo TNT Outdoors.
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
Hunter Tester - 345 lb black bear. Photo courtesy
TNT Outdoors.
Bill Worley - 8 pt. Photo courtesy TNT Outdoors.
Sadie Stout - 6 pt. Photo TNT Outdoors.
Steven Heaton - 6 pt. Photo TNT Outdoors.
25
WATAUGA / SOUTH HOLSTON
Indoor Shooting Range - Keeping You On Target
118 First Avenue, Hampton, TN 37658
Phone: 423-896-7123
Open: Mon - Sat 10 - 6 Sun 1 - 6
WE HAVE LAYAWAY!
Josh Bryant - big 10-pointer. Photo TNT Outdoors.
26
Jeff Mulvane - 4 pt. Photo TNT Outdoors.
Wayne Guy - 8 pt. Photo TNT Outdoors.
DALE HOLLOW LAKE
Wireless Internet
Boat Parking
With Elec. Hook-ups
Security
Cameras
- FACILITIES FOR SALE - Dale Hollow Fishing Report courtesy Sportsman’s Lodge Motel
Dale Hollow: Fishing is great. Water temperature is
50 degrees; lake is rising.
Smallouth: Lots of smallmouth are being caught on
jigs and crankbaits from 15-to-30 feet of water on
the main lake.
Largemouth: Several largemouth are being caught
on footballs jigs and Alabama rigs on points and
drops.
For more information go go www.huntfishbuddy.com
(“Fishing Regulations” .. con’t from p. 23)
the proclamation concerning harvest regulations for smallmouth bass on Douglas Lake.
In addition to changes proposed at the October meeting,
the new proclamation also changes smallmouth bass regulations on Douglas Lake. From June 15 through Oct. 15,
there will be a 20-inch minimum length limit on smallmouth
bass, and only one smallmouth bass may be kept in the
daily creel limit of 5 bass (in combination with largemouth
and spotted bass). From Oct.16 through June 14, there will
be an 18-inch minimum length on smallmouth bass with a 5
fish creel limit (in combination with largemouth and spotted
bass).
The new sport fish regulations become effective on March
1, 2015.
Horse Creek Dock & Resort
703 Horse Creek Dock Road, Celina, TN 38551
931-243-2125
* COTTAGES
* BOAT RENTALS
* FISHING SUPPLIES
* BAIT
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27
CENTER HILL LAKE
Quail Forever Staff Addition to Help TWRA
with State Game Bird’s Restoration Efforts
NASHVILLE --- As part of the recently-implemented “Tennessee Northern Bobwhite Quail
Restoration Plan” a third person has been
added as a Quail Forever farm bill wildlife biologist in the state.
David Peters joins the Quail Forever staff. He
will work closely with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency staff on the plan to help bring
back the bobwhite quail population which has
seen its numbers decline over the past several
decades. His primary area of responsibility will
be in TWRA Region III, which includes one of the
four quail focus Wildlife Management Areas, the
Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial WMA.
“We are excited to bring on David as our third Quail
Forever farm bill wildlife biologist in Tennessee,”
said Mark Gudlin, assistant chief of TWRA’s Wildlife
and Forestry Division. “Our current Farm Bill staff in
West Tennessee is doing great work with landowners
and Quail Forever chapters to create habitat on the
ground.
“David will be targeting the promotion of bobwhite
habitat, shortleaf pine and stream buffers that benefit
both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. He will work closely with local TWRA biologist Michael McCord to reach
and assist more landowners in developing and managing habitat to increase populations of bobwhites, rabbits and other wildlife.”
The TWRA designated four of its wildlife management areas to serve as “anchors” within a quail focus area.
Along with the Bridgestone/Firestone in White County, the other three are spread across the state. They include Wolf River WMA (Fayette County), Bark Camp Barrens WMA (Coffee County), and Lick Creek Bottoms
(Greene County).
The anchor areas act as permanent reserves where wildlife management efforts are focused on maximizing
ideal habitat and conditions to foster a healthy and prolific quail population. As the quail population increases,
it should expand out into the surrounding focus area if suitable habitat exists. The focus area is made up of
private and other public lands that have the potential to hold suitable quail habitat.
Quail Forever is a national non-profit organization, comprised of local chapters, dedicated to the protection
and enhancement of quail and other wildlife.
Landowners interested in improving their lands for quail and other wildlife should contact one of TWRA’s four
private lands biologists or one of the three Quail Forever biologists. These biologists will meet with landowners or managers and develop a free habitat management plan and provide other advice, such as programs
that can provide financial assistance. Contact information for these biologists and other natural resources
professionals can be found for each of the state’s 95 counties at www.TWRAprivatelands.org , or by calling
the TWRA.
---TWRA---
28
OLD HICKORY LAKE
Jim Summers of Hendersonville with a 29-inch walleye caught while fishing with guide David Clark on Dale Hollow Lake.
CRAPPIE
TOURNAMENT
100% PAY BACK
OLD HICKORY CRAPPIE TRAIL
THRU MAY 2015
$40.00 A BOAT
KEEP YOUR LIMIT BUT BRING YOUR
BEST 7 TO THE SCALES!
Check in at Flippers Bait & Tackle
FOR INFORMATION CALL:
DAVID FITCH (615) 566-0856 OR
JASON MINOR (615) 569-8702
PPHSC President Joe James with Bob Angelo - Big
Striper - Percy Priest - 2014 - 14.93 lbs.
Photos this page courtesy Jim Summers
29
OLD HICKORY LAKE
Close - Out!
All Go 2 Baits
30% OFF
while they last
Taylor Vivrette, Ray Vivrette, and Ed Hance - Big Striper Old Hickory Lake 36.49 lbs - Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club.
Jeff Edwards, Joe James, and Richie James (not pictured) - Big Hybrid
14.84 lbs - Percy Priest Hybrid & Striper Club.
Ray Alley - 2014 Points Champion Percy Priest
Hybrid & Striper Club.
30
Photos this page courtesy Jim Summers
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31
New For 2015!
NO CAM HTR
IBO: up to 330 fps
Axle-to-axle: 32”
Brace Height: 6 5/8”
Draw Weight: 50-70 lbs
Weight: 4.14 - 4.3 lbs
Let-Off: 65, 75, or 80%
Draw Lengths: 24-30”
Half Sizes: 24.5 - 29.5
Now In Stock!
NO CAM TRG
IBO: up to 321 fps
Axle-to-axle: 38”
Brace Height: 7 - 9”
Draw Weight: 40-80 lbs
Weight: 5.28 - 5.35 lbs
Let-Off: 65 or 75%
Draw Lengths: 26-33
Half Sizes: 26.5 - 32.5