Tennessee WildCast

Join us for show number 52 as we invite back Director Ed Carter back on air to discuss his 40 plus years of TWRA experience and talk about a new book that was a dream of his and shows the beauty of Tennessee’s outdoors through the photographic artistry of retired TWRA Major Tom Wood. Director Carter is always enjoyable to listen to and we are proud he shared our 1 year anniversary with us and with you.

Okay, that sounds a bit odd, but Joy Sweaney understands it all. Joy is the agency’s program manager for wild turkey and cougars (what few there are). She will explain and important study underway to understand turkey populations in the post-restoration era, give you an update on the  upcoming spring season. She will also discuss the recent confirmation of cougars in Tennessee and how the agency is working to keep an eye on the expansion of cougars back into a state they once inhabited.

You know that TWRA wildlife officers work the woods and the water, and we will discuss that a bit with the agency's Colonel Darren Rider. But, we will also discuss those many things they do that you weren't likely aware of, and we'll discuss what it takes to become an officer in an agency with its "multipurpose" enforcement staff. Did you know for instance, that some of our officer's have K-9 partners?

Harold Cannon will soon chair his last meeting and wrap up his 6-year tenure as a Tennessee Fish Wildlife Commissioner, what he has to say about successes, the state of today’s TWRA, and the future of fish and wildlife management is something all should hear. In a nutshell, we are in good shape in the chairman’s eyes, but there are challenges looming and the state’s fish and wildlife agency and its commission needs the continued support of our hunters and anglers.

What is It like to hunt sandhill cranes one week a measure a world record Tennessee buck another week?  We will ask that and much more as we speak with TWRA Commissioner Bill Swan from Dunlap, TN. Commissioner Swan has traveled the world hunting, but whitetail deer is a passion and so is hunting Sandhill Crane. A Master Scorer for Safari Club International, Commissioner Swan put his hands on the Tennessee Tucker Buck and helped deem it SCI’s top whitetail of all time. He also has been crane hunting in Tennessee and as our state prepares to offer additional crane permits next year, you will enjoy picking up a few tips from a seasoned sportsman.

Join Dr. Brad Miller, TWRA’s elk biologist, as he describes what it is like to be an elk biologist, where elk can be found in Tennessee, and a special “tower”  built just so you can watch or photograph them. For hunters, there is also a fall season if you are lucky enough to be among the few names drawn for this highly sought after adventure.

Tune into this week's Tennessee WildCast to see the world record rack and hear Mr. Tucker discuss the "Tennessee Tucker Buck". Also joining us will be Harold Thompson with a #1 buck of his own taken 20 minutes away from the Tucker Buck.

We still have quite a few days left to get out and  hunt, including excellent days to chase deer. Learn from TWRA’s Chief of Wildlife and Forestry Mark Gudlin about a an antlerless only season taking place next week and then enjoy his conversation about big and small game seasons this past year pertaining changes that were made in deer seasons, but also opportunities available, and work being done, for small game hunters.

Don’t let cold or the potential thought of it, slow you down, keep you inside. From the moment the calendar loses 2016, the action begins (or continues) into 2017. Doug Markham and Jason Harmon will discuss a long list of things to do for big game hunters, small game hunters, anglers, and watchable wildlife lovers. Happy New Year from Tennessee WildCast and may this year be your best every OUTSIDE!

With Christmas and New Year seasons right around the corner, now is great time to get outside with family and friends to enjoy everything Tennessee has to offer.  Whether it’s small game, deer or waterfowl, there is a season open for you.  Consider buying a  license and get outside during one of the best times of the year.  If you still need to do some shopping, the TWRA has you covered there, too.  Surprise someone you love with a lifetime license, or maybe a Tennessee Wildlife magazine subscription, or our "just off the presses" coffee table book  “Tennessee Wildness”.  Learn more about all of these ideas and more during our Christmas edition of Tennessee WildCast.