The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to establish hunting and fishing regulations every two years, rather than on an annual basis. The decision for the change came at the TFWC’s March meeting, which ended Wednesday at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Region II Ray Bell Building.
Beginning in 2018, the hunting regulations will be set on the even years. The hunting regulations will be set in May. Fishing regulations will be set for two years on odd years beginning in 2019.
The commission also directed the TWRA to hold public meetings twice a year in each of the four TWRA regions. The meetings will offer a time for sportsmen to offer input and ask questions of TWRA personnel.
Brad Miller, TWRA’s Elk Program leader, made a presentation on the TWRA’s strategic elk plan for the next 10 years. The plan has an emphasis on healthy populations, habitats and public involvement.
Dr. David Buehler from the University of Tennessee gave a first-year update on a turkey research project in southern Middle Tennessee counties, where the turkey population is a concern. The TWRA, UT and National Wild Turkey Federation are partnering in a six-year project that began in late 2016 to look at turkey survival, reproduction and other factors having an impact on population trends in the area.
"The first field season of date collection went smoothly and the project is well into its second year," Dr. Buehler said. "The turkey population dynamic being learned will prove very useful in making future turkey management decisions."
Roaring River Dam in Jackson County was removed last year. The low head dam built in 1976 was 220 feet across and 15 feet tall. TWRA Region III fisheries biologist, Mark Thurman, gave a report on the eroding dam’s removal. He said the dam’s removal helps make the river safer for recreation and opens the river to benefit several species of fish including, white bass, sauger, smallmouth bass and redhorse suckers. It will also benefit other species, he said.
Law Enforcement’s Lt. Col. Cape Taylor gave an update in regard to the cost of equipment to help with law enforcement issues surrounding chronic wasting disease. He gave cost estimates of freezers in case there is ever a need to store CWD positive deer or elk. Information on incinerators will be presented at the April TFWC meeting.
The commission was also informed that a new live elk cam, located at Hatfield Knob viewing area on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, will soon be available. The elk cam is currently undergoing testing. The commission received a preview at the meeting while the area was receiving snowfall on Wednesday.
The Boating and Law Enforcement Division introduced its boating officers of the year. Sumner County officer Nathan Karch is the full-time officer of the year while Melvin McLerran is the part-time officer of the year. Officer McLerran also received the award in 2015. Both officers serve in TWRA Region II’s District 21, primarily on Middle Tennessee reservoirs.
The meeting was the first with Dr. Jeff Cook presiding as chair. Commissioner Jamie Woodson was presented a plaque of appreciation commemorating her service as the chair this past year.