Kentucky Lake "Shortcasts" News and Events Paris Tennessee

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By Steve McCadams

CLAIRE MAYBERRY BENEFIT BASS TOURNEY

Bass anglers are invited to support the Claire Mayberry Benefit Bass Tournament scheduled for November 12 on Kentucky Lake out of Paris Landing State Park marina.

Claire is 3-years old and was diagnosed with two rare pediatric conditions—neuroblastoma and OMS Syndrome. She and her parent’s lives have changed dramatically and she is responding to chemo but has to make weekly trips to Vanderbilt for blood work, OMS treatment and therapy.

Two Rivers Bass Club is helping put on the buddy bass tournament and ask your participation in this worthwhile event. Entry fee is $120 which includes $20 big fish pot. Seventy percent of entries will be paid back to twenty percent of the field, plus all of the big fish pot will be paid back.

Tournament hours are 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be a 5-bass limit. Boat numbers issued in same order as received.

Entry fee, boater and non-boater’s name plus phone number can be mailed to: Two Rivers Bass Club, 555 Hobby Rd., Paris, TN 38242. Two Rivers Bass Club is a 501(c)(3) organization.

HENRY COUNTY DU 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Paris-Henry County chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host its annual membership banquet and auction on Saturday, November 5th at the Henry County Fairgrounds. This year will be special as it’s the 50th Anniversary!

Tickets are now on sale and can be obtained online or from local committee members. To purchase tickets online go to HenryCountyDucks.org.

For additional information on the local event contact Ty Wilson at 731-336-7163 or Michael Culley at 731-336-0188.

Single tickets are $50 or $70 for a couple. Greenwings (age 17 and under) are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Bronze level sponsorship is $275 or $300 for a couple.

FISHING COMMENTS SOUGHT

Each year Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency asks the public for comments and input as the agency formulates upcoming fishing regulations across the state. That time is here.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fisheries Division presented its proposed 2023 fishing regulation proposals during the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s most recent meeting held at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

The public is invited to provide comments on the proposed regulation changes. The deadline for sport fishing comments is Nov. 15. To provide comments, email TWRA at fishingreg.comments@tn.gov, or write to TWRA Fisheries Division, 5107 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211.

The TFWC will vote on the commercial and sport sportfish regulations at its Dec. 1-2 meeting to be held in Memphis at the Ducks Unlimited Headquarters. If approved, the sport fishing changes would become effective March 1, 2023.

In the area changes are proposed for Lake Halford (Carroll Co.) – Increase the Bass daily creel limit from 5 to 10 fish/day. Allow only 2 Bass per day over 18 inches. Reduce the Bluegill/Redear daily creel limit to 10 fish/day. Remove daily creel and length limits on crappie. Establish a Blue/Channel Catfish minimum size limit of 16 inches.

For a complete list of proposals log on to the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org.

SEASONAL CLOSURES AT LBL

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area has closed nine wildlife refuges to human entry and all activities including hunting, fishing, and boating. These areas will remain closed until March 16, 2023. Closed areas are marked with buoys or signs.

The wildlife refuge closures include:

Portions of Duncan Bay, Smith Bay, and Rushing Bay on Kentucky Lake
Duncan Lake
Fulton Bay and Honker Bay on Lake Barkley
Western one-third of Energy Lake; all of Energy Lake and Bards Lake are closed to hunting; eastern two-thirds of Energy Lake and all of Bards Lake remain open to fishing
Long Creek Refuge at the back of Elbow Bay
Hematite Lake and Honker Lake closed to fishing and boating; trails open
Refuge closures provide undisturbed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Staff at Land Between the Lakes asks for public cooperation with refuge regulations designed to provide needed sanctuary.

Hunters should be aware that hunting is not permitted within 150 yards of any Land Between the Lakes facility. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted within 200 yards of a refuge boundary. State regulations should be followed while on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.

REFUGE AREAS SEASONAL CLOSURE

Beginning November 15 several areas within Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge will be off limits to boating, hunting and overall access as part of its seasonal closures.

Each fall portions of the refuge are closed off to avoid disturbance to wintering waterfowl. Locally, the Big Sandy Unit will see its usual closures at Swamp Creek and the area south of Sulphur Well Island including Swayne Point boat ramp. Bennett’s Creek embayment over on the Tennessee River portion will also be closed off.

Several observation areas remain open for public viewing such as the V.L. Childs Viewing area near the visitor’s center and one located at Bennett’s Creek on the Tennessee River portion.. The closures remain in effect until March 15, 2023.

REFUGE HUNT REGULATIONS UPDATE

The Tennessee and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuges have released the 2022/2023 Hunting Regulations and there are some changes to note.

For Tennessee NWR, crow and dove hunting are now open same as statewide seasons not to extend past Nov. 14th on all areas of the refuge, except Hunt Area 4. That area of the refuge, Duck River Remainder or Hunt Area 4 is now open for the full statewide season for deer, squirrel, dove, crow, raccoon and opossum.

Hunters will note that all hiking trails will remain open during hunt seasons, so caution is urged and shooting from a hiking trail is prohibited.

Another change to the hunt program for both Cross Creeks and Tennessee refuges, they will no longer offer quota hunts for deer, but will be going to statewide seasons through Nov. 14th, except for Hunt Area 4 on Tennessee NWR.

The Henry County portion of the Tennessee NWR is now classified as a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) positive area which require restrictions to deer carcass transportation and disposal. See www.tn.gov/twra/hunting/cwd for more information.

The new hunt brochures for each refuge are now available online and at refuge offices, kiosks and area sporting goods stores. Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge provides hunting opportunities on all three of its units for white-tailed deer, raccoon, wild turkey, squirrel, crow, dove and resident Canada goose. Cross Creeks provides hunts for all the above species except raccoon, crow and dove.

Hunt brochures have been distributed to sporting goods shops, refuge information kiosks, and are available to download online at the refuge websites for Tennessee at www.fws.gov/refuge/Tennessee or Cross Creeks NWR at www.fws.gov/refuge/Cross_Creeks.

Refuge hunt brochures may also be picked up at the Tennessee refuge headquarters at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN or at the Cross Creeks refuge headquarters at 643 Wildlife Road in Dover, TN, or can be sent to you by mail by calling 731-642-2091 and leaving your name and address.

All hunters, age 17 and older, must purchase a Refuge Annual Hunting Permit at a fee of $15.00. This permit allows you to hunt on both Cross Creeks and Tennessee NWR. Once again hunters can purchase these permits through TWRA licensing agents, online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, or on the TWRA mobile app.

To purchase a permit through a licensing agent, it might be helpful to know the permit code of “064” for a TNWR/Cross Creeks permit. Youth hunters age 16 and under do not need an Annual Hunting Permit, however the adult supervising them during the hunt is required to have one.

For more information on the refuge hunt program, please contact the Paris refuge headquarters at 731-642-2091.

MISSISSIPPI AN ENDANGERED RIVER

American Rivers recently named the Mississippi River one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2022, highlighting the threats that habitat destruction and pollution, combined with climate impacts, pose to millions of people across the basin.
Nearly 40 percent of land in the continental United States drains into the Mississippi River, which faces urban and agricultural runoff, habitat loss and intensifying storms. The climate crisis is compounding these threats – more frequent and severe floods carry excess sediment and pollution off the land and into the river.
American Rivers and its partners called on Congress to pass legislation authorizing a new federal Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) to coordinate and increase resources for restoration and resilience opportunities up and down the Mississippi River corridor. The bill was introduced by Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota and original co-sponsors Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-03), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02).

Supplemental information is available at http://mississippiriver.org/mrrri/

SEVERAL SPECIES FACING EXTINCTION

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to remove 23 animals and a plant from the endangered species list because of extinction. They join the list of 650 U.S. species that have likely been lost to extinction.

Species being proposed include the ivory-billed woodpecker.

“The Endangered Species Act has prevented the extinction of 99% of the plants and animals under its care, but sadly these species were extinct or nearly gone when they were listed,” said Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The tragedy will be magnified if we don’t keep this from happening again by fully funding species protection and recovery efforts that move quickly. Delay equals death for vulnerable wildlife.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been exceedingly slow to protect species. A 2016 study found that species waited a median of 12 years to receive safeguards. Several of the species in today’s announcement went extinct during a delay in the listing process. In total, at least 47 species have gone extinct waiting for protection.

“We’re at risk of losing hundreds more species because of a lack of urgency,” said Curry. “The Endangered Species Act is the most powerful tool we have to end extinction, but the sad reality is that listing still comes too late for most species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service badly needs to reform its process for protecting species to avoid further extinctions, and it needs the funding to do so. We can’t let bureaucratic delays cause more extinctions.”

Nine months into his term, President Biden has yet to nominate a director for the Fish and Wildlife Service. He did request more than a $60 million increase for endangered species — the largest increase requested for the program in history — but the House Appropriations Committee undercut the president’s budget request by $17 million.

A 2016 study found that Congress only provides approximately 3.5% of the funding that the Service’s own scientists estimate is needed to recover species. Roughly 1 in 4 species receives less than $10,000 a year toward recovery.

Two bills moving through Congress would increase protection and funding for endangered species.

The Extinction Prevention Act would create four grant programs that would provide $5 million per year to fund crucial conservation work for each of the most critically imperiled species in the United States, including butterflies, freshwater mussels, desert fish and Hawaiian plants.

The Extinction Crisis Emergency Act would direct President Biden to declare the global wildlife extinction crisis a national emergency. The legislation would spur action across the entire federal government to stem the loss of animals and plants in the United States and around the world.

“Extinction is not inevitable. It is a political choice. Saving species isn’t rocket science. As a country we need to stand up and say we aren’t going to lose any more species to extinction,” said Curry.

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SPORTSMEN GENERATE BIG BUCKS

National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearm industry trade association, marked a milestone achievement when firearm and ammunition manufacturers topped $14.1 billion in contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since its inception in 1937.

“This is truly a remarkable win for wildlife conservation,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “This fund has been responsible for the restoration and recovery of America’s iconic game species, including the Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys and a variety of waterfowl. It is also responsible for funding the recovery and conservation of nongame species, including the American bald eagle, reptiles, fauna and conservation lands that allow them to thrive. The firearm industry is proud to perform such an important and vital function to ensure America’s wildlife remains abundant for future generations.”

The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson fund or Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax, is a tax paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on the products they produce. The excise tax is set at 11 percent of the wholesale price for long guns and ammunition and 10 percent of the wholesale price for handguns.

The excise tax, paid by manufacturers and importers, applies basically to all firearms produced or imported for commercial sales, whether their purpose is for recreational shooting, hunting or personal defense. The tax is currently administered by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the Department of the Treasury, which turns the funds over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

USFWS then deposits the Pittman-Robertson revenue into a special account called the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, which is administered by the USFWS. These funds are made available to states and territories the year following their collection.

These 10 to 11 percent excise tax dollars collected since 1937 under the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act are specifically designated to be used by state wildlife agencies for conservation. Collectively, purchasers of firearms and ammunition, hunters and the industry are the greatest source of wildlife conservation funding.
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STATE PARKS INVITE VISITOR STORIES

Tennessee State Parks will celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July by inviting visitors to share their park experiences online. The project is part of a variety of events tied to the month-long initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association.

Visitors may submit stories about unique experiences at the parks or expressions of what the parks mean to them at on the Tennessee State Parks website www.tnstateparks.com. Some will be shared on the site and on the parks’ social media pages throughout July.

“We always love to hear from our visitors about their experiences in Tennessee State Parks, and this is a special opportunity for them,” Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said. “This is a chance for everyone to share their stories and hear from others. Our state parks have always played a special role, and they have become even more instrumental in people’s lives during the pandemic. This is a way for everyone to share what they have experienced.”

Tennessee State Parks events throughout the month will cover all ages and abilities. They provide opportunities for visitors to achieve healthier lifestyles and promote understanding of nature and conservation.

The national observance of Park and Recreation Month began in 1985. The month highlights the vital role local park and recreation professionals, such as the staff at Tennessee State Parks, play in building strong communities. More information about national Park and Recreation Month can be found www.nrpa.org.
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DON’T MESS WITH THE BEARS!

Here’s a story that’s making the outdoor news lately:

Officials plan to charge an Illinois woman for violating federal regulations after she aggravated a sow bear while taking photos.

A picture’s worth a thousand words — or in one woman’s case, some cash in court fees. Samantha Dehring of Carol Springs, Illinois, faces two offenses in district court after getting too close to a sow bear while taking photos in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Park officials charged Dehring with violation of park policy and federal regulations that prohibit “[the] feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities.”

The park policy at issue requires visitors to keep a distance of at least 100 yards between themselves and the bears. It also explicitly prohibits visitors from approaching a bear for a photo op.

On May 15, Dehring and a group of other tourists spotted the bear and her two cubs in Yellowstone’s Roaring Mountain area. According to witnesses, the bears started approaching the crowd, most of which started returning to their vehicles.

Investigators report that despite warnings from others, Dehring did not retreat. Instead, she got within 15 feet of the bear to take photos. That’s when the sow charged her.

Because bear encounters can happen anywhere near their natural habitats (and usually by surprise), maintaining a distance of 100 yards might not always be possible. Of course, in the interest of all parties involved, it’s ideal if you can keep that buffer — especially if encountering a mother bear with cubs.

Regardless of the distance, visitors should never approach a bear, per Yellowstone’s guidelines. In the event of a bear encounter, the park recommends giving it as much space as possible and retreating calmly if it sees you.
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LBL OFFERS BIOBLITZ PROGRAM

Murray State University’s Watershed Studies Institute and the Friends of Land Between the Lakes are teaming up once again to host a Spring BioBlitz at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area that’s now in progress through May 31. This citizen science activity invites participants to visit Land Between the Lakes to document sightings of wildlife and plants throughout the spring season. The BioBlitz uses an app called iNaturalist, and will help compile up-to-date information about the natural community in LBL.

All that is needed to participate is a smartphone or digital camera and a willingness to spend some time in LBL. Participants will take photos of observations such as insects, birds, wildflowers and more, and upload them to the LBL Spring BioBlitz project page on iNaturalist. Participants can search for “Land Between the Lakes Spring BioBlitz” in iNaturalist, or go directly to the page at: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/land-between-the-lakes-spring-bioblitz

The iNaturalist app is a free download, and there is no fee to participate.

The BioBlitz offers outdoor enthusiasts, students and home-educating families a COVID-friendly activity for the spring season. Not only is it an opportunity to get outside and learn through exploration, but it is also a chance to contribute to a scientific project.

Dr. Howard Whiteman, Professor of Biological Sciences and WSI Director, said "A BioBlitz is a great way to engage the community in citizen science, learn about nature and get outside for some socially-distanced fresh air, particularly during a pandemic. We are also very hopeful that the observations collected by the participants will help LBL biologists and land managers make more informed conservation and management decisions in the future, and perhaps spark new research opportunities for Murray State students, staff and faculty members as well."

For more information or questions about participating, please contact either the Woodlands Nature Station at mlindstrom@friendsoflbl.org or LBL's Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@friendsoflbl.org.
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TENNESSEE 10TH IN FOREST GROWTH

Despite experiencing dramatic population growth over the past century—which can lead to deforestation, both to use timber and to clear land for new development—the amount of forested land in the U.S. has remained at around the same level over time, between 700 and 800 million acres.

Whether as an environmental protection strategy or to reap continued economic benefits, some states manage significant forest growth each year. Researchers ranked states according to the net growth-to-removals ratio of forest trees.

There are approximately 13.9 million acres of forest land in Tennessee, or about 53% of all Tennessee land. Each year, Tennessee manages a 2.30 net growth-to-removals ratio of forest trees. Out of the 39 states with complete data, Tennessee is experiencing the 10th most forest growth.

For additional data and a detailed report log onto the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory & Analysis Program (FIA): https://www.cliqproducts.com/blogs/news/states-experiencing-the-most-forest-growth
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BE CAREFUL WITH AQUARIUMS

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, alongside other state and federal wildlife agencies, is alerting pet and aquarium store owners and customers about the finding of invasive zebra mussels in products known as “moss balls.”

Most major pet stores have already pulled these products from shelves. However, consumers should always be cautious about products purchased online. It is illegal to purchase, possess, or transport zebra mussels.

The products, “Betta Buddy Marimo Ball” and similarly described products, were imported and have been distributed nationwide in the United States. Aquarium owners who have purchased and used “moss balls” should follow disposal and disinfection guidelines described by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.html.

This guidance suggests freezing the products in a plastic bag for 24-hours or boiling the products for at least one minute and discarding in the trash.

“Aquarium owners should never dump an aquarium into a body of water or into drains that may lead to local waters,” said Cole Harty, TWRA Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. “This situation shows how easily an invasive species could be introduced by someone improperly disposing of their aquarium contents.”

Zebra mussels can have serious negative impacts on aquatic resources. They foul industrial water intakes, suffocate native mussels, utilize resources needed by native species, damage recreational equipment, and their sharp shells can injure swimmers.

Although zebra mussels are already present in numerous bodies of water in Tennessee, including the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, actions should be taken to prevent further spread of these invasive mussels in Tennessee and beyond. In addition to proper disposal and disinfection of aquaria, boaters and other resource users should take steps to clean, drain, and dry equipment between outings.

More information on zebra mussels and other invasive species in Tennessee can be found on the TWRA website, https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/twra-fish-species/zebra-mussel.html.
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NATIVE LICENSE AVAILABLE

Nonresidents of Tennessee, who were born in the Volunteer State, have the opportunity to apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses. The Native Tennessean licenses allow regular hunting/fishing/trapping licenses to be purchased at the same cost as residents and enjoy all the outstanding hunting and fishing the state has to offer.

A variety of licenses are available, which includes the Resident Sportsman License for all ages. A complete list of the licenses can be viewed on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Website at www.tnwildlife.org.

Nonresidents must apply for the Native Tennessean licenses on an annual basis. First time applicants must provide valid current photo identification, a certified birth certificate showing the applicant was born in Tennessee and/or the parents’ address was in Tennessee at the time of birth as shown on the certified birth certificate, Photocopies will not be accepted. First time license applicants may send the materials to: TWRA, Licensing Division, P.O. Box 41729 or at any of TWRA’s four regional locations in Jackson, Nashville, Crossville, and Morristown.

For returning applicants, they just have to return the application. It can be mailed to the same addressed, or returned by email: twra.miscapplication@tn.gov or by fax: (615) 837-4262. Renewal applications can also be made at any of TWRA’s four regional offices.
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TWRA LAUNCHES NEW APP

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is launching a new smartphone app, “TWRA on the Go,” with enhanced features to make it easier to hunt, fish, boat, and enjoy wildlife.

“We are always looking for ways to make it more convenient for those who enjoy the outdoors,” said Michael May, TWRA Assistant Director. “The new app makes it easy to go paperless and report your deer or turkey harvest with or without cell service.”

Android users can install the new app through Google Play. IPhone users may go through the regular Apple Store.

Users will have the ability to access a copy of their current license, store multiple licenses on one phone, buy licenses, check deer or turkey with or without cell phone service, see harvest data, access Tennessee rules and regulations, use geo-locating tools to enhance the recreational experience, and determine sunrise/sunset times based on GPS location.

Users will continue to have the opportunity to use features from the previous app. The “Stay Connected Page” provides easy access to TWRA’s newsroom and social media.

There is also an interactive map to find TWRA wildlife management areas (WMAs), physical check station locations, and duck blind locations. The “Hunter’s Backpack” is where hunter education courses, a summary of hunting seasons, and full versions of the agency hunting guides are available.

For anglers, “Fisherman’s Tacklebox” includes, fish identification, interactive maps to find boat ramp and fish access information, fish attractor locations, trout stocking locations, and trout stocking schedules.
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NEW BOATING LAWS UNDERWAY

Tennesseans planning to take to the waterways for fun in the sun are advised of some updates to boating laws and common sense tips.

Two new laws concerning recreational boating will become effective July 1 that are hoped to help increase safety on Tennessee waters.

As of July 1, a requirement similar to the “Move Over” law on land will go into effect. As written, the new law will require boaters to slow to no wake speed within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel that is displaying flashing blue lights.

Also effective July 1, there will no longer be an exemption from boating education for renters of watercraft.

Tennessee residents born after Jan. 1, 1989 are required to pass a boater education exam administered by an approved representative of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in order to operate any motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower.

Out of state residents born after Jan. 1, 1989 must show proof of successful completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course. Non-resident certification may be from their home state or any state issued course.

Persons who have already made reservations or entered into contracts with marinas are encouraged to continue with their plans, but are asked to complete an approved boater education course before renting again.

Tennessee residents born after the Jan.1, 1989 can purchase a Type 600 Exam Permit online or from any hunting and fishing license vendor for a cost of $10 and go to a testing location to take the exam or take a class. Locations for testing and for classes can be found on the TWRA website under the boating section. For study materials telephone (615) 781-6682.

Before next week’s holiday arrives TWRA wildlife officers will be out in force during what’s called Operation Dry Water. From June 29 through July 1 is a national program of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) awareness and enforcement campaign directed toward reducing alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities.

Operation Dry Water is held the weekend prior to the Independence Day (July 4) holiday to give BUI enforcement high visibility during the peak boating season. The TWRA is teaming with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Operation Dry Water was started by the NASBLA in 2009.

TWRA boating officers will saturate high traffic areas on reservoirs across the state. Along with the use of life jackets and other safety practices, officers want boaters to be aware of the effects and ramifications of alcohol use. The TWRA will be intensifying efforts to detect and apprehend boat operators who are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In 2017 during Operation Dry Water, there were 13 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests across the state.

Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of boat driving privileges.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

“Over the years the number of BUI cases has diminished somewhat due to more visibility from the agency’s boating safety officers plus boaters have learned to use designated drivers,” said Henry County TWRA Wildlife Officer Greg Barker.

“I made a BUI case last week one evening in Cypress Bay and the driver was clearly a danger to other boaters and needed to be off the water. Overall folks have learned the dangers of boating under the influence and the sting of the law when caught,” continued Barker.

Barker said TWRA will have additional officers here in the Paris Landing area this weekend and throughout the holiday. Additional officers are brought in from surrounding counties during holiday periods due to this being a high use area for all types of boating.
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WANT TO WATCH A FEW ELK ROAMING?

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s has launched a new elk cam located at the Hatfield Knob Viewing Area on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.

The new cam has undergone testing and is now active for public viewing. A link to the elk cam is located on the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org. It can be viewed on a cell phone, personal or desktop computer. The elk cam, which is operated by solar power, will be live during daylight hours.

As many as 75 animals have been viewed at a single time on the cam. The area is off limits to any type of hunting. Viewers are encouraged to visit the site often as the elk move around and are not in viewing range all the time.

"We know not everyone can drive to Hatfield Knob to see elk, but this elk cam lets you see them up close without any disturbance to the animals," said Doug Markham, the agency's communications manager. "Of course if you want to travel to the tower, and many people do, it is a great place to visit."

The elk viewing area tower was constructed in 2005. Thousands of wildlife watchers have made their way to the tower located north of Lafollette in Campbell County. Elk were reintroduced to the North Cumberland WMA in 2000.

“The elk cam is a work in progress,” Markham said. We realize we might sometimes lose power or streaming service. However, we will do whatever we can to make improvements and keep the elk cam live."
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WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN BIRD

The world’s oldest known wild bird, Wisdom and her mate Akeakamai welcomed their newest chick recently to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Wisdom has been using the same nesting site on Midway Atoll since at least 1956, when she was first banded. She's one of over three million seabirds that return to Midway Atoll each year to rest, mate, lay eggs, and raise their chicks.

Wisdom's story isn't one of just longevity, but it is also a conservation success. Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to restore the habitat seabirds need at Midway Atoll and throughout the Pacific, and remove threats like invasive predators - because protecting the future for seabirds means protecting the places they call home.

Albatrosses and other seabirds return to the same nesting site each year. Albatross lay a single egg and incubate it for a little over two months. After the chick hatches, it will still be another five months before it will leave the nest. In that time, Wisdom and her mate Akeakamai, like all albatross parents, take turns incubating the egg or caring for the chick while the other forages for food at sea.
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AMERICA LOVES THE OUTDOORS

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that shows that 101.6 million Americans—40 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older—participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, such as hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching?.

The survey illustrates gains in wildlife watching—particularly around the home—and fishing, with moderate declines in the number of hunters nationally. The findings reflect a continued interest in engaging in the outdoors. These activities are drivers behind an economic powerhouse, where participants spent $156 billion—the most in the last 25 years, adjusted for inflation.

“This report absolutely underscores the need to increase public access to public lands across the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “Hunting and fishing are a part of the American heritage. As a kid who grew up hunting and fishing on public lands who later took my own kids out on the same land, I know how important it is to expand access for future generations. Many folks east of the Mississippi River rely on friends with large acreages or pay high rates for hunting and fishing clubs. This makes access to wildlife refuges and other public lands more important.”

The survey, the 13th in a series conducted nearly every five years since 1955, shows that the most substantial increases in participation involve wildlife-watching—observing, feeding and photographing wildlife. The report indicates these activities surged 20 percent from 2011 to 2016, from 71.8 million to 86 million participants during that time. Expenditures by wildlife watchers also rose sharply—28 percent—between 2011 and 2016, from $59.1 billion to $75.9 billion. Around-the-home wildlife-watching increased 18 percent from 2011, from 68.6 million in 2011 to 81.1 million participants in 2016. More modest gains were made for away-from-home wildlife watchers: 5 percent increase from 2011 to 2016, from 22.5 million to 23 million participants.

More Americans also went fishing. The report indicates an 8 percent increase in angling participation since 2011, from 33.1 million anglers to 35.8 million in 2016. The greatest increases in participation—10 percent—were seen in the Great Lakes area. Total expenditures by anglers nationwide rose 2 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $45 billion to $46.1 billion.

Hunting participation dropped by about 2 million participants but still remained strong at 11.5 million hunters. Total expenditures by hunters declined 29 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $36.3 billion to $25.6 billion. However, expenditures for related items such as taxidermy and camping equipment experienced a 27-percent uptick, and hunting trip-related expenses increased 15 percent.

This year’s survey also gathered two new categories of data: archery and target shooting. Findings show there are more than 32 million target shooters using firearms and 12.4 million people engaged in archery, not including hunting.
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LEAVE WILDLIFE IN THE WILD

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials notice an increase in illegal removal of wildlife each spring. Not only is taking wildlife from nature unlawful, it can have harmful effects on humans, pets and overall wildlife populations. Animals most often taken include squirrels, fawns, turtles and even baby raccoons. Sometimes the intent is to care for a seemingly abandoned animal. Other times, it is simply out of the selfish intent of making the animal a pet.

Removing any wild animal without proper permitting is illegal and it is most often to the detriment of wildlife. Negative effects on humans and pets include the transmittal of parasites, bacteria such as salmonella, fungi and other wildlife diseases. Additionally, pets can pass these things to wildlife making it impossible for an animal to be returned to the wild.

Moving wildlife or taking it into a home can even affect overall wildlife populations. One animal significantly affected is the, Eastern box turtle. “Turtles are long-lived, slow to reproduce animals. Removing just one can impact the population of an area. Distressed turtle populations take much longer to recover than other faster breeding animals,” stated Chris Simpson, Region III Wildlife Diversity Biologist. Additionally, some wildlife also have breeding site fidelity, meaning they will not reproduce unless they are in the area where they were born or typically reproduce.

If someone finds an obviously sick or injured wild animal they should contact a wildlife rehabilitator or call TWRA. TWRA maintains a list by county of rehabilitators that can be found at tnwildlife.org. Individuals that find what they believe to be an orphaned animal should leave the animal alone. The vast majority of the time, mothers collect their young.

Even animals that have apparently fallen from a nest or tree are most often cared for by their mothers. In addition, laws forbid the movement of wildlife. A property owner that traps a nuisance animal cannot move the wild animal to another location. This law is in place to keep wildlife disease from spreading to unaffected populations.

Should someone know of an individual removing wildlife or harboring wildlife illegally, they should call their regional TWRA office. “There is absolutely no reason for anyone to have a wild animal in their home,” stated wildlife officer McSpadden. “Please help us with our mission and leave wildlife where it belongs.”

For more information regarding wildlife rehabilitators visit: http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/wildlife-rehabilitators-educators.
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LABRADOR RETRIEVER TOP DOG

The Labrador Retriever does it again! In a press conference today at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), the nation’s largest purebred dog registry, is announcing that the intelligent, family friendly Lab firmly holds on to the number one spot on the most popular list for a record-breaking 26th consecutive year.

The Lab's eager to please temperament is just one of many reasons why this ideal family dog takes top honors year after year. They also excel at dog sports (like dock diving), make fantastic K-9 partners, and have even been known to save lives. On top of all that, they're also pretty cute.

While the Labrador Retriever continues its reign as America’s dog, the Rottweiler has been slowly but surely rising up the list over the past decade. The confident, loyal and loving Rottie was the eighth most popular breed in 2016, its highest ranking since landing at number two in 1997. The Rottweiler has risen nine spots over the past decade and is poised for a comeback.

“The Labrador Retriever has a strong hold on the top spot, and doesn’t show signs of giving it up anytime soon,” said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. “The Lab is such a versatile dog that it’s no wonder it makes a great companion for a variety of lifestyles. Keep your eye on the Rottweiler, though. It’s been quietly winning hearts over the past decade.”
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SQUIRREL TAILS OR FISH TALES?

How does a squirrel’s tail turn into a fishing tale?

Wisconsin based Sheldon’s, a lure manufacturer of the poplar Mepps spinners continues to ask hunters to save their squirrel tails. The tails are used for their hand-tied, dressed hooks of their world-famous, fish-catching lures. They've been recycling squirrel tails for over half-a-century.

“Squirrels are good eating and we can reuse their tails for making the world's #1 lure,” explains Mepps Communications Director, Josh Schwartz. “Consider harvesting squirrels for the next hunting season.”

Mepps buys fox, black, grey and red squirrel tails and will pay up to 26 cents each for tails, depending on quality and quantity. Plus, the cash value is doubled if the tails are traded for Mepps lures.

Schwartz reminds everyone, "We do not advocate harvesting of squirrels solely for their tails."

For details on the Squirrel Tail Program, either visit our web site www.mepps.com/squirrels or call 800-713-3474.

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COUGARS IN TENNESSEE

Cougars in Tennessee you say? The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced that it has created its page on its website with information on cougars for the public.

Recent cougar sightings have been confirmed at four locations in Tennessee and the TWRA is taking a proactive stance in making information available. The cougar has not been seen in Tennessee since the early 20th century until recently. Cougars primarily inhabit the western region of the United States and extend to the east as far as the western edge of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and close to the eastern borders of Colorado and Texas.

The information can be viewed on the TWRA website (www.tnwildlife.org0 and click on the “Cougars in Tennessee” icon located on the top of the front page.
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HUNTER ED SIGN-UP REQUIRED ONLINE

Registration for a Tennessee Hunter Education course will be required to be made on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website at www.tnwildlife.org.

On the TWRA website, those wishing to register for a class will click the “register for a hunter education class” link. Once clicking the link, there will be directions to search for hunter education classes closest to your area.

Registration must be completed prior to the starting date of a class to ensure a spot in a particular class. For those persons without computer access, they are encouraged to visit a local library or call a TWRA regional office for further assistance.

Advance registration provides more time for instructors to devote to students. It also provides a quicker method for the registration process.
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FIRST FALCON TRAPPING IN 50 YEARS

The first Peregrine falcon has been trapped in Tennessee in more than 50 years on the banks of the Mississippi River by a Carroll County resident. Tennessee was awarded one permit by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allowing the trapping of one Peregrine falcon for the use in falconry in selected West Tennessee counties.

Brian Brown, of Clarksburg, made the historic capture. He used a Dho-ghazza net and lured the Peregrine he has named “Belle.” He brought the bird to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in Nashville for the proper processing.

Peregrine falcons were the primary bird used in falconry for hunting in the 1800s. The population of Peregrine falcons, through state and federal conservation efforts, has recovered enough since their near-extinction in the early 20th century to allow for a limited take of these birds for the use in falconry. Tennessee was allowed to issue a pair of permits this year.

“This is a true mark of success in our conservation to reestablish the population of these birds,” said Walter Cook, TWRA Captive Wildlife Coordinator. “Once again, this was an effort supported and carried out by falconers.”

Belle is believed to be one of the few trapped recently in the southeast. A Peregrine was trapped in the Jonesboro, Ark. area during the prior week. Brown plans to have Belle go through a brief training period prior to her being used as his hunting bird.

Belle weighed just under two pounds on her visit to the TWRA. Peregrines have a body length of 13 to 23 inches and a wingspan ranging from 29 to 47 inches. The Peregrine is famous for reaching speeds of more than 200 mph during its characteristic high speed dive.

The Peregrine's range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. It is the world's most widespread raptor.

Steve McCadams is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area. He has also contributed many outdoor oriented articles to various national publications.

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