On an interesting and related note...you have to look awful hard to find an e-mail on TWRA's site that you can use to send comments. I found this e-mail address buried in the Newsroom section where is was listed in a Jan. 27 press release calling for input from sportsmen and women on hunting seasons.
Try contact TWRA by e-mail here... twra.comment@state.tn.us
----- Original Message -----
To: Michael Butler
Sent: Sat May 02 07:05:41 2009
Subject: RE: 2009 - PROPOSED DEER SEASON CHANGES
Mr. Butler,
I'm sure you know that the TWRA has proposed a 14-day November muzzle-loader season which would close the day before rifle season opens, and, a 3-buck limit with any weapon. Without a break in between the seasons, rifle hunters will start their season hunting deer that have been hunted for 2-weeks with firearms. In short, the opening of rifle season will become the "third" week of firearms deer season. Without giving the deer a chance to "settle down" between the muzzle-loader, and, rifle season, there is no way the TWRA can justify this, and, say it is "fair" to rifle hunters, (who are in the majority).
Furthermore, throughout most of Tennessee, the rut normally occurs around the middle of November, and, to one degree, or, another, coincides with the muzzleloader season. Adding an extra week to the muzzleloader season during the peak of the rut, along with the "proposed" 3-buck limit, will result in a "overharvest" of bucks, and, a "underharvest" of does. When knowledgable hunters know the rut is in full swing, most pass up does waiting on a buck.
In addition to the unfair treatment of rifle hunters, a 2- week muzzleloader season also impacts bow hunters. I know a lot of avid bow hunters who like to hunt that week between the muzzleloader season closing, and, rifle season opening. This gives bow hunters a chance to hunt during the peak of the rut without competing with gun hunters.
I have hunted deer with both a muzzleloader, and, rifle for 38-years. However, I am opposed to a 14-day muzzleloader season. As one who advocates quality deer management for our state's deer herd, (and, a 2-buck limit), I am opposed to a 3-buck limit for obvious reasons.
Mr. Butler, I would like to ask you a favor with regard to these two proposals. I would like for you to post these issues on the TWF website so all of the members will be informed. I am not asking you, or, TWF, to "take a stand" one way, or, another. I do know, in the past, the TWF has "not" been a "rubber stamp" for the TWRA / TWRC on a number of issues. I hope that will be the case this time. As it stands right now, the only way hunters will know about these proposals is "word of mouth," or, going on the TWRA website, or, going on "tndeer." Otherwise, the TWRC can pass these proposals, and, the majority of hunters will find out about it when the "hunting guides" come out in August. If people can find out about these proposals now, they will have a chance to contact members of the TWRC, and, voice their opinions "one way, or, another," before the season are set at the meeting the end of this month.
Mr. Butler, your thoughful consideration on this request will be very much appreciated. I think those of us who "pay the bills," for the TWRA, have a right to know what is going on with the Agency, and, the Commission. Thank you for your time, and, concern in this matter!
Respectfully,
Larry Elam
Chattanooga, TN
Email: beckyelam@comcast.net
