RE: 2009 - PROPOSED DEER SEASON CHANGES

As requested, I have posted these thoughts from a TWF supporter. Let TWRA what you think as they move through their season setting process.

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

Here is a picture of our fearless TWF Board Member Terry Lewis from East Tennessee running a drip torch during the recent wildlife habitat project conducted by the TWF Camo & Casting Coalition organizations.

Chattanooga Resident is a Rare Breed among Volunteers

For Immediate Release For more information, contact Brent Lawrence or Matt Lindler at (803) 637-3106 Chattanooga Resident is a Rare Breed among Volunteers Mike Halter received the Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Award during the NWTF's Convention and Sport Show. Click image for print quality version NASHVILLE, Tenn. Volunteers who are as committed as Mike Halter are, indeed, rare. Halter, a longtime, dedicated volunteer of the National Wild Turkey Federation, was presented the Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Award during the 2009 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. "They say it's not what you get in life that counts but what you give and leave behind," said Danny Young, NWTF vice president of marketing. "The winner of this year's Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Award is a shining example of that." Halter, of East Ridge, Tenn., founded the Cherokee Chapter of the NWTF in Chattanooga, Tenn., and served as vice president, president and secretary of the half-million-dollar chapter. He also served the NWTF's Tennessee State Board as a director, vice president and president and the NWTF's Tennessee Super Fund committee as a member and chairman. Halter even has served as the registration chairman and Turkey Shoppe chairman for the NWTF's Grand National Convention and Sport Show, is a member of the Tennessee Turkey Hunters Hall of Fame, a winner of the NWTF's L.A. Dixon Award and has been an active Federation member for more than 30 years. This year's NWTF National Convention and Sport Show drew a record crowd to 43,000 to the Gylord Opryland Hotel and Resort. "I'm humbled, and I feel great and very honored to have won this award," Halter said. "I love the NWTF. I've always loved the NWTF. Until somebody shows me something better, they'll have to run me off. No one's run me off yet, and I hope they never do." Wild Turkey Bourbon has partnered with the NWTF for many years as the primary sponsor of the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Championship, also helping create this award to recognize dedicated NWTF volunteers. "Honestly, it's a small thing that I do," Halter said. "Others are donating significant portions of their time and money to the NWTF. All I try to do is donate a smile and my willingness to help in any way that I can." For more information about the NWTF or the Wild Turkey Bourbon Rare Breed Award, contact Brian Dowler at (800) THE-NWTF or visit www.nwtf.org. 2009 Convention Sponsors Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Chevrolet, Crescent Cardboard Co., LLC, Federal Premium Ammunition, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Longleaf Camo, Marlin Firearm/H&R 1871 LLC, Mathews Bows, Inc., MeadWestvaco, Motorola, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band and Tag, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Inc., Remington Arms Company, Inc., S.C. State Chapter, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Tennessee State Chapter, The Sportsman Channel, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Weatherby, Inc., Weyerhaeuser, Wild Turkey Bourbon and Winchester Olin About the NWTF: In 1973, Tom Rodgers founded the National Wild Turkey Federation in Fredericksburg, Va., as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions. Shortly thereafter, Rodgers relocated the NWTF to Edgefield, S.C., where it's still headquartered today. At the time NWTF was established, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners. Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly a half million today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF's partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat. While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events. If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site at www.nwtf.org or call us at 800-THE-NWTF.

FW: Google Alert - Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Young hunters get first shot at turkeys The Tennessean - Nashville,TN,USA Allowing them to hunt before the regular season starts is a benefit, said Mitchell Bailey, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency assistant supervisor. ...

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Sportsmen, Lawmakers Rally to Protect America's Public Lands

Sportsmen, Lawmakers Rally to Protect America's Public Lands

Omnibus Bill Provides for Crucial Wildlife Habitat, Healthy Watersheds
and Streams, and Resources and Recreation Opportunities that Drive Local
Economies

Washington, DC (March 18) - On a telephone press conference today,
hunters and anglers from across the country pushed for passage of the
Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a collection of bills vital
to America's sporting heritage.

U.S. Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV), Shelley Capito
(R-WV), Buck McKeon (R-CA), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) also stood with
hunters and anglers at a separate Capitol Hill press conference to push
for swift legislative action.

"This package of bills include many important provisions for America's
public lands and waters, which provide crucial habitat for game birds,
deer, and elk and provide healthy watersheds and streams," said Steve
Torbit, Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation Rocky
Mountain Natural Resource Center.

"The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 will conserve critical
public lands and waters, which provide important wildlife habitat and
provide resources and recreation opportunities that drive local
economies," Torbit said.

Public lands are a fundamental part of America's outdoor recreation
industry that contributes $730 billion to our economy and supports 6.5
million jobs - or 1 in 20 American jobs.

Most of the more than 160 individual bills included in the Omnibus
Public Land Management Act have been through the normal legislative
process and enjoy broad bipartisan support in Congress.

National Wildlife Federation ( http://www.nwf.org/ )is America's
conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for
our children's future.

Immediate Release: March 18, 2009
Contacts:
Aileo Weinmann, communications manager, 202-797-6801, weinmanna@nwf.org
###

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
NWF's mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our
children's future.

Aileo Weinmann - Communications Manager, National Wildlife Federation
Phone: 202-797-6801 | Cell: 202-538-5038 | Fax: 202-797-6646 |
weinmanna@nwf.org

www.nwf.org ( http://www.nwf.org/ )
901 E St, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004

FW: [NEWSENDER] - RGS Johnson City Fundraiser Dinner Press Release - Message is from an unknown sender

www.ruffedgrousesociety.org

March 19, 2009

For Immediate Release

RGS to hold fundraiser dinner in Johnson City

Proceeds used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat

The Appalachian Highlands Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will hold its 14th Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, 101 W. Springbrook Drive, Johnson City, TN, beginning with a reception party with live Bluegrass music at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

As has been the practice at this event, the banquet will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s.

According to Donna Vance, membership and dinner tickets are $45, spouse dinner ticket, $20, and youth ticket and membership $30. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $275, $500 and $1,000 respectively.

And, continuing in the spirit of the outdoors, youngsters under the age of 16 who recently took and passed a hunter education course and/or women who have participated in a recent Outdoors Women program, and can verify same, will receive a complimentary dinner ticket when accompanied by a paying adult.

As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.

For more information and/or tickets contact Vance at 423-357-1735 (after 5 p.m.) or by e-mail at donna.vance@generalshale.com .

Media Contact:

Donna Vance, 423-357-1735.

E-mail: donna.vance@generalshale.com .

FW: TWF Camo and Casting Coalition Undertakes Ambitious Wildlife Management Project

North Cumberland Wildlife Openings Project

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Camo and Casting Coalition held meetings with TWRA and several local conservation groups at the University of Tennessee’s Ag center to discuss the possibilities of working together to create additional wildlife openings on the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA). After much discussion and consideration, a habitat management plan was developed by TWRA to increase the amount of permanent openings utilizing prescribed controlled burns on a scheduled basis. The goal of this management plan is to create 10,000 acres of new wildlife openings over a 10 year program. This is arguably the largest volunteer habitat management program ever proposed in East Tennessee.

On February 24^th 46 volunteers from TWF, CORA, RMEF, NWTF and QU attended a class held at the Campbell County Forest Service offices to familiarize and educate volunteers in the process of controlled burns and fighting forest fires. The volunteers received Forest Service certifications enabling them to participate in the TWRA volunteer program. In January TWRA and TWF surveyed and selected areas to be managed through this program.

On Saturday, March 7^th a volunteer force of over 43 individuals participated in the first of many controlled burns to be held on the North Cumberland to promote new wildlife openings. TWRA provided the heavy equipment used to construct fire breaks in advance of the Saturday burn schedule. Area Manager Stan Stooksbury held a comprehensive safety and coordination meeting the morning of the event. Due to some areas of the selected habitat to be managed, a group of volunteers were provided additional IMSA (mine site training) safety training enabling them to be on an active mine site. Much of the area selected to be burned were steep mountainous slopes with abandoned mine site high walls. Safety in these areas was a major concern and was heavily addressed by the TWRA Burn Boss Stan Stooksbury.

The volunteer group was divided into 5 teams of 6 with a team leader assigned to each. Some of the volunteers were assigned to road blocks at each entry into the areas stopping all vehicle traffic from entering into these targeted areas. Selected volunteers were also assigned to a support team that provided transportation and mobility for equipment like chain saws, water tanks and fuel for drip torches.

Communications by hand held radios were critically important to the success and safety of the volunteers. Each volunteer was equipped with a radio linked to his assigned individual team. Each team leader was linked to his individual team on one channel and to the other team leaders, the Burn Boss and the support team on another channel. This method allowed the each team to work within their area assignments and to call for backup support if conditions called for additional manpower or equipment.

Teams were assigned areas and a coordinated and structured fire was set along fire lines to create a beginning fire and back fires were set to control the fuel supply at the opposite side of the selected areas to allow the fires to burn themselves out.

Approx. 500 to 600 acres were successfully managed and controlled by the burning process. Areas where the fire crossed over the fire breaks were quickly controlled by the volunteers who were directed to the problem areas by radio. This method proved very effective by providing rapid response to these areas allowing volunteers to quickly extinguish fires before they became too large and out of control.

Cost for this program is being assembled and will be submitted as soon as possible. Costs using these techniques are historically much lower than other methods.

• 43 volunteers from TWF, CORA, RMEF, NWTF and UT student’s approx 12 hours each plus 4 classroom
• 3 UTV personnel and equipment carriers
• 4 ATV’s with portable electric pump water tank sprayers
• 3 backpack portable water sprayers
• 30 Rakes and hand tools
• 40 hand held radios
• Approx. 24 sets of Nomex clothes
• Bottled water

TWRA Assistance

• 7 TWRA Personnel
• Personnel used to set up, survey and mark fire lines and to evaluate the burn success after the event.
• Approx 2 weeks of dozer work to cut fire lines
• TWRA 550 John Deere Dozer
• 2 UTV personnel and equipment carriers
• 6 ATV’s 4 with portable electric pump water tank sprayers
• 3 chain saws
• 14 Drip torches and fuel mixture
• 10 rakes and hand tools
• 12 Hand held radios
• Nomex clothes
• Road Block Signage
• Bottled water
• Trucks and transportation