Woods & Water: Hunter safety courses coming up
I know it’s hard to think about hunting with the weather as hot as it is, but with hunting season just around the corner it’s about time to start thinking about hunter safety.
If you have a son or daughter who will be hunting with you this fall, or if you are planning a hunting trip out of state, now is the time to register for the first hunting safety course this fall.
To take the course you must be at least 9 years of age on the day of the course. Since more and more people are traveling out west each year on hunting trips, we encourage parents to attend the course with their child. Many states require completion of a hunter safety course for all ages, whereas Tennessee only requires it for those hunters born after Jan. 1, 1969.
The course consists of training in areas such as wildlife management, home firearm safety, first aid, and knowledge of firearms and archery, muzzleloaders and other useful information. The courses are free of charge and students need to bring a pencil and their social security number to the first night of class.
For more information on these classes, e-mail me at [email protected]. For information on more classes being offered in the area check out the agency’s website at www.tnwildlife.org.
Classes offered include:
WARREN COUNTY – Traditional Class. This class is not compatible with a CD/Online Field Day. Warren County Administrative Building. August 22, 23, 25, 26 (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) and August 27 (will shoot). MUST ATTEND ALL 5 CLASSES. No pre-registration required. Ed Griffin, instructor.
WARREN COUNTY – Traditional Class. This class is not compatible with a CD/Online Field Day. Warren County Administrative Building. September 5, 6, 8, 9 (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) and September 10 (will shoot). MUST ATTEND ALL 5 CLASSES. No pre-registration required. Richard McGregor, instructor.
WARREN COUNTY – Traditional Class. This class is not compatible with a CD/Online Field Day. Warren County Administrative Building. October 10, 11, 13, 14 (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) and October 15 (will shoot). MUST ATTEND ALL 5 CLASSES. No pre-registration required. Joey Wray and Roy Cannon, instructors.
WHITE COUNTY – Traditional Class. This class is not compatible with a CD/Online Field Day. Bridgestone/Firestone WMA. August 19 & 20. Friday, Aug. 19 (5:00 – 9:00 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 20 (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Two day course. Must attend both days. Register first night. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. John Ryan, instructor
SPECIAL SEASON QUOTA HUNT APPLICATIONS BEING DISTRIBUTED
Applications for the Statewide Special Season Quota Deer and Turkey Hunts are now being distributed to license agents and Regional Offices of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Sportsman License holders received their applications on the back wrap of the Calendar issue of the Tennessee Wildlife Magazine. The application can also be printed from the TWRA Web Page www.tnwildlife.org.
Thirty-six counties across the state are listed on the application with hunts for antlerless deer. Region 3 counties listed on the application include: Bradley, Clay, Hamilton, Jackson, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, Roane, Van Buren and White.
In addition to the deer hunts, sixty-two counties are listed on the application with quota fall wild turkey hunts. Region 3 counties with fall turkey seasons are: Clay, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Marion, Overton, Pickett, Warren, and White.
Applications must be postmarked no later than Sept. 1, 2005, or delivered in person to the Hunt Application Office in Nashville by 4:30 p.m., Sept. 1, 2005. No exceptions.
Applications should read the application carefully and fill in all requested information. All applicants must list their TWRA I.D. Number, except for juveniles under the age of 13, military personnel on leave, and residents born before March 1, 1926. If you fall into one of these categories, please indicate in the space for the I.D. Number. The TWRA I.D. Number is printed across the hunting license.
Up to 15 individuals may apply as a party. All applicants in the party must list identical hunt choices and drawings.
TWRA SEEKS COMMENTS ON A TROUT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) invites anglers to review and comment on a draft Trout Management Plan. The document describes the current status of trout fisheries and offers a draft plan to manage these fisheries.
TWRA wants to gather more ideas from the public before adopting a plan. TWRA urges interested anglers to read the plan and provide input.
The draft plan, “Trout Management Plan for Tennessee”, is available at TWRA’s website, or you may call 615-781-6575 to request copy of the plan. Only written comments received by November 30, 2005, will be accepted.