TWRA requests public input for 2018-19
waterfowl
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is soliciting comments for its 2018-19 waterfowl and other migratory bird hunting regulations, including sandhill cranes. This is an opportunity for the public to provide ideas and share concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff. The comment period is open Nov. 1-30.
Due changes in the timing of the federal regulation process, waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunting seasons are now proposed to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at its January meeting and voted upon at its February meeting.
Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes. Comments may be submitted by mail to: 2018-19 Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife and Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 or emailed to twra.huntingcomments@tn.gov. Please include “Waterfowl Season Comments” on the subject line of emailed submissions.
TWRA offers reminder to bear hunters that dogs are prohibited during Nov. 18-21 Hunt
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is alerting bear hunters to an error that has occurred in the printed copy of the agency’s 2017-18 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide.
On page 28, there is a chart that indicates hunters will be allowed to use dogs during the Nov. 18-21 gun/muzzleloader/archery hunt in Bear Hunt Zones 1, 2, and 3.
However, dogs will not be allowed during that particular hunting segment.
Bear hunting takes place in the eastern portion of the state and dogs are allowed during many of the various bear zone hunts between late September and late December.
However, dogs are not allowed during the Nov. 18-21 hunt.
The agency’s digital version of the bear zone chart in the hunting guide is correct and can be viewed at www.tnwildlife.org
Motorists Reminded
of Deer Rut
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reminds motorists to stay alert during deer rut. Rut, simply put, is the breeding season for whitetail deer. It occurs each fall and is triggered by shorter day length. Deer are far more active during this time. Rut can occur through December.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported 7,219 deer-related crashes in 2017 resulting in 330 injuries and one fatality. Whitetail deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Rut, however, can alter deer behavior. Motorists should heed deer crossing signs and even reduce speeds in areas where deer are known to be active.
Motorists encountering deer should brake firmly and remain in their lane of travel. Drivers should also expect more than one deer. Deer are often in groups. Should a motorist hit a deer, they should follow their insurance provider’s recommendations for reporting the incident. TWRA does not keep deer-vehicle crash records or remove deer from roadways.
Deer killed by a motor vehicle may be possessed for personal use and consumption. However, the vehicle operator must notify TWRA or other law enforcement officer within 48 hours. To see deer-vehicle crash statistics visit https://www.tn.gov/safety/news/54029
