TWRC Sets Second Elk Hunt, Elects New Officers at February Meeting
Friday, February 26, 2010 | 11:53am
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission approved the second elk hunt in Tennessee which will be similar to last year’s, the first in the state since 1865. The action came during the TWRC February meeting held at the Ray Bell Region II Building.
The TWRC passed the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency proposal that the 2010 statewide elk hunting season will be held Oct. 18-22, 2010 with five permits available for antlered bulls only. Four of the elk permits will again be randomly selected through a drawing conducted by the TWRA while the fifth permit was once again donated to a Non-Governmental Organization, this year the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is going to help raise funds for Tennessee’s elk program at its Annual RMEF Convention in March in Reno, Nev.
TWRA Region IV biologist Steve Bennett updated TWRC members on the elk program with an in-depth overview of our elk census methods and results, and information on other factors that influence the elk population, that is estimated to be just below 400 animals. The TWRC also elected its officers for 2010-11. Michael Chase (Knoxville) will serve as chairman with Todd Shelton (Greeneville) to serve as vice-chairman and Mitchell Parks (Nashville) to serve as secretary. Johnny Fred Coleman (Livingston) completed his term as the chairman with the February meeting.
TWRA Assistant Executive Director Nat Johnson presented a legislative update which covered the topics of baiting enforcement, BUI enforcement and possible law changes, and general update.
In a pair of separate budgetary procedures, The Fisheries Division received a $34,777 Federal grant which was approved by the TWRC. The TWRC also voted for a budget expansion for the Environmental Services Division.
During the committee meetings, the TWRC heard comments from a group of fishermen concerning new smallmouth bass regulations on Norris Lake. The commission asked the group, along with TWRA staff, to work with the Norris Lake Fish Advisory Commission (NLFAC) on any suggested revision during the normal May meeting of the NLFAC.
The TWRC’s next meeting will be March 17-18 also to be held in Nashville.
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