TWRA, 4-H Host Wild Child Camp

TWRA recently partnered with 4‑H to host the fifth annual Wild Child Camp for 20 elementary‑age students in Hamblen County. The three‑day program introduces youth to hunting, fishing, boating, and essential outdoor skills through hands-on learning led by TWRA staff and volunteers.

Day one kicked off with a shooting sports session at Camp Davy Crockett. Game wardens Jason Lankford, Tyler Mullins, Deshun Leeper, and Parker Gerdes taught campers the basics of archery, shotgun, rimfire rifle, muzzleloading, and axe throwing.

 Day two focused on paddlesports with instruction from TWRA Fisheries Technician Mike Prater and TWRA volunteer Leigh Prater. Deshun Leeper and Tyler Mullins provided basic water safety instruction before campers paddled canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards on Cherokee Lake. That afternoon, campers visited Panther Creek State Park for a stream ecology program presented by Streams and Rivers Biologist Sally Petre and son Tyler, Coldwater Fisheries Biologist Maggie Singleton, and Creel Clerk Scott Dalton.

 Day three wrapped up with a catch‑clean‑cook experience at a private pond provided by former TFWC Commissioner Kent Woods. Although catching fish proved challenging, game wardens Chase Rich, Taylor Jett, Cody Young, Deshun Leeper, and Justin Pinkston helped the youth practice fishing techniques and fish cleaning. In the afternoon, campers toured Buffalo Springs Hatchery, where staff members Blake Miller and Donald Tucker provided a behind‑the‑scenes look at hatchery operations.

--- TWRA ---