The Daily Times

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission generated a lot of news at its meeting in Chattanooga recently. Concerning the expansion of commercial paddlefish roe fishing to lakes such as Norris, Watts Bar and Melton Hill, the comment period received more than 200 comments unanimously opposed to the notion. This proposition, by the way, did not come from the TWRA; the study was ordered by a law passed recently by the Tennessee General Assembly.

On the new hog hunting regulations, the TWRC accepted the TWRA recommendation to extend the expiration date for landowners to allow lease holders to assist with wild hog eradication efforts. The period was extended from Feb. 28, 2012 to July 31, 2013.

The TWRC amended the rule regarding computerized waterfowl blind drawings. The new rule will allow waterfowl hunters to apply as a party on select wildlife management areas, namely Chickamauga in East Tennessee and Bogota and Thorny Cypress in West Tennessee.

The TWRA is proposing a single youth-only elk hunting tag for Tennesseans ages 13-16 years. The Commission voted to postpone action on this until after a public comment period, which will be set later this month.

Since elk were reintroduced to Tennessee in 2001 the population has grown about eight percent each year. About 350 animals are residing on 150,000 acres of the North Cumberland WMA.

The TWRC will next meet in Nashville on Feb. 9-10 at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building.

• It is time for varmint hunters and trappers to cash in. Three auctions for fur takers are scheduled for East Tennessee by the Tennessee Fur Harvesters Association. The first auction is on Jan. 28 in Crossville at the Cumberland County Community Complex; the next one is on Feb. 18 in Bulls Gap at the VFW building; the last one is on March 10 in South Pittsburg at the old Armory.

For more information or reservations go to http://www.tfhaonline.net , or contact John Daniel at 423-595-0986. Neophyte fur takers or first-time sellers should contact Daniel to learn how to prepare your pelts.

• What better way is there to prepare for spring turkey season (March 31 through May 13) than the 36th annual National Wild Turkey Federation National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville on Feb. 9-12. Again this year it is held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Check out these features:

An exhibition hall four-and-a half football fields in size with more than 650 vendors with the latest hunting gear available.

Seminars with the biggest names in hunting and conservation that can help improve your hunting skills and land habitat.

Some of the brightest stars in outdoors television, including NWTF’s national speakers Michael Waddell and Brenda Valentine.

The best turkey callers in the world competing in the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships.

Many family activities, including “The Roost,” with shooting ranges, games, animals, call making, Smokey Bear in person, and “The Cave,” a massive, interactive simulated spelunking adventure.

The Awards Banquet keynote speaker is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Concert headliners are Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Ricky Skaggs; get tickets early. Many other entertainers will perform at other events.

Get the schedule of events, tickets and more information at http://www.nwtf.org . This is worth the drive.

• The TWRA is conducting a statewide telephone survey for public opinion on black bears. The TWRA is exploring the possibility of making changes to its black bear management policy and the results of this survey will assist in making those decisions. The survey is being conducted by Responsive Management. The public is encouraged to participate if they are contacted.

• This recent lawsuit is hard to believe, but true. An ex-convict felon stole a pistol from a lawful gun owner in Massachusetts who befriended him, and later accidently shot and killed himself with it. The administrator of the ex-con’s estate brought wrongful death lawsuits on both the gun owner and Glock, the manufacturer of the handgun.

The trial court ruled against the ex-con’s estate, but an appeal was granted. Finally, last week the Massachusetts Appellate Court upheld the trial court’s decision and dismissed the case, but not because of the absurd circumstances. The case was dismissed under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects gun manufacturers that produce a legal and functional firearm from being sued when it is used illegally or irresponsibly. What a country.

Tom Wiest welcomes news, questions and comments from readers. Contact him at (wiest.tom@gmail.com)

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