Tennessee WildCast

Tune in to the latest Tennessee WildCast episode for a candid, eye-opening conversation with TWRA bear experts Dan Gibbs and Janelle Musser, recorded right after the recent commission meeting.From historic bears roaming all the way to Memphis, to today’s thriving population of around 6,000, this is the real story of one of Tennessee’s greatest wildlife comeback successes – and the growing challenges that come with it.You’ll discover why bear conflicts are rising even when the population is stable, why it’s almost always about human behavior (trash, bird feeders, deer corn, chicken coops), and how simple changes like bear-resistant cans and electric fencing can prevent most issues. They also share what really happened when Gatlinburg went bear-proof, why “moving the problem bear” rarely works, and what the new deer baiting rules could mean next fall.Whether you’re seeing your first backyard bear or you’ve lived here forever, this episode is packed with practical advice for keeping bears wild and people safe. Plus, get a look at the brand-new “Tennessee is Bear Country” license plate and the one website every Tennessean needs: BearWise.org.Don’t miss it – grab your coffee and tune in now! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

It’s a heartfelt farewell to Assistant Chief of Wildlife Wally Akins this week on Tennessee WildCast, as he steps into retirement after an incredible career with TWRA.Join us for a bittersweet, story-filled episode as we look back on Wally’s journey—from his first post as a wildlife officer in wide-open Hancock County, to managing the legendary Hiwassee Refuge during the early days of the Sandhill Crane comeback (from 28 birds to over 10,000!), to helping build the private lands program and helping lead the Wildlife Division.We’re talking cherished Cherokee National Forest deer camps, epic Thanksgiving pies that never lasted 24 hours, taking that first Cherokee deer at age 21 after a decade of hard hunting, running bird dogs for grouse and woodcock, and the excitement of Tennessee’s first quail quota hunt in decades on Bridgestone-Firestone WMA. Wally reminds us why small-game hunting with family and friends creates memories that last a lifetime—and why habitat on private lands remains the key to bringing quail and other species back.Whether you’ve known Wally for years or are just meeting him, this episode is pure Tennessee outdoors heart and soul. Pull up a campfire chair, grab a slice of pie, and join us as we send off a true wildlife professional with stories, laughs, and one last “thank you” for a lifetime of service. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Imagine a snowy morning 25 years ago when 50 elk from Canada stepped onto Tennessee soil for the first time in over 150 years. Fast-forward to today: roughly 700 elk roam the mountains, and one young hunter just lived a story most of us only dream about.This special episode of Tennessee WildCast was recorded live at Thlete Outdoors with a packed house. We look back at the historic elk restoration, then bring it full circle with 15-year-old Gavin Wood and the unforgettable youth hunt that capped the 25th anniversary season.From the original release in snow-covered Royal Blue, to the very first modern elk harvest in 2009, to Gavin’s week this fall: passing multiple bulls, holding out for the one he nicknamed “Red October,” and finally connecting on a beautiful afternoon with family and friends cheering him on.It’s a celebration of conservation success, passing the tradition to the next generation, and the kind of hunt that reminds us why we do this. Real people, real emotion, and a Tennessee wildlife comeback story that still gives chills.Grab some coffee, settle in, and join us for a feel-good episode you’ll want to share with every hunter you know. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Join us on Tennessee WildCast as we tour Flintville Hatchery – the state’s oldest operating trout hatchery – just days before the 2025-26 winter stocking season begins.Hatchery Manager Steven Day walks us through the raceways filled with rainbow trout (including some 16-20” trophies and golden palomino rainbows) that will soon be headed to lakes and streams across Tennessee. We see newly hatched fry, learn about the year-round work of raising 120,000–130,000 adult trout, and discover the technology and teamwork that keep the fish healthy 365 days a year.Region 3 Streams Biologist Connor Ballard explains the winter trout program: 42 stocking locations, roughly 75,000 rainbow trout released from late November through February, and three new waters added this year. He shares why most stockings happen in Middle and West Tennessee, how to read the schedule at tnwildlife.org, and tips for families wanting to fish close to home.From the hatchery building to the stocking trucks, this episode shows exactly how Tennessee delivers catchable trout to neighborhood ponds, city parks, and small streams every winter. Whether you’re chasing a quick limit of seven fish or just looking for a fun outing with kids, the winter trout season is one of Tennessee’s best outdoor traditions.

Grab your orange gear and join host Jason Harmon for an unforgettable episode at the Feather to Fork event! Co-host Don King welcomes Tennessee football icons Coach Phillip Fulmer and Carl Johnson – freshman dorm rivals turned lifelong hunting buddies and SEC champions.Relive epic gridiron tales: From beating Bear Bryant’s Alabama three out of four years, to the nail-biting 14-13 Liberty Bowl upset over Arkansas, and that miraculous 95-yard fumble return against Kentucky that still has Wildcat fans fuming! Coach Fulmer shares his fresh Paul Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award honor.Then pivot to the wild side: Hear about Alaska adventures, 14-hour horseback elk hunts, chukar and hungarian partridge in the Frank Church Wilderness, fishing adventures, and duck blinds in West Tennessee. These Vols legends pass the torch at Feather to Fork, mentoring York Institute students in bird hunting and conservation.From Neyland Stadium roars to sunrise fields, this is brotherhood, tradition, and the outdoors at its finest. Whether you bleed orange or not, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave inspired. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.