<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="http://gooutdoorstennessee.com">gooutdoorstennessee.com</a>.</p>

Tennessee WildCast

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

#458 Youth Elk Hunt for Red October, Celebrating 25 Years of Elk Restoration

DEC 1, 202528 MIN
Tennessee WildCast

#458 Youth Elk Hunt for Red October, Celebrating 25 Years of Elk Restoration

DEC 1, 202528 MIN

Description

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="http://gooutdoorstennessee.com">gooutdoorstennessee.com</a>.</p>