Step back into the heart of West Tennessee with this week’s Tennessee WildCast as we explore one of the state’s most iconic landscapes—Shelby Forest. Host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer bring listeners inside the stories, challenges, and everyday adventures of the team that manages more than 35,000 acres of wild land stretching from the Mississippi River to the Chickasaw Bluffs. Recorded at the National Bird Dog Museum, this episode introduces Chris Park, Austin Bibb, and Kenny Lepard—three dedicated TWRA staffers who have built their careers (and sometimes second careers!) around caring for wildlife, stewarding habitat, and supporting Tennessee’s hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

From high‑stakes waterfowl management to the legendary President’s Island quota hunt, the crew shares what it really takes to protect habitat, plant vital food plots, battle unpredictable river levels, and keep a complex network of wildlife areas functioning year‑round. Hear the inside stories—from planting corn three times thanks to flooding, to tracking daily river gauges, to managing impoundments that operate around the clock. You’ll also get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how they work with hunters across the state, maintain partnerships with the park system, and adapt to challenges like wild hogs that have reshaped the landscape since 2011.

Whether you love duck hunting, birding, deer season, or simply exploring Tennessee’s natural spaces, this episode delivers a deeper appreciation for the people protecting them. Tune in, learn something new, and rediscover why the call of Tennessee’s wild places keeps bringing us back.

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer take listeners inside one of Tennessee’s most unique treasures—the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction. This 30,000‑square‑foot facility is home to more than 40 breeds of pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs, and preserves more than 150 years of bird‑dog history, field‑trial tradition, and sporting‑dog heritage.

Jason and Amy sit down with Rex Brotherton, a lifelong West Tennessee local whose deep ties to the area’s bird‑hunting culture make him the perfect guide for exploring the museum’s origins, its archives, and the incredible artifacts inside. From foundational sires like Count Noble to historic trophies, handler saddles, artwork, taxidermy collections, and extensive breed Hall of Fame exhibits, Rex shares stories that bring the museum’s rich past to life.

Listeners will also hear how the Bird Dog Foundation, a 501(c)(3), keeps the museum thriving through donations, endowments, and community support—ensuring future generations can discover the legacy of field trials and sporting dogs. Amy highlights the museum’s impact on field trips, research, and youth engagement, while Rex reflects on how preserving this heritage helps keep bird hunting traditions alive in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you're a dog lover, history buff, sporting enthusiast, or simply curious about Tennessee’s outdoor culture, this episode is full of reasons to make the National Bird Dog Museum your next destination. Tune in for stories, history, and inspiration—straight from the heart of West Tennessee’s bird‑dog country.

This week on Tennessee WildCast, hosts Jason and Don welcome Dr. Dan Grove of UT’s School of Natural Resources and Dr. Adam Edge, TWRA’s Deer Program Coordinator, for a deep dive into everything hunters need to know before deer season kicks off. With the new Hunting & Fishing Guide now available, the team breaks down what’s changed, what’s new, and what hunters should expect across Tennessee this fall.

The episode highlights the updated deer season dates, the introduction of the straight‑wall cartridge opportunity during the muzzleloader season, and important updates within the CWD Management Zone. The crew will also unpack the newly created Deer Bait Privilege Permit—explaining who needs it, where it applies, and how to use it responsibly to protect wildlife and minimize disease risks.

Listeners also get clarity on feeder types, baiting best practices, and how wildlife health factors—from chronic wasting disease to hemorrhagic disease—are influencing management decisions statewide. The team shares encouraging news, noting strong fawn recruitment, improved deer body conditions, and a promising outlook for deer activity thanks to last year’s exceptional mast crop.

The episode closes out with a look at a new recovery tool available to hunters: drone-assisted deer and elk recovery under specific guidelines and permissions. Packed with expert insight and practical guidance, this discussion helps hunters stay informed, prepared, and excited for the season ahead. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share—and stay connected with TWRA at tnwildlife.org!

This week on the award‑winning Tennessee WildCast, we’re taking you straight into the heart of Tennessee’s wild side as we gear up for the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit! Host Jason Harmon is joined by co‑host Ashley Garrison, plus biodiversity experts Josh Campbell and Chris Simpson, for a fast‑paced, energetic dive into one of the most exciting conservation events in the state.

Fresh off earning national recognition at the ACI Conference, WildCast is celebrating in style by spotlighting the incredible biodiversity that makes Tennessee truly one‑of‑a‑kind. From bald eagles soaring back from the brink, to newly discovered crayfish hiding beneath our waters, to over 1,500 species of greatest conservation need—this episode is jam‑packed with fascinating stories and surprising discoveries.

You’ll hear how last year’s summit drew participants from 72 counties and 12 states, and how this year’s event is set to be even bigger. With the theme “MOVING THE CONSERVATION NEEDLE: WINS IN CONSERVATION,” the crew highlights conservation wins, innovative research, citizen science through eBird, and the brand‑new Conservation Opportunity Area Maps that connect YOU directly to the wildlife around you.

And of course, they reveal this year’s keynote speaker: Chris Wood from Cornell University—director of eBird and one of the most influential voices in avian science today.

Ready to be inspired? Ready to discover something wild? Won’t you take us back to Tennessee? Tune in and get your Biodiversity Summit tickets at TNWildlife.org!

Step into West Tennessee with the Tennessee WildCast team as we broadcast from the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction. Host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer sit down with experts Matt Backus of Ames Plantation and Alex Jackson of Tall Timbers to explore an exciting new chapter in quail restoration and field trial tradition. Ames Plantation has hosted bird dog field trials for 127 years, and now a bold, science‑driven partnership aims to bring wild quail back to the landscape and elevate the National Championship experience.

Matt and Alex explain how intensive habitat management, timber work, prescribed fire, and strategic predator practices are being used to restore early successional habitat and rebuild healthy quail populations on more than 5,000 acres. They discuss how these changes benefit not only bobwhites but a variety of wildlife species, and how the research‑based work at Ames could inspire landowners across West Tennessee and beyond.

Listeners will also learn why the afternoon field trial course is undergoing major restoration, how long the transition may take, and what milestones indicate success. The crew highlights the importance of community outreach, landowner education, and the rich hunting and conservation heritage tied to quail management.

Whether you’re a field trial fan, a habitat enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to restore wild birds in today’s landscape, this episode provides a deep look at intentional land stewardship and the people making it happen. Join us for a fun, informative, and forward‑looking conversation.

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, we hit the road and land at Bass Pro Shops in Sevierville for a deep dive into one of North America’s largest and most passionate hunting communities: Whitetails Unlimited. Joined by Regional Field Director Josh Assad, the crew explores the mission, growth, and future of an organization dedicated to supporting whitetail conservation, outdoor education, and youth involvement across the country—and now expanding right here in Tennessee.

Josh shares his winding journey from rural Southern California to Illinois and eventually the mountains of East Tennessee, where his love for the outdoors took root and grew into a lifelong passion for hunting, conservation, and community involvement. Listeners will hear how Whitetails Unlimited is working to establish new chapters, fund youth shooting sports, support conservation programs, and partner with TWRA to preserve the hunting tradition for generations to come.

From family‑friendly banquets and youth membership drives to big prize giveaways and local partnerships, Whitetails Unlimited is building momentum in Tennessee. Josh outlines upcoming events, the importance of investing in youth programs, and the organization’s goal to help hunters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts stay connected to the wild places they love.

Whether you’re a lifelong deer hunter or simply curious about conservation efforts shaping the future of Tennessee’s outdoors, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and plenty of reasons to get involved. Tune in and learn how you can join the mission—and maybe win a few prizes along the way.

This week on Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Don King welcome two special guests to spotlight a critical summer topic: staying safe on Tennessee’s waterways. With boating traffic on the rise since 2020 and more families heading outdoors, now is the perfect time to revisit the rules that keep everyone safe on our lakes and rivers.We’re joined by Aaron Rummage, Director of Legislation, Policy, and Communications with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, along with TWRA’s Jon Mark—District 21 boating officer, former Boating Officer of the Year, and bilingual educator on the water. Together, they dive deep into Operation Dry Water, BUI enforcement, and the joint efforts of TWRA, ABC, MADD, THP, and local agencies to prevent tragedies on both waterways and roadways.The team covers rising boat registrations, the impact of COVID‑era alcohol consumption, and the sobering data behind alcohol‑related boating and driving incidents. They also share success stories, including reduced fatalities over the July 4th holiday and declines in statewide alcohol‑related road deaths thanks to multi‑agency collaboration. Jon Mark offers firsthand insight from the field—everything from educating non‑English‑speaking boaters to the environmental factors that intensify impairment on the water.Whether you’re a weekend boater, avid angler, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical reminders: wear your life jacket, designate a sober operator, and stay alert. Every incident prevented means one more family getting home safely. Tune in, subscribe, and help us spread the message of responsible recreation in Tennessee.

In this compelling episode of Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Mime Barnes take viewers deep into the heart of Catoosa Ridge Wildlife Management Area for an inside look at the training, dedication, and grit behind Tennessee’s Game Wardens. Joined by Lieutenant Colonel Matt Majors and Major Brandon Selvog, the conversation opens with a candid discussion on boating safety and BUI refresher training before expanding into the wide-ranging skill sets that make TWRA wardens some of the most versatile law enforcement professionals in the state.

From patrol boats to backcountry trails, dive teams to honor guards, evidence recovery to search‑and‑rescue, the episode highlights just how expansive and demanding the role truly is. Brandon shares his unique background—once a “reformed poacher”—and how past mistakes now sharpen his instincts to protect Tennessee’s fish and wildlife resources with fairness and understanding. The wardens speak openly about continuous training, mental and physical resilience, evolving technology, and the unseen responsibilities like delivering death notifications, responding to critical incidents, and partnering with local agencies.

Their stories illuminate a profession defined by service, humility, and passion for Tennessee’s outdoors. Whether investigating boating collisions, tracking lost hunters, navigating tight waterways, or honoring fallen colleagues, these wardens exemplify professionalism in every aspect of their work. This episode reminds viewers that behind every safe waterway, every protected species, and every rescued citizen stands a well‑trained, deeply committed team of game wardens who love the job—and the people they serve.

Tune in, learn something new, and rediscover why Tennessee’s outdoor heritage is worth protecting.

Step back into the Smokies with this week’s episode of Tennessee WildCast as host Jason Harmon and Matt Cameron bring you a conversation all about trout fishing in the mountains of East Tennessee. Broadcasting from Bass Pro Shops, the crew welcomes special guest Wes Farragut of Smoky Mountain Guides—a lifelong Sevier County local who has spent decades exploring, fishing, and guiding in these legendary freestone streams.This episode is packed with stories from the riverbank, from childhood days tromping barefoot through the waters of Sevierville to guiding guests from around the world. Wes shares an incredible look at wild trout in the Great Smoky Mountains, the history behind rainbow, brook, and brown trout, and the unique challenges that make fishing in this temperate rainforest both humbling and unforgettable.Listeners will hear about navigating tight mountain streams, mastering the roll cast, creating custom flies, and understanding how rainfall, elevation, and water temperature shape every day on the water. You’ll also enjoy a few laughs—from “Appalachian versus Appalachian” pronunciation debates to tales of surprise wildlife encounters and even some beginner fly‑fishing confessions from Jason and Matt.Whether you’re a seasoned angler, a curious beginner, or someone who dreams about cool mountain water and the thrill of a wild trout rising, this episode will reel you in. Join us for an adventure full of knowledge, humor, and the natural beauty that makes Tennessee unforgettable. Tune in now!

This week on Tennessee WildCast, we’re coming to you from the Bass Pro Shops in Sevierville for an episode packed with East Tennessee fishing insight, hometown pride, and some incredible stories from the waters of Jefferson County. Host Jason Harmon and co‑host Matt Cameron welcome special guests Lee Rose Koza and Skylar Hamilton from Jefferson County Tourism—two lifelong anglers who turned their passion for fishing into full-time careers.

Lee Rose shares her journey from growing up in her family’s bait and tackle shop to competing in high school and college tournaments, eventually landing her role in tourism and building a successful online presence as an angling influencer. Skylar talks about his path from southwest Virginia to the Bassmaster Elite Series, guiding on Douglas and Cherokee Lakes, and stepping into operations with Jefferson County Tourism.

Together, they dive deep into what makes Jefferson County a top-tier destination for anglers—massive numbers of bass, diverse species, year-round action, and growing opportunities like the Mossy Creek urban trout project. They also discuss fishery improvements on Douglas Lake, the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, and why both Douglas and Cherokee attract anglers from around the world.

From 100‑fish days on Douglas to crappie booms, walleye runs, and new access projects that bring families to the water, this episode highlights just how special this corner of Tennessee really is.

Tune in, learn something new, and start planning your own fishing adventure in Jefferson County!

This episode of Tennessee WildCast takes listeners to Crossville for a deep dive into the story of Catoosa Ridge, one of the state’s newest and most exciting wildlife management properties. Host Jason Harmon sits down with co-host Mime Barnes and TWRA Wildlife Manager Don Chance to explore how this remarkable 1,700‑acre property went from a planned neighborhood—with paved roads, fire hydrants, and miles of fencing—to a thriving conservation win for Tennessee’s wildlife and sportsmen. Don shares his personal journey into the outdoors and explains how Catoosa Ridge perfectly complements ongoing habitat work on the surrounding Catoosa WMA. From restoring fields overrun by invasive grasses to implementing prescribed fire and supporting healthy deer, turkey, and bobwhite quail populations, listeners get an inside look at the passion and dedication behind the scenes. With nearly 120,000 acres under his team’s care, Don highlights the challenges, the victories, and the tireless effort put in by TWRA staff and interns. Whether you’re a hunter, a wildlife watcher, or someone who loves hearing about conservation in action, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to protect and improve Tennessee’s wild places.