WINTER 2015
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www.tnwf.org
WINTER 2015
SOUTHERN EXPOSURES FY 2016 Board of Directors Terry Lewis • Chairman, Powell Dr. John O. “Jack” Gayden • Vice Chairman, Memphis Ric Wolbrecht IV • Treasurer, Germantown Chris Nischan • Secretary, Nashville Tommy Bernard • Kingston Springs Jim Candella • Brentwood Allen Corey • Chattanooga Frank Duff • Chattanooga Bruce Fox • Knoxville Monty Halcomb • Wartrace Dan Hammond • Franklin John Jackson • Dickson Robert Lineberger • Brentwood Sam Mars III • Harrogate Albert Menefee III • Franklin Richard Speer • Nashville Terry Whitson • Rogersville
Advisory Board Anker Browder • Knoxville Albert Buckley Jr. • Franklin Jim Byford • Martin Charles Chitty • Chattanooga Philip Claypool • Memphis
Tufted titmice often store seeds in the winter by placing them under loose bark, saving them for times when food is hard to come by. For more, check out our Photo by Scott King new birding department on Page 12. Kendall McCarter, Executive Editor Mark Johnson, Editor Kate Hill, Graphic Artist
ABOUT THE COVER: These photos were all submitted to our first-ever calendar contest. Find details on the contest and the photographers featured on the cover on Page 6.
H.A. “Craig” Connors • Rossville Bill Cox • Collierville Nick Crafton • Memphis Bill Dance • Collierville Phillip Fulmer Sr. • Knoxville Paul Grider • Bolivar Mark Ingram • Maryville Mike Kelly • Nashville Jean Maddox • Nashville Jim Maddox • Nashville Tami Miller • Franklin Colin Reed • Nashville Tom Rice • Nashville Brian Sparks • Germantown Brenda Valentine • Puryear Susan Williams • Knoxville
WINTER 2015
TWF Staff Michael Butler, Chief Executive Officer Kendall McCarter, Chief Development Officer Karen Vaughn, Director of Grants & Special Projects Mark Johnson, Director of Communications Janet Henderson, Director of Finance Chris Roberts, Director of TMF and WES J.W. Worthen, Director of TNSCTP Andrew Peercy, TNSCTP Manager Matt Simcox, HFTH Manager Tony Lance, Executive Assistant/Office Manager Cameron Mitchell, Development Officer Angela Schmidt, Development Coordinator Kate Hill, Communications Coordinator Michael Folk, HFTH Coordinator Stephen Cawthorn, TNSCTP Coordinator Philip Kruger, TWF Youth Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
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From August through October 2016, more than 250 kids participated in a newly expanded Youth Hunting & Fishing program. Page 12
FEATURES 8
PROGRAMS
Lofty perspectives
30
Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower celebrates 10 years 16
18
In the public trust
Rise of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation 24
Program Director Chris Roberts featured in Tennessee’s Wild Side episode
Full circle
Residents of Mustard Seed Ranch catch the spirit of giving
Tennessee Mitigation Fund
31
TWF Youth Hunting & Fishing
Program expands with addition of fishing rodeos, squirrel and deer hunts
Crops to conservation Jackson’s Joe Wright converts his family farm to wildlife habitat
Tennessee Out-of-Doors magazine is the official publication of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. Printed materials include natural resource and conservation news, outdoor recreation news and articles on pertinent legislation. All submissions are subject to editing or rewriting. All editorial, advertising, and subscription correspondence should be mailed to:
Tennessee Out-of-Doors
300 Orlando Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
DEPARTMENTS 4 5 6 12 32 34 35
Chairman’s Corner From the CEO Social Media Birding Around the State New Employees Memorials/Honorariums
WILD GAME RECIPE 29 Roasted rabbit with mustard crust
Photo by Mark Johnson
YOUTH HUNTS TAKE FLIGHT
CHAIRMAN’S CORNER
The Model works for us; we should work for it In this issue of Tennessee Out-of-Doors, we’re taking a closer look at the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, so I thought it was appropriate to talk a little about it here. Since the Tennessee Wildlife Federation put into place
helping to create
its “Tennessee’s Wildlife is YOUR Wildlife” campaign
habitat on our
early in 2015, I’ve been looking into the Model with a
properties where
little more detail, and I’ve come to realize that the
possible. A wonderful
things articulated within it are things I’ve always
example is found in a
believed in anyway.
story on Page 24 about Joe Wright, a Jackson native who
For example, the first — and I believe, most important — of the Model’s seven tenets is something that everyone should become aware of: wildlife in America is held in the public trust. Just think about it. Deer, bears, elk, mountain lions, fox, antelope, beaver, turkey, waterfowl…it all belongs to us, the citizens. Not to the government. Not to a
Terry Lewis
Chairman of the Board
has converted his family farm from production agriculture to wildlife habitat. There are other ways to help, too. If you don’t have a TWF wildlife license plate, I encourage you to get one. Not only does it look great, but it helps support the important work of this fine organization. Did you know that most conservation funding in our
select group of wealthy landowners. Our wildlife is a
country comes from the sales of hunting and fishing
wonderful resource that, essentially, has been deeded to
licenses, firearms, boat fuel, and other related items? A
the stewardship of current and future generations of
great way to support wildlife conservation is to purchase
Americans by our visionary forefathers.
a license — even if you don’t hunt or fish!
Is this a big responsibility? You bet! Americans have a reputation of being tough and
But most of all, I urge you to instill an appreciation of the great outdoors in your children and grandchildren.
resourceful. I don’t believe our predecessors would have
It’s clear that every passing generation is a little more
given us this responsibility if they didn’t think we could
removed from our heritage of hunting, fishing, birding,
handle it.
hiking, camping, and generally spending time outside.
“How should this responsibility manifest itself?” you may be asking right about now. First of all, I believe that we should never take our
We must make a conscious effort to create a love of the outdoors in the next generation. Thank you for your support of Tennessee’s wild things
incredible natural resources for granted. We have been
and places. The Lewises wish you a wonderful Christmas
given an amazing gift of equal, democratic access to
season and remind you: Tennessee’s wildlife is YOUR
wildlife that many citizens of other countries would love
wildlife.
to have, but don’t. This should never be taken lightly. We should all support wildlife conservation on some level. This could be through financial gifts, through grassroots involvement with public policy, and even by
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Land and Water Conservation Fund: Is this the end? Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in 1964 “to protect and enhance our nation’s incomparable array of natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.” As America’s most essential federal conservation
and recreation resources.
program, LWCF has protected our national and state
From building hiking and
parks; wildlife refuges and forests; forests and
biking trails, to
ranches; cultural resources and historic sites; urban
improving community
parks; backcountry hunting and fishing access;
parks and ballfields, this 50:50 matching program is the
essential water resources; iconic scenery; and a broad
primary federal investment tool to ensure that families
array of irreplaceable natural resources. It has done
have easy access to public, open spaces.
all of these things via funding generated by off-shore oil and gas royalties rather than general taxes. Yet, for all of these accomplishments, Congress recently let LWCF expire. Is this is a big deal? The answer is yes and no. LWCF has impacted millions of Americans in Tennessee alone, not to mention the entire country. Areas funded by LWCF include Rocky Fork, the Obed
Michael Butler CEO
Lastly, LWCF is responsible for an additional $29 million in funding for the Forest Legacy program that protects working forests from being converted to a non-forest land use. All total, in 50 years, LWCF has invested a staggering $189 million to help Tennesseans conserve our state’s tremendous natural resources. Look at the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 as a
Wild and Scenic River, the Cherokee National Forest,
model of what may happen with LWCF. In 1992,
Big South Fork National Recreation Area,
Congress allowed the ESA authorization to expire after
Chickamauga National Military Park, Chickasaw
19 years of critical conservation impacts. But did ESA
National Wildlife Refuge, Cumberland Gap National
disappear? No, it did not, and here’s why.
Historical Park, Fort Donelson National Battlefield,
Even when a bill is passed in Congress, the question
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Moccasin
of how that bill will be funded is still in play. Funding
Bend, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Shiloh
(back then and today) comes from the congressional
National Military Park, Stones River National
appropriations process, which is how ESA was funded
Battlefield, and the Great Smokey Mountains
after it was created.
National Park. The program has provided more than $81 million
So in 1992, even though Congress allowed the enabling legislation for ESA to expire, the act and
towards these projects, some of the most iconic
funding for the act were taken up and made part of the
natural areas certainly in Tennessee and arguably, in
appropriations bill. When the appropriations bill
the country.
passed, the act was reauthorized and funded and
In Tennessee, LWCF has also contributed another $73 million in grants to protect state and local parks
continues to be to this day, albeit on a recurring annual basis. (See LWCF, page 30) WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 5
WINTER 2015
T W F S O C I A L M E D I A , E TC .
More about our cover... Our cover is created from photos that are also featured in our firstever TWF calendar. We had an incredible response to our Calendar Photo Contest; more than 900 images were submitted! Because of the diversity of photos we received, we thought they were the perfect way to illustrate the North American Model of Wildlife $
Conservation.
500
Want a calendar for your own? Learn how to get one on Page 15.
www.tnwf.org
Here are our cover photographers, starting with the turkey photo and moving clockwise: 1) Open Field Strut by Terry Weaver; 2) Barred Owl by Drew Senter; 3) Sweet Love by Deb Campbell; 4) Bloody Pond Wood Duck by Terry Weaver; and 5) Bugling Elk by Richard Simms.
TWYW Decal Contest submissions Back in the summer, we created vehicle decals to promote our “Tennessee’s Wildlife is YOUR Wildlife” campaign (www.wildlifeisyours.org). We asked those of you who ordered your own free decal from our website to post a photo of yourself with your decal and include the hashtag #mytnwildlife. Here are some of the responses. Keep posting!
Clockwise from top are Jodie Carson; photo submitted by Wendi Welch; Josh Jackson; Tricia Good; Kiki Isleyen; and Kayce Smith.
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
TWF SOCIAL MEDIA
Get on board! Social media is one of our favorite forms of communication, so if you’re a Facebook user but
enthusiasts in our state and for sharing photos, field reports, and other types of pertinent information.
haven’t yet LIKED our page, be sure to do so and join the more than 22,000 other friends and supporters of
Facebook: tnwildlife
Tennessee’s wildlife and great outdoors! Facebook,
Twitter: @TWFoutofdoors
Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram are excellent tools for staying connected with your fellow outdoor
Instagram: @TWFoutofdoors YouTube: tnwildlifeTV
Other photo submissions From Instagram, @austinseabass “If I fished only to capture fish, my fishing trips would have ended long ago.” –Zane Grey Caney Fork River, TN
From Instagram, @specialopsxcursions Youth Deer Hunt weekend 2015 was a success!
From Instagram, @tinathejew 6th place at the TNSCTP State tournament yesterday!
From Facebook, Michael King Free Fishing Day!
From Facebook, Matt Hunter Great Blue Heron on the Harpeth River Greenway.
From Facebook, Bryan Watt Walking thru the woods today and came upon a deer. The tense moment quickly dissipated when we both realized one was not going to eat the other.... WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 7
Lofty perspectives Terry Lewis’ Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower celebrates 10 years By Bob Hodge
T
erry Lewis has spent most of his adult life as a builder. His companies have built banks and restaurants and multi-story hotels across the South, but one of Lewis’ biggest accomplishments as a man who builds things won’t be found at an interstate exit or in a strip mall.
A few miles north of LaFollette on Highway 25W is
August and was part of the team that brought elk
Hatfield Mountain. Turn off the highway onto a gravel
from Alberta, Canada, to Tennessee in December that
road that winds about four miles through a
same year.
combination of standing timber, logging projects, and
It turned out trucking elk several thousand miles
surface coalmines and you’ll find the Hatfield Knob
from Canada was easier than getting the viewing
Wildlife Viewing Area.
tower built in what amounts to Lewis’ own backyard.
That’s where you can also find the elk viewing tower that Lewis and a handful of volunteers built in 2005. Currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors
With his own equipment and money, Lewis had been working to improve the mountain habitat to make it more elk friendly since their reintroduction.
for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF), Lewis
Hatfield Knob can be reached from Lewis’ Campbell
had pushed the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife
County farm via a series of old logging roads and
Commission, then known as the Tennessee Wildlife
trails.
Resources Commission, to re-introduce wild elk to
As part of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
the state in 2000 after their last appearance in 1865.
Agency’s (TWRA) North Cumberland Wildlife
He made his pitch to the commission at a meeting in
Management Area, elk were gravitating to the 400 or
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
Visitors at Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower get a thrill as a massive bull elk approaches. Photo courtesy of Terry Lewis
so acres on Hatfield. The more Lewis worked to turn as many of those acres as possible into elk habitat, the more elk he would see. That’s when he got the idea for an elk viewing tower.
The volunteers came from the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association — one of the principle groups
The TWRA had done wonders expanding the numbers
in ramrodding home elk restoration — TWF, TWRA,
of everything from turkeys, bears and deer — and of
the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky
course elk — across the state, but wildlife viewing on
Mountain Elk Foundation.
a management area was something brand new. So, after doing his homework, Lewis bought the supplies needed to build the tower out of his own pocket. During one weekend in August 2005, Lewis,
In two days the tower went up. Lewis wasn’t sure it wouldn’t be coming back down. “We left on Sunday and didn’t know if it would still be there on Monday,” Lewis says.
his wife, Jane, and about 20 volunteers built the tower
It was.
that now overlooks a 40-acre food plot that attracts
It still is.
not only elk but deer and turkeys as well.
(See Elk Tower, page 10) WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 9
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
Volunteers from a variety of organizations including TWF, TWRA, and the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association helped Terry Lewis construct the tower on August 27, 2005. Photo by Dan Hicks
elk tower
they will possibly see, and brings the state’s elk program into focus for experienced outdoorsmen and
(Continued from page 9)
novices alike. The Hatfield Knob Wildlife Viewing Area marked its
“The Hatfield Knob Wildlife Viewing Area
10th anniversary in August and over the years has
represents the keeping of a promise that the elk
grown to be more than just a place to see – and when
project partners made to the public in 1999,” says
the elk are bugling,
Mike Butler, TWF chief executive officer. “It
hear – East
represents a great example of what can be done when
Tennessee big game.
a public/private partnership is created.”
With funding
Highway 25W. Go through town and turn left at traffic
the trail from the
light No. 9, then go 6 ½ miles and turn left onto the
viewing area’s
WMA. Go 3 ½ miles to where the road forks, turn
parking lot has been
right, and the parking area is 1 mile from the fork.
improved, and information signage
Lewis, center, discusses construction with volunteers as the tower goes up. Photo by Dan Hicks Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
Hatfield Knob is 6 ½ miles north of LaFollette on
coming from TWF,
Odds are when you get there, you won’t be alone. The University of Tennessee conducted a study over
and kiosks added
several years at the area and found that, on average,
along the short walk
16,000 people visit it annually. While that confirms
to the viewing
Lewis’ “build it and they will come” vision, it’s also
tower. The signs and
turned out to be a boom for the Campbell County
kiosks help visitors
economy.
identify the
The Hatfield Knob Wildlife Viewing Area brings in
different types of
people and those people bring money to local
plants and animals
restaurants, gas stations, motels, etc. In a given year,
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
Campbell County gets an estimated $900,000 shot in the wallet because of the viewing area.
“It would be a base of volunteers that would help with the care and maintenance of Hatfield Knob and
The 40-acre food plot is situated in the middle of a
could be mobilized to help with the elk management
400-acre “no hunting zone” that was also pushed
program at the direction of the agency,” he says,
through the Fish and Wildlife Commission at Lewis’
adding that it would be patterned after a similar group
urging.
that provides support for the elk and bison viewing
‘It represents a great example of what can be done when a public/private partnership is created.’
area at Land Between the Lakes. Despite its original reticence, TWRA has embraced the viewing tower and surrounding area, and has information and driving directions on its website. “It is TWF’s desire that this successful project continue for decades to come so that more Tennessee families can experience our great wildlife resources,” Butler says.
“You get a lot of wildlife here because it’s in the
Since they are wild animals, there are days when
middle of a no hunting zone,” Lewis says. “You have
the elk may be somewhere else, but most of the time,
about a 400-acre area where the animals are
especially in the late afternoon and early evening,
protected, so they gravitate to this place.”
people wanting to see them don’t leave disappointed.
He continues to work expanding the habitat in the
“Sometimes it’s still hard to believe that we have
viewing area, and continues providing most of the
elk right here in East Tennessee,” Lewis says, adding
labor and buying most of the supplies himself.
that Tricia Limpus isn’t the only person who lets out a
Knoxville’s Britt Limpus and his wife, Tricia, visited the viewing area in mid-September and were
“Wow!” “I still do that myself sometimes.”
surprised by what they saw. Not only were the elk abundant and bugling, they also saw white-tailed bucks and two separate flocks of turkeys. “It’s a diamond in the rough,” Limpus says of the experience. “It was a really good experience that surpassed my expectations and my wife loved it because she didn’t even know there were elk in Tennessee. “Her reaction was ‘Wow!’ ” The elk herd at North Cumberland is estimated to be about 600 animals and is growing. What Lewis would like to do now is form a new organization he’s going to call The North Cumberland Bugle Corp. Volunteers would participate in everything from relocating problem elk to spring calf counts and assisting with maintaining the 40 acres of food plots on Hatfield Knob.
The herd at North Cumberland, including these cows and calves, are now estimated to be at around 600. Photo by Dan Hicks WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 11
BIRDING
winter birding: What to look for By Tony Lance
While it’s fun to casually watch birds at your feeder, learning to identify different species, particularly those that are similar in appearance, will add a new dimension to your backyard bird feeding experience. Here are two sets of birds, each set featuring a common bird alongside a less common but similar one, which you can look for this winter and practice your ID skills.
American Goldfinch vs. Pine Siskin A frequent and often plentiful visitor to feeder stations, the American goldfinch loses its canary yellow feathers in the winter and replaces them with a drab grayish brown plumage that has a touch of
A longtime birder, TWF office manager Tony Lance has been a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society since 2008 and often leads TOS birding trips in Middle Tennessee.
HERE’S HOW TO TELL THEM APART: 1. Look at the underparts. The pine siskin is heavily streaked whereas the American goldfinch has no streaks at all.
2. Check out the bill. The American goldfinch’s bill
yellow around the face. The pine siskin, an occasional
is more conical while the pine siskin’s bill is sharp
winter visitor from the northern boreal forests, is the
and thin.
same size as the American goldfinch and has the
3. Look at the wings. The pine siskin has a bright
same feeding patterns, but is generally less common.
yellow wing bar feathers visible on its folded
It’s not unusual to get both species on a feeder at the
wings. The American goldfinch has white or buffy
same time.
wing bars.
3
1 3
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
1
PINE SISKIN
BIRDING House Finch vs. Purple Finch The house finch is a fairly common bird throughout the year in Tennessee. (That wasn’t always the case though. The house finch was introduced to the eastern United States from the western part of the country in the 1940s.) Its attractive reddish coloration and pleasant song make it a welcome visitor to feeders. The purple finch, like the pine siskin, visits Tennessee only in the winter, coming down from the northern forests. These two species can be a challenge to differentiate.
What’s more, male purple finches have color on their back, nape, chest and flanks, while house finches have red only on their forehead, brow and upper breast.
2. Look for streaks. Male house finches are more streaked than male purple finches, with streaks that extend all the way down their sides. Female purple finches and female house finches are both heavily streaked.
3. Check the wings. House finches have small white bars on their wings; male purple finches have rosy bars on theirs.
HERE’S HOW TO TELL THEM APART:
4. Notice the head. Purple finches look bigger-
1. Compare color. The males of both species are a
headed and have larger bills than house finches.
combination of red and brown, but house finches
Additionally, purple finches have strongly
are more red, sometimes with an orange hue, while
patterned heads, with a noticeable eyebrow.
purple finches have a raspberry or rosy appearance.
House finches lack such markings.
4
4
2
FEMALE HOUSE FINCH
4
FEMALE PURPLE FINCH
4
1
1
3 2
3
2 MALE HOUSE FINCH
MALE PURPLE FINCH WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 13
BIRDING
By Tony Lance
Creating a well-planned feeder station is a great way to attract these colorful and entertaining creatures right to your backyard, making it easier to learn how to identify them and study their behavior. 1) VARIETY BRINGS VARIETY You can always use a standard box feeder with a
3) KEEP IT CLEAN In a natural setting birds would not congregate as
selection of mixed seeds and attract such species
intensively day after day as they do around a bird feeder.
as cardinals, blue jays, house finches, Carolina
Not only that, they would also roam around more and
chickadees, tufted titmice, mourning doves, and
not return to the same place daily for weeks on end.
various blackbird species. But if you want to draw
Consequently, a feeder station creates an environment
in American goldfinches and, possibly, pine
that increases the odds of disease being spread from
siskins, a sock feeder with thistle seed (or nyjer)
bird to bird. You can lessen the likelihood of this
will work wonders. Also, if you prefer to limit your
happening by keeping your feeders clean. Rinse them
visitors and not attract a broad range of birds,
from time to time with a weak bleach solution, making
using a tube feeder and black oil sunflower seeds
sure that you remove any droppings and debris.
will make your feeder station less appealing to larger species such as doves and blackbirds which can put a real hurting on your pocketbook if they
4) LET IT FLOW We often forget that in addition to food birds need a
begin to show up in large numbers. Adding a suet
dependable source of water. This can be especially
feeder to your station will draw in woodpeckers
important in the winter when temperatures drop below
and nuthatches.
freezing. Sure, they can subsist by getting the liquid they need from snow, ice, and the food they eat, but
2) PICK A SPOT A sunny location near a window that gives you a
providing water for them is a surefire way to make your feeder station even more popular. Pedestal birdbaths
good view of the action is the ideal place for your
with built-in heating elements are now available, and
feeders. But remember, the landscape reflected
these offer a way to provide water to birds and entice
from a pane of glass often looks like the real thing
them to your yard in even the coldest conditions.
to birds, so if you place it too close to the window you’ll increase the likelihood of birds injuring or killing themselves by flying into it. Keep the
5) GIVE THEM SHELTER In the same way that feeders concentrate birds
feeders at least 20 feet away from your windows if
unnaturally and increase the risk of spreading
you can. Using a shepherd’s hook, which can be
disease, feeders also create tempting targets for
anchored in the ground at the site of your
predators such as cats and hawks that prey on birds.
choosing, will give you more flexibility when
Placing your feeders near cover such as dense bushes
selecting a location.
will give birds the cover they need to avoid getting picked off.
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
Downy Woodpecker • Photo by Scott King
five tips for setting up backyard bird feeders
OUR FIRST-EVER TWF CALENDAR IS NOW AVAILABLE!
This stunning wall calendar features full color photos submitted by TWF friends and supporters. Featuring conservation quotes, game season openings and closings, information on all the winning photographers, and our custom-designed conservation infographic, this calendar is a must have for the New Year! To receive your copy, simply make a gift of $50 or more to our Annual Giving campaign by visiting
WWW.TNWF.ORG/DONATE or by using the enclosed envelope.
full circle For the young hunters at Cookeville’s Mustard Seed Ranch, the spirit of giving is contagious Story and photos by Mark Johnson
Mustard Seed Ranch residents Ben Pridemore and Sam Johnson, foreground left and right respectively, practice archery in their backyard with friend Brandon Dobson. The facility is a foster home for children from unstable home environments.
I
t’s early October in Middle Tennessee — the heart of white-tailed deer archery season — and hunting is the main topic of conversation at Greg and Kim Julian’s home at Mustard Seed Ranch (MSR). Actually, it’s the only topic. In the backyard of a sprawling, Cape Code-style
“Hunting has pretty much become the main focus
house, an archery target is riddled with holes, a
of our boys,” says Greg, who has served as House Dad
testament to the relentless practicing that goes on
at MSR since the facility opened its doors in 2009. “I
daily by the 12 boys who reside in the Julian’s home.
rarely hunt anymore myself, but I spend a whole lot of
Each of the six resident bedrooms is adorned with a
my time sitting out in the woods fellowshipping with
variety of deer, turkey, and coyote mounts and camo
these young men and enjoying God’s creation.”
is the preferred style of clothing. In the basement,
The ranch is a rural, 115-acre property consisting of
there is a “wall of fame” featuring more deer mounts
three homes — two boys’ and one girls’— and several
and hundreds of photographs of the boys with their
barns, outbuildings, and offices. Locals Rex and
game harvests.
Julianne Buckner founded MSR to provide children
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
F E AT U R E — H F T H from dangerous or unstable environments with a
About that same time, Hunters for the Hungry
loving home. Some 30 children have been served over
(HFTH) manager Matt Simcox, a Cookeville native,
the past six years in what Greg describes as a
heard about MSR and that hunting was an important
community supported, interdenominational Christian
part of the lifestyle at the property. Since HFTH’s
environment.
mission includes providing venison to hunger relief
The father of two children of his own, Greg figures
organizations and institutions like shelters and foster
that his family’s love of hunting must have “seeped
homes, Matt decided to call Greg and introduce
into” the consciousness of his MSR boys naturally.
himself.
“I can tell you that there’s not a day that goes by that, if we’re not actually in the woods, then we’re planning it or telling stories about it,” Greg says. “I haven’t found a better way to connect with these boys, teach them about life, and give them a healthy platform to witness to each other.” But two years ago, the hunting activities at the house almost came to a screeching halt. Greg says that the boys were harvesting more deer than MSR could afford to have processed on a small, non-profit budget. “We tried processing the venison ourselves,” he
“Matt asked if we needed help with processing and that he could work it out to have it done for free,” recalls Greg. “Well, let me tell you… We were blown
says. “Honestly, it was a great learning experience for
away! To be able to tell these boys that they could
the boys, but the health inspector wasn’t satisfied
continue doing what they loved more than anything
with the way we were handling everything, so we had
was a wonderful blessing.”
to stop. It looked like we might have to cut way back on hunting.”
Matt arranged funding for the ranch to go through local processor Roger Sircy, and soon, the boys at MSR were spending every available moment in their favorite deer blinds. And then, something wonderful happened. “We became aware that we were constantly taking deer down to Sircy’s thanks largely to Hunters for the Hungry,” says Greg. “At some point, the boys came up with the idea to donate part of their harvests to other needy families in the community.” Ben Pridemore, 17-year-old resident, says he and his “brothers” in the house
Residents and friends of Greg Julian’s home include: Bottom row, left to right: Taxidermist Brinn Kiser, Ben, Noah Pridemore, Sam, Ross Denton, and Christopher Stamps. Top row, left to right: Will Dilehay, Austin Boweman, Kaleb Jackson, Brandon, and Greg Julian.
jumped at the idea. (See Mustard Seed Ranch, page 27) WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 17
IN THE PUBLIC TRUST Rise of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation By Mark Johnson
S
ince our Founding Fathers did all the heavy lifting, Americans have had it pretty good, all things considered. We can move from
state to state freely, we live in a democracy, and we haven’t had to contend with war on our native soil since 1865. To many populations around the world, those three things alone make America a land to be envied, and yet they are often overlooked or taken for granted by Americans themselves. Another example is the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Wait…huh? Exactly. The vast majority of the American populace has never heard of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (hereafter referred to as the Model). The term is entirely unfamiliar. Yet, under its guiding principles, we live our lives with the mundane expectation of seeing deer along the highway, raptors and songbirds in the trees, and fish in the streams. We plan trips for our families that offer a better than average chance to spot everything from grizzly bears and pronghorn antelope to red fox and beaver — all within our own borders. This is thanks to the Model. If we don’t hunt or fish ourselves, we most likely know people who do. They aren’t necessarily rich, privileged, or well connected people, either; just average folk who love the adventure or solitude or some other element of being in the great outdoors. Hunting and fishing are a notable, if not critical part of the family history of millions of Americans. Again, we have the Model to thank. Much like a road crew that repairs the highway in the dead of night so that the rest of us can travel over smooth ground, the Model operates anonymously so that Americans can continue to enjoy a heritage of a profound connection with (See MODEL, page 20)
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
Considered the Fathers of Conservation are, from left, President Theodore Roosevelt, George Bird Grinnell, and Aldo Leopold.
MODEL (Continued from page 19)
mention attack by their indigenous neighbors. They nature — one that is unequaled anywhere on the globe. This anonymity is probably a result of the
were willing to risk everything for a new start. By the time of the American Revolution, the colonies
Model being fairly nebulous, fluid, and difficult to
were populated with around 2.5 million people who
succinctly explain.
represented several generations of native-born citizens
The short definition is this: the Model is a collection
from extremely hearty stock. Although the Crown was
of tenets that has guided wildlife management and
still very present in the thinking of the times,
conservation in the U.S. and Canada since, roughly,
Americans had begun to see themselves as homegrown
the late 19th century. Much like America itself, the
citizens who had earned either fair representation or
Model is unique.
the right to make their own choices altogether.
BORN IN DEFIANCE It’s clear that like many other American institutions, the Model owes its existence to the discontent of 17th- and 18th-century Europeans. Our colonists were usually people who were dissatisfied with the
‘wildlife is owned by no one and is held in trust for the benefit of present and future generations’
status quo in their native countries. Initial colonization
In other words, these were folks who didn’t take kindly to being told what to do. As the age of American exploration reached its peak in the early 19th century, more and more Easterners began heading into the wilds of the West. Predictably, hunting for food and, more often than not,
efforts were essentially risky business ventures, but
commerce followed the wide-scale exploitation of
soon, the motives began to include religious freedom.
America’s vast stores of natural resources. By the
In either case, the people who signed up faced a
latter 1800’s, it was clear that either some type of
perilous ocean crossing followed by the very real
wildlife management must be established or the
prospect of starvation in a harsh new land, not to
resource would wither away to nothing.
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N TEDDY AND ALDO Recreational hunters and anglers came to the
1. Wildlife resources are a public trust The keystone of the Model, this tenet provides that
rescue. In 1887, fellow New Yorkers and sport hunters
wildlife is owned by no one and is held in trust for the
George Bird Grinnell and future President Theodore
benefit of present and future generations by
Roosevelt recognized the writing on the wall and
government. The common law basis in the U.S. is the
pooled their considerable clout to form the Boone and
Public Trust Doctrine, an 1842 Supreme Court decision
Crocket Club to “take charge of all matters pertaining
(B&C 2012). This also implies that all citizens are
to the enactment and carrying out of game and fish
implicitly responsible for the well-being and
laws” (Reiger 1975:234). Roosevelt carried his passion
management of wildlife, which spurred TWF’s recent
for the outdoors into the White House from 1901 to
campaign, “Tennessee’s Wildlife is YOUR Wildlife.”
1909, and was arguably our greatest conservation President ever, establishing the U.S. Forest Service,
2. The elimination of markets for wild game Why is this so important? Because it removes the
the 1906 Antiquities Act, and creating dozens of
financial incentive for the illegal taking and selling of
national parks, monuments, and game preserves.
public wildlife and places inherent rather than
‘Americans enjoy the most diverse and abundant wildlife on the planet’ By the 1920s, the torch of conservation had been picked up by Aldo Leopold and A. Willis Robertson, who helped publish an American Game Policy in 1930 that called for, among other things, a wildlife
monetary value on the animal. 3. Allocation of wildlife is by law Again, this distinguishes the U.S. and Canada from many other countries, where access to wildlife is reserved for those with special privilege (e.g., aristocracy; Manning 1993). This tenet also states that democratic processes and public input into lawmaking help insure equitable access as well as management. As early as 1646, the town of (See MODEL, page 22)
management profession with trained biologists, stable, equitable funding to enable their work, and university programs to train them (B&C 2012). For the next seven decades or so, conservation in the U.S. and Canada developed out of the principles set forth by these visionaries. In 1995, Valerius Geist, a renowned professor of environmental science at the University of Calgary, coined the phrase “North American Model of Wildlife Conservation” and helped articulate the tenets that have become known as the Model’s “Seven Sisters.”
A VISIT WITH THE SISTERS Although the following tenets are not legally binding, they guide the policies of America’s major conservation groups and agencies including the Boone and Crockett Club, The Wildlife Society, and many others.
The Model provides for equal, democratic access to hunting and fishing for all American citizens. Photo by Billy Gibbs WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 21
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
MODEL (Continued from page 21)
protect wildlife. The Act made it illegal to capture or kill migratory birds, except as allowed by specific
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, created a white-tailed
hunting regulations (B&C 2012).
deer season and established a penalty of five pounds
6. Scientific management of wildlife
for hunting out of season (Trefethen 1975).
A book could be written about this tenet alone (and
4. Non-frivolous use of wildlife
many have been), but the general idea is that an
George Bird Grinnell’s turn-of-the-century
objective, scientific, non-biased approach must be
thoughts on hunter ethics set the standard for
taken to wildlife management lest the endeavor be
conservationists from that point forward. True
overtaken by political and commercial interests.
sportsmen, Grinnell said, were those who hunted for
7. Democracy of hunting and fishing is standard
pleasure — never for profit, who in the field allowed
Although it is implied within a couple of the other
game a sporting chance, and who possessed an
“sisters,” this tenet removes any doubt that the
aesthetic appreciation of the whole context of sport
practice of hunting and fishing is not only an
that included a commitment to its perpetuation
important part of keeping American wildlife
(Cutright 1985). The single most important element in
abundant, but that it is inherently American. Leopold
the code, he continued, was the requirement of
said that certain interests (such as hunting and
non-commercial use, without waste, of all game
fishing) are so intrinsically important to people that
killed.
their free availability marks the society as one of
5. Wildlife is considered an international resource
citizens rather than aristocracy. The opportunity for
Wildlife and fish migrate freely across boundaries
citizens in good standing to hunt in Canada and the
between states, provinces and countries. Working
United States is a hallmark of our democracy (B&C
together, the United States and Canada jointly
2012).
coordinate wildlife and habitat management
It’s unlikely that there will ever be 100 percent
strategies. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
agreement among sportsmen and women and the
demonstrates this cooperation between countries to
wildlife community on how this natural resource should be managed. New issues will continue to challenge the Seven Sisters, just as they have over the past half a century. But the fact remains that Americans enjoy the most diverse and abundant wildlife on the planet — and the most democratic access to it — and we have the Model to thank. Learn how you can support Tennessee wildlife
Commercial hunting parties like these in the late 1800s were responsible for bringing some game species, like bison and white-tailed deer, to the brink of extinction. Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
conservation at www. wildlifeisyours.org.
Only together can we keep our wild places wild, our fauna and flora thriving, and our access to the Great Outdoors unimpeded. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift today in support of your Tennessee wildlife. Using our online donation function at
www.tnwf.org/donate is quick, easy, and you’ll receive immediate documentation for your tax records. Your gift will benefit Tennessee’s wildlife through habitat restoration and stewardship, youth engagement programs that create future conservationists, and advocacy on behalf of our Great Outdoors through public policy.
Makingagiftiseasierthanever
1Go to www.tnwf.org/donate 2 Enter your gift amount and billing information. 3 Review your gift and confirm your donation.
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
By Annette Nole Hall Photos by Mark Johnson
crops to conservation Jackson land owner Joe Wright converts his family farm to wildlife habitat
Over the past two decades, Memphis businessman Joe Wright has converted his family’s 330-acre Jackson farm from production agriculture to 100-percent wildlife habitat with the help of USDA and Quail Forever personel. Wright now hosts TWF youth hunts on the farm.
T
he smell of freshly tilled soil brings back childhood memories that have lasted a lifetime for Joe Wright. He was up at dawn, during those youthful years, ready for whatever work his grandfather gave him to do on the family’s Jackson farm.
“It was one of those farms you started at daylight
the farm, I could tell the land was eroding,” explains
and you worked until dark,” Joe says. “Around age 13,
Joe, who has built a commercial real estate career in
I wondered what am I doing out here. But, as I look
Memphis. “I knew I needed to take action.”
back over my life, I realized how much fun I was having.” The old farm, handed down from generation to generation, has been in the family for over 100 years.
Joe began driving 85 miles every week to rescue the property from previous poor farming practices put in place after the land had been leased. “The first thing I did was go in and nip off the ends
But in the last twenty years, Joe has taken the land
of the fields, two or three acres, four or five acres,
from row crops to conservation; and now, through
that were difficult to farm,” he says. “And I could see
Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Youth Hunting &
what a difference those small blocks of acreage were
Fishing program, there are hundreds of kids whose
making in the farming, as far as wildlife and
memories are going to be imprinted by the wise
conservation, so that’s when I decided to put the
decisions Joe is making.
entire farm into conservation plans.”
But the passion to preserve the memories and leave
The 330-acre farm is now divided into three
a legacy of his own — passing this land on to future
conservation programs. The first is a general sign-up
generations — is what prompted Joe’s pursuit of
plan with the United States Department of
conservation conversion and wildlife restoration.
Agriculture. It’s a cost-share rental payment system
“Back in the late ’90s, I was working a lot of hours
administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
in my business, and when I would come over and see
to protect water, soil, and wildlife habitat. The second
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
F E AT U R E — C O N S E R VAT I O N
program, with a more specific purpose, is Covey
around to the edge of the field, so as not to create
Headquarters, dedicated to protecting and enhancing
erosion through the center.”
quail. The third contract Joe entered into is for the
As part of the financial assistance package provided
Pollinator Program, which is a 2014 continuation of
through The Farm Bill, Quail Forever wildlife biologist
the 2008 Farm Bill.
Brittney Viers oversees an 11-county area in West
“We planted five hundred shrubs along a hedge row, and then we planted the rest of the field in low native grasses and wildflowers,” he says. “We did
Tennessee and began working with Joe several years ago to recommend effective conversion practices. “I just knew instantly that Joe was a very special
another plan where we planted different species of
landowner and really had a passion that we look for in
wildflowers for the Pollinator Program and two
landowners,” says Brittney. “He was very open-minded
different species primarily for the quail.” A typical West Tennessee farm where cotton, soybeans, and corn were once cultivated, Joe believes some people may look out over it now and call it a “weed field.” But, what they don’t see, he points out, is how wonderful it is for wildlife and the quality of water. “There’s so many plant varieties and species, this field
‘there’s a whole new crop of kids whose memories are going to be imprinted by the wise decisions Joe is making. ’
acts as a water filter,” Joe says.
and a good listener.” Viers spends time surveying the land, pointing out its good qualities, as well as any invasive species likely to choke out the plants the landowners are trying to restore or maintain. “I might recommend adding beggar’s lice or some other native wildflowers, little blue stem or tall drop seed,” says Viers as she looks over a portion of Joe’s land. “We talk about shrub cover and we
“It has some plants that bloom in the spring and
really push shrub hedge rows which are blocks of shrubs
some in the fall. The native grasses, especially, will
for what we call covey headquarters.”
start forming
though Viers believes invasive plant issues may always
coming out of
exist.
the ground in
“It’s just very refreshing to be able to work with
March. In this
landowners that are like Joe, very positive,” she says.
part of the
“You can point something out to him and say ‘Okay
country if you
Joe, let’s treat this issue,’ and he’s going to say,
get a heavy
‘Okay, let’s conquer it.’”
rain, say three
There are mid-management practices Joe has to
or four inches,
follow that are also monitored by the Natural
most of the
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and FSA.
water is going
Landowners are allowed to choose herbicides, disking,
to stay in this
or prescribed burning. Joe believes burning is not only
field. Where it
best for the wildlife but also the environment.
doesn’t stay in
Wright says many people look at his property and see weeds; he sees habitat.
The overall assessment of Joe’s property is quite good,
and producing,
“I burn every three years and I rotate,” he says. “I
the field, I’ve
will burn about four acres, and then on the other side
put terraces in
of a hedge row, I have a seven acre field and I will
that are going
leave one field for cover for the wildlife.”
to take it
(See Wright, page 26) WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 25
Wright inspects a sunflower field with Quail Forever wildlife biologists Courtney Cox, left, and Brittney Viers, both of whom have advised Wright in his planting strategies on the farm. A TWF youth dove hunt was held in the field in September.
wright (Continued from page 25)
More wildlife means additional opportunities and, each September since 2013, Joe and his family, along with TWF and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency,
Conservationist of the Year. But he is quick to give credit to his family. “It’s not just me,” Joe says, “it’s been the support that I get from all my family members who have agreed with the practices put in place.” Even after one hundred years, the farm continues to
host an annual youth dove hunt on the Wright family
keep Joe Wright’s family connected. Every April and
farm.
August, his sisters come home and everyone gets
“He put in all the effort that was needed to have a great hunt out here,” says TWF Chief Development
together to celebrate the bounty of the farm. “We have a partnership,” Joe explains, “I’m the
Officer Kendall McCarter. “Joe really did a good job
general
with his sunflowers and we had an incredible amount
manager,
of doves for the hunt. We couldn’t be more pleased
and having
with what he’s done to help our program.”
their support
A hard-working, energetic man in his early
has made it
seventies, Joe says when you get older, you feel the
very
need to give something back.
enjoyable.”
“Some people give back by giving money, some by
Unlike the
working in their church,” he says. “For me, it’s this
boy Joe was
land and sharing it with other people.”
at 13, he
There’s no doubt most farmers make more money
knows
row-cropping. But, when you see the birds, the bees,
exactly why
the butterflies, the turkey and deer, you really see the
he’s here.
difference the conversion makes. “We hope the quail come back,” Joe says. “We
“Just look at all the fun
heard some calls this spring and it’s the first time in
I’m still
maybe five or six years. I would like to be surrounded
having
by them. I hope that can happen one day.”
today,” he
The work that has taken place here has already resulted in Joe being named the TWF 2015 Land Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
adds with a smile.
TWF’s Terry Lewis, left, presents Wright with the Federation’s 2015 Conservationist of the Year award at the Conservation Achievement Awards.
mustard seed ranch
for us by the people in this community,” says Ben. “So
(Continued from page 17)
to be able to provide food for other folks who need it gives us a real goal more than just hunting for
“Hunters for the Hungry was already allowing us to fill our own freezers, and we were having venison at nearly every meal,” says Ben. “We realized how blessed we had become and wanted to give something
ourselves.” Matt adds that he is happy, but not surprised by the impact Hunters for the Hungry is making in Cookeville. “When you provide good people with an opportunity
back. Honestly, hunting became even more fun and
to give and help each other, this is the kind of thing that
meaningful after that.”
happens,” he says. “I really think these young men will
By season’s end, the boys had collectively donated five deer — equating to nearly 850 meals — to families in their community. “These are all families that we personally know, so
carry a spirit of giving with them for the rest of their lives.” To learn more about Hunters for the Hungry, visit www.tnwf.org.
you can imagine the impact it had on the boys to be able to give them that venison,” says Greg. “I was able to watch the spirit of giving come full circle for these young men.” As a group, the boys have agreed to try to provide even more venison to the community over the 2015-2016 deer season. “We’re aware of what’s been done
Hunters for the Hungry Manager Matt Simcox, left, discusses the program with Greg, center, and Brinn as the boys view photos on the “Wall of Fame” in the basement of the Julian home at Mustard Seed Ranch.
Our new Deer Coin is an easy way to support hunger relief for both hunters and non-hunters alike. Each coin is equivalent to approximately 168 MEALS provided to our Tennessee neighbors in need! Visit www.tnwf.org or call us at 615-353-1133 for details!
COIN WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 27
My fishing buddy By Kendall McCarter Chief Development Officer, Tennessee Wildlife Federation
If you’ve ever spent much time in the outdoors, you know how important it is to have a buddy. Your buddy is that person you know you can call up just about anytime and it doesn’t matter what activity you have in mind, they’re in. I was fortunate to have the same buddy for as long as I can remember: my dad. My earliest memories of our trips began with
chores that needed doing, but Sunday afternoons
Sunday afternoon fishing excursions to a neighbor’s
were fair game especially with a little youthful
small lake. Typically, the details of the trip would
persuasion from me.
unfold in the morning on the way to church. Summer
Our family’s house had a yard full of big oak trees
and fall were the best times to broach the subject
and Dad kept a low spot in the side yard filled with
(usually by me) and it often started with an
decaying leaves. It was our nightcrawler repository.
observation.
With every flip of the rake, my optimism for the day
“Dad, sure does look like a good day to go fishin’,” I
would grow as I pulled them out one by one. Dad
would say. My mind would start racing when he would
made digging for worms almost as fun as catching
respond with anything that even gave a hint of the
fish, and encouraged me along with every big one I
affirmative. Bait, poles, bobbers, hooks… all of these
snagged before it could wriggle away.
things needed to be gathered quickly after we got
Typically, we fished together off the pier. Dad
home from church so we could get going right after
preferred the pace of a tight line set up for catfish. I,
Sunday lunch.
on the other hand, would try my luck for bream with
Those few hours we would have together on the lake
my freshly dug nightcrawlers. We usually discussed
were the highlight of the week. Dad traveled with his
— or debated — the latest tip from Bill Dance’s most
job most weeks, and Saturdays were workdays around
recent fishing show and were eager to try them out.
the house. We lived out in the country on a few acres
The hum of grasshoppers and throaty call of a red
so there was always yard-mowing and other critical
winged blackbird still remind me of those afternoons.
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
We didn’t always catch a lot, but the experience
learned about his love of rabbit hunting with his
together was what mattered. To this day, I still have
prized beagles, Bugle and Scallywag. He would talk
trouble hearing the words, “Last cast!”
about how he and his older brother built a 60-acre
I just didn’t want it to be over.
lake with a WWII surplus dozer. (It became such a
We eventually bought a boat together. If you’ve ever
productive fishing lake that he remembered a man
had a boat, you know there’s always something on it
who would come over and try out his new bass plugs.
to fix or fiddle with. That gave us something to do
Turned out “that fella’ as my dad would say was
together almost year round because like the good
Charles Spence and he went on to create Strike King
soldier he was in the army, he taught me to maintain
Lures.)
a constant state of readiness. Charging batteries,
It’s really interesting how your priorities change.
fixing flat tires, winterizing motors, and replacing
When I was a kid, the purpose of a fishing trip with
fuses just built the anticipation for our next trip. It
my dad was to catch fish. As I grew a little older and
was part of the fun and — not that we needed it — an
maybe just a tad wiser the goal changed. It was more
excuse to be together.
about being together and discussing the things that
We didn’t need much arm-twisting. It would only
mattered most to us.
take a phone call and a loaded question like, “What
On September 23 of this year, I lost my fishing
you got going on today?” The next sentence would
buddy, Thomas Nathan McCarter. After 82 years on
usually determine what we would be doing. Whether
this earth, the good Lord called my dad home.
we were chasing a turkey or simply cutting a load of
Honestly, I’m still processing what it will be like to go
firewood, the objective was being together in the
fishing without him this coming summer.
great outdoors. The pace and laid-back nature of fishing really gave
So, if you’re a dad, I encourage you to make a lifelong fishing buddy with your son or daughter. And
us more of an opportunity to talk. Our trips out on the
if you are older now and still have your dad, take him
water allowed me to learn more about my dad. As he
out fishing and ask him things you’ve always wanted
grew older and as I matured, I realized how important
to know before that “last cast” comes.
hearing the stories of his childhood and the family’s
I’m so glad I did.
history were becoming even if I had heard them numerous times before. Dad would talk about growing up on the family farm in Marion, Arkansas, and all his adventures as a kid. I
This story is dedicated to Thomas Nathan McCarter (Dec. 1, 1932 – Sept. 21, 2015)
PROGRAMS — HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY
Hunters for the Hungry to benefit from license sales Active Network, the global e-commerce company that handles online license sales for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announced in September that it will donate a percentage of each Tennessee hunting, fishing, or trapping online license sale from the opening
“We’re hoping that people will go ahead and purchase their licenses online,” says Simcox. “This is a very easy way to support hunger relief in Tennessee, and using the online system is more convenient than going into a retail establishment anyway.” Simcox adds that Active Network has plans to expand the effort next year if the promotion is successful. “We can’t thank Active Network enough,” he says.
of archery season through Jan. 15, 2016, to Hunters for
“This is something they brought to us because they felt
the Hungry.
that HFTH was the perfect charitable organization for
There will be no additional cost added to license fees to cover the promotion. HFTH Manager Matt Simcox says the promotion has the potential to feed hundreds.
them to support.” Simcox says consumers can find the promotion’s link on the TWF website or here: http://tn.gov/twra/article/ License-to-feed. WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 29
LWCF
(Continued from page 5)
This is what is happening to the LWCF. The bill only authorized the conservation work and practices
public lands, thus making them available to the public. Additionally, many feel we should consider allowing
supported and intended by Congress, but it did not also
LWCF funds to be used to help cover the cost of
create the funding to support itself. LWCF’s
maintaining new LWCF projects, or having LWCF funds
accomplishments have occurred as it has been funded
provide payment in lieu of taxes to local counties whose
via the appropriations process.
operating revenues are impacted by LWCF project.
In light of recent events, the law itself and the
Other important ideas to consider included
funding for it will almost certainly be meted out in the
broadening the funding source for LWCF. Historically
congressional appropriations process.
the funds to pay for the program have been generated
So, to address the question posed at the beginning of this article — Is this a big deal? — here is an answer. • Yes, it is because it provides yet another example of
by off-shore oil and gas royalties derived from the sales of these commodities. As Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, points out in
the failure of our federal legislative process to address
his September 29, 2015, Op Ed in the Wall Street Journal,
simple, straightforward, and fundamental work that
“With momentum appearing to build on both sides of
Americans consider important.
the aisle for repealing (oil) export restrictions, Congress
• Yes, it is because it politicizes an issue at a time
should insist that it be coupled with conservation
when the last thing our country needs is another
measures to mitigate the impact of expanded oil
politicized issue.
development on wildlife and natural resources. These
• And finally no, because it’s not the end for LWCF. Just like what happened to ESA back in 1992, the most important effort to save LWCF will be via the
measures should include…Permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.” And there are many other considerations that the
congressional appropriations process and this, we
sportsmen conservation community and the larger
believe, offers a unique opportunity that should be
conservation community would like to discuss.
seized.
However, for this to happen, we need to let our
With these developments comes an opportunity to
Tennessee congressional delegation know that the time
have a more full comprehensive conversation about
is now to get serious about LWCF, its future, and its
improving LWCF to address conservation challenges
funding.
that have arisen since its original passage in 1964. For example, public land access is a significant issue in many parts of the country. We believe now is the time to look at modifying LWCF to allow for purchases of smaller sized tracts that increase access to existing
Wetlands restoration featured on ‘Wild Side’ TWF’s Hardin County wetlands restoration project will be featured in an upcoming “Tennessee’s Wild Photo by Mark Johnson
Side” episode exploring similar land stewardship projects going on across the state. Wild Side producer Ken Tucker met Tennessee Mitigation Fund Director Chris Roberts at the Mascolo Project site in early October to shoot footage and interviews. Roberts says TMF will be responsible for restoring some 50 acres of wetlands in addition to protecting an additional 150 acres of working farmland under the Agricultural Land Easement Program. Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
TWF’s Chris Roberts, left, was interviewed by “Tennessee’s Wild Side” producer Ken Tucker in October at a wetlands restoration site in Hardin County. The episode is slated to air in spring 2016.
P R O G R A M S — T W F YO U T H H U N T S
TWF Youth Hunting & Fishing program takes flight TWF’s Youth Hunting & Fishing (YHF) program was in full swing this fall. The program conducted five dove hunts, two fishing rodeos, and one squirrel hunt from September through October. YHF also cooperated with TWRA on a youth deer hunt by conducting an educational session on deer sign. Program Coordinator Philip Kruger says more than 250 children have taken part in the program since September. “The YHF program allows kids a unique opportunity to go hunting and fishing where they might not otherwise get the chance,” says Philip. “The program has been a big success so far, we hope to double our yearly goal by January. The more kids we can reach each year, the better for conservation. I’m really excited about the future of this program.”
Photos by Mark Johnson and J.W. Worthen WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 31
T W F A R O U N D T H E S TAT E
The Tennessee Wildlife Federation is active across the state, from Mountain City to Memphis. Here are some quick looks at things going on in the world of TWF’s youth engagement and wildlife conservation across Tennessee.
Davidson Rutherford
Jefferson Cumberland
Haywood
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
Social media winner
Youth Dove Hunt
Crossville resident Lucas Geer took
TWF board member Dan Hammond and his
home the grand prize in one of our
children, Becky and Bradshaw, enjoyed a
caption contests. Congrats, Lucas!
September TWF dove hunt in Eagleville.
DAVIDSON COUNTY
JEFFERSON COUNTY
TNSCTP State Shoot
HFTH Media Blitz
A shooter competes during the
Jefferson County Hunger Challenge
TNSCTP State Championships in
students donated and delivered 500 pounds
Nashville in June.
of venison to Appalachian Outreach.
DAVIDSON COUNTY
HAYWOOD COUNTY
TWF Conservation Achievement
Hatchie Bird Fest
Awards held in June
TWF staffer Tony Lance represented TWF at
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Bob
the Hatchie Birdfest in Brownsville this
Ford, left, was named Wildlife
summer. This is the second year the
Conservationist of the Year for his
Federation has sponsored the event.
work with migrant birds.
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
WILD GAME RECIPE
ROASTED RABBIT
with mustard crust Courtesy of Meredith Steele (www.insockmonkeyslippers.com)
Deer and turkey get most of the attention in Tennessee when it comes to wild game recipes, so sometimes, we forget about other species that are just as tasty and healthy. This rabbit recipe provides an easy, yet succulent alternative to the venison and turkey fare that we hear about so often. Thanks again go to Meredith Steele for this excellent option. Photo courtesy of Meredith Steele
INGREDIENTS: 2 lb. young rabbit Salt and pepper
comfortable, just ask your butcher or rabbit source to divide
1 Tbs butter, unsalted
your rabbit for you. Season each piece with a generous
1 Tbs olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper.
1/4 pound pancetta, cubed
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, heat
1 yellow onion, cubed large
butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot,
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
increase the heat to high, add the rabbit pieces, and
3/4 cup bread crumbs
sear each side for 5 minutes or until browned; remove
2 Tbs olive oil
from pan.
1 Tbs parsley, chopped 1 tsp salt
3. While the skillet is still hot, add the pancetta and onions. Remove from heat and return the rabbit to the skillet on top of the pancetta.
DIRECTIONS: 1. With a sharp knife (I used a cleaver and a
4. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, olive oil, parsley, and salt. Top each rabbit piece with a large
chef’s utility knife), divide the rabbit into six
spoonful of mustard and a generous coating of the
pieces: two back legs, two front legs, and the
bread crumb mixture.
saddle (backstrap) in two parts. Don’t fret if your
5. Place in the oven and roast for 18 minutes. After
cuts aren’t perfect — this is a rustic dish. I decided to
18 minutes, place under the broiler for only 2 minutes
filet the saddle off the bone but you can simply slice the
for the breadcrumbs to become golden.
saddle in half and keep it on the bone. If you feel more
6. Serve.
WINTER 2015 l www.tnwf.org l 33
T NW EW F SSTA TAFFFF A D D I T I O N S / N E W S TWF is proud to announce the hiring of a new staff member — Philip Kruger. Kruger joined TWF in Oct. 2015 as coordinator of TWF Youth Hunting & Fishing. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Philip earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi in 2011. Philip and his family are avid hunters and anglers, and his mother’s lineage extends eight generations deep in Tennessee. “Living an outdoor lifestyle has always been a very important part of my family,” says Philip. “Hunting and fishing are often the activities that bring our family together.” He adds that his family heritage of hunting and fishing are, in large part, what attracted him to the position. “Passing on the conservation and appreciation of the outdoors and hunting creates a bonding experience between parent and child,” he says. “Tennessee has a rich heritage of outdoor life, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience it.”
Philip Kruger joined TWF in October 2015 to serve as Youth Hunting & Fishing coordinator.
TWF staff conducts ‘clean-up day’ behind headquarters Armed with loppers, rakes, shovels, and chainsaws, TWF staff members spent the entirety of Wednesday, Oct. 21, removing invasive plants covering the bank of Richland Creek behind the non-profit’s Nashville
Photos by Mark Johnson
headquarters. Here’s how the day unfolded...
Tennessee Out-Of-Doors
IN MEMORY AND HONOR To make a gift in memory or honor of an individual, visit www.tnwf.org/donate.
Memorials and Honorariums IN MEMORY OF In Memory of Dr. James M. Baldwin
In Memory of Mr. H. King Oehmig
Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Brenda Boyte of
Mr. David Patten of Chattanooga
Ashland City In Memory of Mr. Ged Petit In Memory of Mr. Fred T. Carney
Mrs. Shirley Petit of Eva
Mrs. Doris C. Carney of Manchester In Memory of Mr. Robert Epps Mr. and Mrs. William Lee, III of Smyrna
IN HONOR OF
In Memory of Mr. William Kelton Carter
In Honor of Ms. Caroline Borum
Mr. Jerry Vaughn of Hendersonville
Ms. Janan Borum Hensley of Joelton, TN
In Memory of Mr. Robert W. Gywnne, Jr.
In Honor of Mr. Bradley M. Davis
Mr. and Mrs. William Lee, III of Smyrna
Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Margha Davis of Signal Mountain
In Memory of Ms. Ruth S. Jackson
In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Gloria McCarter
Mr. Steven W. Jackson of Gallatin
Mr. Kendall McCarter of Jackson
Leave the Legacy of Tennessee’s wild places and things.
“A true conservationist knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.” -JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
Have you considered the Tennessee Wildlife Federation in your estate planning? We can help shape your life's work into a lasting legacy for generations to come. To learn more, contact Angela Schmidt at 615-353-1133 or aschmidt@tnwf.org.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation 300 Orlando Ave. Nashville, TN 37209
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