Get ready for an action-packed episode of Tennessee WildCast as we welcome Phillip Culpepper, host of Hunt Club. Phillip joins Jason Harmon and Don King to talk about what every hunter should be doing right now to prepare for the next deer and turkey season. From scouting tips to habitat management, Phillip shares practical advice that will help you stay ahead of the game.

In this episode, Phillip takes us behind the scenes of his journey in the outdoor industry—from packing boxes at Realtree to filming hunts with legends like Michael Waddell—and how that passion led to the creation of Hunt Club with Phillip Culpepper. You’ll hear stories about growing up in Georgia, chasing turkeys since age five, and the evolution of hunting technology from VHS tapes to SD cards and digital platforms.

But it’s not just about the past—Phillip dives into strategies for success today. Learn why this time of year is critical for scouting, how to use tools like OnX for marking turkey roosts and deer travel routes, and why habitat diversity matters for nesting turkeys. He also shares insights on reading rubs and scrapes, planning stand access, and avoiding common mistakes like ignoring thermals.

Plus, Phillip reminds us what hunting is really about—family, friends, and the stories that come from time spent in the woods. From Mercer’s first Illinois buck to high-fives at hunting camp, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration for hunters of all experience levels.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to make your next season the best yet!

Watch now on Tennessee WildCast and check out Hunt Club TV with Phillip Culpepper on YouTube and social media for more great content. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

We couldn't leave you hanging after last week—so we're back with even more walleye wisdom from Mike Jolly, TWRA's veteran Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager with over 30 years on the water. Tennessee's walleye story is one of science, dedication, and incredible success.

This year alone, TWRA hatcheries produced 2.9 million walleye fingerlings (up from 2.2 million last year), making walleye the #1 species raised statewide. Why? Explosive demand and booming opportunity. These fish grow fast—reaching the 16-inch keeper size (and sexual maturity) in just 2–3 years in many reservoirs. That's lightning speed for a premium game fish!

We dive into the hatchery magic: collecting March–April broodstock, hand-stripping eggs and milt, incubating in tumbling jars, then raising ravenous fry in ponds (watch out—they turn piscivorous quick, aka the polite term for "cannibalistic"). The result? Thriving populations that fill their own niche without displacing other species.

Anglers are loving it. Over 16,000 targeted walleye trips recorded in recent creel surveys (a conservative estimate), plus thousands of hours on waters like Watts Bar. The excitement is real—big fights, predictable patterns, excellent table fare, and year-round tactics from spring spawning runs to summer trolling with shad-imitating crankbaits, downriggers, jig-and-minnow drifts, and even night fishing under lights.

A major telemetry study on Watts Bar (nearly 40,000 acres) is already revealing habitat preferences, spawning fidelity, and movement patterns—data that will sharpen future stocking for maximum success. Tagged fish (bright orange dorsal loop tags) are out there—catch one, call the number, and help build a better fishery.

From tailwater cool zones to rocky points, walleye deliver the full package: patternable like a deer hunt, delicious on the plate, and backed by science-based management. Check regulations and stocking reports at TNWildlife.org.

Ready to chase the next bite? Grab your gear—Tennessee's walleye boom is calling. Tight lines, and thanks for tuning into WildCast! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Dive into the world of Tennessee's native walleye on this exciting episode of Tennessee WildCast! Host Jason Harmon and co-host Mime Barnes visit with Region 3 Reservoir Fisheries Manager Mike Jolley to explore everything about this torpedo-shaped predator—from its unique pearly eyes and impressive teeth to its fascinating river-run spawning habits.

Mike shares the incredible story of Tennessee's 1960 world-record 25-pound walleye from Old Hickory, discusses why our reservoirs create ideal habitat (despite limited natural reproduction), and highlights TWRA's massive stocking efforts—nearly 3 million fingerlings this year alone! Learn how walleye are thriving in places like Watts Bar, Chickamauga, and Nickajack, reaching keepable size in just 2-3 years, boosting angler trips statewide, and drawing out-of-state visitors eager for trophy fights.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love Tennessee's outdoors, this episode is packed with insights on why walleye fishing shines even in winter. Don't miss it—tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube! The conversation is so good, it continues next week!

To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.