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.

Dive into the fascinating world of falconry on this episode of Tennessee WildCast! Recorded live from the Region 3 office in Crossville, surrounded by impressive wildlife mounts, hosts Don King and Jason Harmon visit with Vincent Pontello, TWRA’s Region 3 Wildlife Program Manager and passionate falconer.

Vincent takes us on a journey through one of the oldest hunting sports known to humanity. In Tennessee, falconers partner with majestic birds of prey like red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, Cooper’s hawks, kestrels, and even peregrine falcons to pursue small game such as squirrels, rabbits, doves, ducks, and more.

Learn about the intricate equipment, the permitting process, and the mandatory two-year apprenticeship under an experienced sponsor. Vincent even brings his trusty 14-year-old Harris hawk, “Gaylord,” into the studio—a remarkably social and seasoned hunter who’s become part of the family.

From the thrill of watching a hawk soar through the woods to the deep bond formed between falconer and bird, this episode reveals why falconry isn’t just a sport—it’s an art form and the ultimate partnership with nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or simply curious about Tennessee’s outdoor heritage, this conversation will leave you captivated. Want to learn more? Visit the tnwildlife.org or join the Tennessee Falconers Association Facebook group.

Don’t miss this unique look at one of Tennessee’s most intriguing wildlife traditions—perfect for ringing in the new year with a fresh appreciation for our wild spaces! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Join us on this special episode of Tennessee WildCast as we celebrate Darrell "Bones" Bernd and his well-deserved TWRA Fisheries Division Lifetime Achievement Award. With retirement just days away on December 31, Bones stops by to reflect on more than 40 years of service with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

From his start in 1984 mowing grass at Bedford Lake to building early electrofishing equipment and working on the streams and reservoirs of Middle Tennessee, Bones shares stories of a career dedicated to fisheries management. He discusses the remarkable biodiversity of Tennessee waters—home to over 300 fish species, with the Duck River system among the most diverse in the world—and how the state has changed from rural to increasingly urban landscapes.

Bones touches on advancements in technology, from basic generators to modern tools using DNA and data, and how these help TWRA adapt to growing challenges like development and water use. Along the way, he offers insights into the agency's evolution and the teamwork that has always defined it.

This thoughtful conversation is a tribute to Bones' contributions and a look at the ongoing efforts to protect Tennessee's aquatic resources.

Tune in to hear his experiences and perspectives. Whether you're an angler, outdoor enthusiast, or interested in conservation, this episode offers something for everyone. We hope you'll join us! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Tune in to the latest Tennessee WildCast episode for a candid, eye-opening conversation with TWRA bear experts Dan Gibbs and Janelle Musser, recorded right after the recent commission meeting.

From historic bears roaming all the way to Memphis, to today’s thriving population of around 6,000, this is the real story of one of Tennessee’s greatest wildlife comeback successes – and the growing challenges that come with it.

You’ll discover why bear conflicts are rising even when the population is stable, why it’s almost always about human behavior (trash, bird feeders, deer corn, chicken coops), and how simple changes like bear-resistant cans and electric fencing can prevent most issues. They also share what really happened when Gatlinburg went bear-proof, why “moving the problem bear” rarely works, and what the new deer baiting rules could mean next fall.

Whether you’re seeing your first backyard bear or you’ve lived here forever, this episode is packed with practical advice for keeping bears wild and people safe. Plus, get a look at the brand-new “Tennessee is Bear Country” license plate and the one website every Tennessean needs: BearWise.org.

Don’t miss it – grab your coffee and tune in now! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

It’s a heartfelt farewell to Assistant Chief of Wildlife Wally Akins this week on Tennessee WildCast, as he steps into retirement after an incredible career with TWRA.

Join us for a bittersweet, story-filled episode as we look back on Wally’s journey—from his first post as a wildlife officer in wide-open Hancock County, to managing the legendary Hiwassee Refuge during the early days of the Sandhill Crane comeback (from 28 birds to over 10,000!), to helping build the private lands program and helping lead the Wildlife Division.

We’re talking cherished Cherokee National Forest deer camps, epic Thanksgiving pies that never lasted 24 hours, taking that first Cherokee deer at age 21 after a decade of hard hunting, running bird dogs for grouse and woodcock, and the excitement of Tennessee’s first quail quota hunt in decades on Bridgestone-Firestone WMA. Wally reminds us why small-game hunting with family and friends creates memories that last a lifetime—and why habitat on private lands remains the key to bringing quail and other species back.

Whether you’ve known Wally for years or are just meeting him, this episode is pure Tennessee outdoors heart and soul. Pull up a campfire chair, grab a slice of pie, and join us as we send off a true wildlife professional with stories, laughs, and one last “thank you” for a lifetime of service. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

Imagine a snowy morning 25 years ago when 50 elk from Canada stepped onto Tennessee soil for the first time in over 150 years. Fast-forward to today: roughly 700 elk roam the mountains, and one young hunter just lived a story most of us only dream about.

This special episode of Tennessee WildCast was recorded live at Thlete Outdoors with a packed house. We look back at the historic elk restoration, then bring it full circle with 15-year-old Gavin Wood and the unforgettable youth hunt that capped the 25th anniversary season.

From the original release in snow-covered Royal Blue, to the very first modern elk harvest in 2009, to Gavin’s week this fall: passing multiple bulls, holding out for the one he nicknamed “Red October,” and finally connecting on a beautiful afternoon with family and friends cheering him on.

It’s a celebration of conservation success, passing the tradition to the next generation, and the kind of hunt that reminds us why we do this. Real people, real emotion, and a Tennessee wildlife comeback story that still gives chills.

Grab some coffee, settle in, and join us for a feel-good episode you’ll want to share with every hunter you know. To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.