Tennessee WildCast is back with another great episode, and this week Don King steps in for host Jason Harmon, who’s out on a special assignment. Don is joined by Region 2 Public Relations Coordinator Barry Cross, who previews an exciting new event coming up May 30: Wilderness Day in the Glade at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Born from a simple deer‑scoring day, the event has grown into a full family‑friendly outdoor celebration. Visitors can explore TWRA exhibits, meet biologists, learn about tree stand safety, watch fly‑casting demos, talk with Tennessee State Parks staff, check out live raptors, and even see a mounted local black bear at the BearWise booth. Food trucks, giveaways, and hands‑on activities will round out the day.

Barry also highlights the importance of the Tennessee Hunting and Fishing Guidebook, the work that goes into its creation, and why it’s such a valuable resource for hunters and anglers. The conversation covers everything from TWRA’s quarterly magazine to wildlife habitat management, Free Fishing Day events, and Barry’s own journey into outdoor communications.

Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman, a new family looking to explore the outdoors, or someone curious about TWRA’s behind‑the‑scenes work, this episode offers inspiration and information for all ages. Join Don and Barry for a lively discussion, and make plans to visit Wilderness Day in the Glade on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Stay connected with TWRA at tnwildlife.org and follow us on social media.

Join host Jason Harmon and co‑host Mime Barnes on this on‑location episode of Tennessee WildCast as they explore Catoosa Ridge Wildlife Management Area and take you inside the world of law enforcement training with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Surrounded by thousands of newly added acres of prime wildlife habitat, Jason and Mime welcome Lieutenant Colonel Matt Majors and Region 3 Major Brandon Selvog to discuss the essential work that Tennessee’s game wardens carry out every day to keep our waterways safe.

This episode shines a light on the specialized training behind boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement. Matt and Brandon break down why ongoing training is crucial, how wardens refine their skills, and the real impact their work has on protecting millions of residents and visitors who enjoy Tennessee’s lakes and rivers each year. Listeners get a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at BUI refresher training, including hands‑on practice with volunteers in a controlled environment, scientifically validated field sobriety tasks adapted for the water, and the importance of recognizing impairment among boaters.

The team also discusses how BUI laws have evolved to mirror DUI laws, the challenges officers face on the water, and how TWRA’s training methods are now being shared statewide with other law enforcement agencies and academies. Real stories, expert insight, and a commitment to public safety come together in this informative and eye‑opening conversation.

Whether you're a boater, outdoor enthusiast, or someone interested in how game wardens protect Tennessee’s natural resources, this episode offers a powerful look at the dedication behind TWRA’s work. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share to help spread the word. Stay connected with TWRA at tnwildlife.org and purchase your license at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

Take a trip back to Tennessee with this lively new episode of Tennessee WildCast! Jason Harmon and Don King are in the studio, and they’re bringing the energy — plus a whole lot of wildlife wisdom — thanks to special guest and longtime habitat biologist Clint Borum.

Clint covers 26 counties across Middle Tennessee, and he’s spent nearly two decades helping landowners transform their properties into wildlife havens. From pollinators to turkeys to deer and beyond, Clint has seen it all — and he joins us to share practical tips, great stories, and plenty of laughs.

We kick things off with turkey talk, and Clint doesn’t disappoint. Hear how opening day turned into a family trifecta of success and why turkey season still gets everybody fired up each spring.

Then we dive into one of Tennessee’s favorite traditions — dove season! September 1 may feel far away, but now is the time to prep those fields. Clint breaks down the best warm‑season plantings, why bare dirt is absolutely key for doves, how to mix sunflowers, millet, and wheat for a top‑notch field, and how to stay on the right side of regulations. He also shares money‑saving insights on USDA cost‑share programs and how TWRA staff can help landowners plan, plant, and improve habitat year‑round.

We also cover public‑land dove opportunities, how leased fields are selected, when to check the online maps, and why patience pays off right up to opening day.

If you love Tennessee’s outdoors — hunting, habitat, wildlife, or just good conversation — this episode is packed with useful info and great stories. Like, share, and subscribe to keep WildCast rolling… and get ready for a great season ahead!

A brand‑new episode of Tennessee WildCast is on the air, and Jason and Don are back together in the studio to break down everything you need to know from the latest Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting—plus a whole lot more!

This week, your WildCast hosts dig into the big topics shaping hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching across the Volunteer State. From spring turkey season updates and record-breaking harvest numbers to new straight‑wall cartridge opportunities, bear dog training changes, and important CWD management adjustments—you’ll hear the highlights, the surprises, and the stories behind the decisions.

The guys also shine a light on some special people making a big impact in Tennessee’s outdoor world. Tune in for heartfelt recognitions honoring youth hunters, dedicated volunteers, conservation champions, and TWRA staff who’ve given decades of service to our state’s wildlife legacy.

And if you love the outdoors, there’s no better time to get outside. Spring turkey season is in full swing, the fishing is heating up, and Tennessee’s woods and waters are calling your name.

Don’t forget—you can always watch full commission meetings and WildCast episodes on our YouTube channel. Subscribe, click that bell, and never miss new content. And for our radio listeners, big thanks to WJSQ and stations from Mountain City to Memphis for keeping WildCast on the airwaves.

Hit play, settle in, and let’s take a trip through all things Tennessee outdoors! Tune in now!

Tennessee WildCast is back with a unique episode as Jason takes the mic solo to bring you the latest updates from across the Volunteer State’s outdoors. From turkey season to boater education, hunter education, and what to do when you spot young wildlife around your home, this episode is packed with timely information for spring.

Jason opens the show with a shout‑out to our radio partners and to everyone tuning in on YouTube, Spotify, iHeart, and beyond. With turkey season underway, he highlights the new “Volunteer State Turkey Playbook,” featuring region‑specific hunting advice from experienced hunters across East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Whether you’re scouting ridges, using mapping tools to plan hunts, or learning to rely on quiet woodsmanship, you’ll find practical tips to help you this season.

As spring brings more wildlife activity, Jason also covers what to do if you come across young or injured animals near your home — when to leave them alone, when to seek help, and where to find licensed rehabilitators.

Boating season is here as well, and Jason emphasizes the importance of life jackets and safety on the water. He walks through the steps for earning your Boater Education certification, plus the options available for completing Hunter Education before the next big season arrives.

It’s a simple, informative, and easy‑to‑follow episode aimed at helping you stay safe, prepared, and confident in the outdoors this spring. Tune in, catch up on what’s new, and get ready for a great season in Tennessee’s wild places.

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

Spring is here, and that means one thing… the bite is ON! In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon is joined by longtime friends of the agency and true legends of the water, Joey and Debbie Monteleone. These two spend well over 100 days a year on the water and have reeled in everything from lake‑record bass to surprise catfish that can tow a kayak like a pontoon. If there’s a better pair to talk spring fishing with, we haven’t met them yet.

Joey and Debbie break down all things spring fishing—what to throw, how to read the water, and why early spring might be the most exciting time of year to chase big bass. From buzzbaits in 56‑degree water to oversized spinnerbaits built to tempt trophy fish, the Monteleones share the baits they trust and the techniques that keep them catching fish trip after trip. Debbie offers her go‑to shaky head insights, Joey dives into jig and crankbait strategy, and together they share why slowing down, adjusting, and being intuitive on the water makes all the difference.

Thinking about getting on a kayak? They’ve got tips for equipment, safety, stability, and the minimalist gear setup they rely on. Want to get kids hooked on fishing? They talk Free Fishing Day, basic starter gear, and why nothing beats watching a kid reel in their first bluegill.

Whether you're tuning in for bass‑catching wisdom, kayak talk, or just a good laugh, this episode is packed with stories, pro-level advice, and Tennessee pride. Grab your gear, hit that subscribe button, and come along as we talk spring fishing in the Volunteer State. We’ll be Tennessee‑ing you!

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, Jason Harmon and co‑host Don King welcome Fisheries Biologist Mike Jolley and Assistant Chief of Fisheries Travis Scott for an in‑depth look at how TWRA builds and sustains Tennessee’s warm‑water fisheries. From walleye and sauger to crappie, striped bass, hybrids, and more, the team breaks down why stocking is essential in our reservoirs and how brood fish collections keep these fisheries thriving year after year.

Listeners get a behind‑the‑scenes look at brood fish collection techniques, the impact of fluctuating reservoir conditions, the importance of habitat, and the remarkable production numbers coming from TWRA’s hatcheries. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply curious about the science behind great fishing, this episode shines a light on the dedicated professionals working to keep Tennessee’s waters healthy and productive. Subscribe, share, and stay connected at tnwildlife.org!

In this powerful and emotional episode of Tennessee Wildcast, we share a story no family should ever have to endure. Nicole Carter opens her home and her heart to talk about the tragic day that changed her life forever—the day her husband, David, and their 6‑year‑old daughter, Olivia, were killed in a personal watercraft collision on Pickwick Lake. What began as a beautiful weekend on the water turned into an unimaginable nightmare, one caused by an impaired boat operator.

Nicole courageously walks us through who David and Olivia were—David, a devoted husband, father, and electrical engineer with a heart for the outdoors; and Olivia, a spirited, silly, red‑headed little girl full of life, imagination, and joy. She reflects on the memories they made together, especially their weekends at Pickwick, a place they all considered their happy place.

With heartbreaking honesty, Nicole recounts the events of August 15, 2020, the moment she sensed something was wrong, the devastating news that followed, and the life‑altering hours at the hospital. She shares the pain of telling her other children, the long road of grief, and the faith that has helped carry her through.

Nicole has chosen to use her tragedy to protect others. Her message is clear: boating under the influence is 100% preventable, and one reckless decision can shatter countless lives. Through her story, she hopes to raise awareness and save even one family from the pain she lives with every day.

This is a difficult episode—but an important one. We’re grateful to Nicole for her strength, honesty, and courage. Her story honors David and Olivia, and it reminds all of us that safety on the water truly saves lives.

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