TWRC Passes Commercial Fishing Amendment, Sets Guidelines For Elk Hunt Drawing Among Business at November Meeting

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission passed an amendment to the Tennessee Commercial Fishing Proclamation and approved rules and policy for Tennessee’s first elk hunt proposed for the fall of 2009. The TWRC met Nov. 19-20 at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region II Ray Bell Office Building.

The TWRC passed an amendment to the Commercial Fishing Proclamation that re-established a season and size limit for commercial paddlefish harvest. The commercial paddlefish season will now be open from Nov. 15 through April 15 each year and this season applies to all waters of the state that are open to commercial paddlefish harvest (including the Mississippi River). 

A 36-inch minimum eye-to-fork length will apply to all commercially harvested paddlefish except for those harvested from the Mississippi River where the minimum eye-to-fork length limit will be 34 inches. This season and size limit will become effective immediately upon filing the proclamation with the Office of the Secretary of State.  All other regulation and requirements that were previously in place will remain in effect. 

The TWRC approved rules establishing guidelines and procedures for a Quota Elk Hunt Drawing.  Tennessee's first elk hunt is scheduled for the fall of 2009, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency anticipates four permits to be available by quota drawing. There will be a $10 non-refundable application fee, except for holders of Sportsman's and Lifetime Sportsman licenses, who may apply for free. More detailed information will be available on the elk quota hunt in the spring of 2009.

A rule amendment on the importation of cervid carcasses from areas known to have chronic wasting disease was approved by the TWRC.  The rule amendment clarifies that only meat that has bones removed may be brought into Tennessee from areas with CWD.  The rule also allows other cervid carcass parts to be brought into Tennessee.  The 2008 Tennessee Hunting Guide includes a list of states and provinces in North America for which these rules will affect.

The TWRC announced that it would begin accepting external applications for the position of TWRA Executive Director Gary Myers, who is retiring March 1, 2009. The TWRA has a goal to name the new executive director at the February, 2009 meeting.

Three awards were presented to TWRA personnel. Alan Jones, Humphreys County Wildlife Officer, was awarded the Shikar-Safari International Award. Jim Maddox, a representative of Shikar-Safari, made the presentation.