Franklin Resident Awarded Final Spot in Elk Hunt
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 | 01:48am
NASHVILLE --- The final permit for participation in Tennessee’s first-ever managed elk hunt has been awarded to Franklin resident Andy Miller. Miller was the high bidder in an auction that benefits the state’s elk restoration program.
Miller joins four other Tennessee residents who had their names selected in a computer drawing from almost 13,000 entries for the hunt scheduled Oct. 19-23 at the North Cumberland Wildlife Area. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) donated a permit for the fifth participant to a Non-Governmental Organization.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF) was the first recipient of the donated special take permit that was issued for the historical hunt. The TWRF conducted an eBay auction from July 16-25 to determine the fifth and final participant. Miller bid $17,700 to gain the right to participate in the hunt.
“We were pleased with the auction and that the money raised will go to the elk restoration efforts of the TWRA,” said Andy Edwards, TWRF Project and Events Coordinator. “At any time, the TWRF will assist the TWRA in its mission.”
Those drawn earlier for the field were Craig Gardner, of Parrotsville, Charles Ray Flynn of Rockford, Ronald L. Woodard, of Oak Ridge, and Jeffrey L. Moses, of Cleveland.
The TWRF partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Safari Club International (SCI), and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) on the promotion for the last elk tag.
The five hunters will be invited to attend an elk camp complete with wall tents, campfires, meals, and entertainment. The elk camp will be held at the property of Terry Lewis near the North Cumberland WMA Elk ViewingTower. Sponsors for the event include TWRF, TWRA, TWF, RMEF, and Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA).
TWRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting habitat conservation, an ethic of land stewardship, and Tennessee's hunting and fishing heritage for the benefit of TWRA and Tennessee's outdoor enthusiasts.
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