I know this is a difficult subject, but I think we’re going to have to address
it sometime.
As more and more people are seeking openspace and good birding places, more and
more people will be visiting WMAs. Hunting schedule signs really do need to be
posted for both safety and visitor expectations. And then there is the subject
of how non-consultive wildlife enthusiasts can contribute to the management and
acquisition of land for WMAs.
An idea that has been floating around for years is to have a specific Wildlife
Watcher’s license for visiting WMAs, like hunters have to have hunting
licenses. Personally, I’d like to see a license like this rather than be
counted as a hunter. I've bought hunting licenses in the past when I wanted to
voice my opinion about TWRA practices, like starting a Sandhill Crane hunting
season.
What do folks think about this idea? Has the time come?
Melinda Welton
Nashville, TN
On Sep 11, 2016, at 10:15 AM, Stefan Woltmann <stefan.woltmann@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Agreed that it definitely could be easier to find out what is permitted when
and where; even the TWRA app requires a bit of hunting (pardon the pun).
Also agreed that it's our responsibility as birders (i.e. other non-game
users of WMAs) to make sure we do our best to find out and follow WMA rules.
I think it's the only way that birding on WMAs will get easier over time.
Best birding,
Stefan
On Sun, Sep 11, 2016 at 7:43 AM, Carole Gobert <cpgobert@xxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:cpgobert@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
It's been a couple of years since I tried deciphering TWRA's online
information on hunting seasons so perhaps it is easier to use now but when I
last consulted it I found it difficult and confusing to navigate. You have
to figure out just what kind of hunting is allowed at a WMA and when that
season runs; sounds like it should be easy it isn't. There are a couple of
ORNL sites that I bird where the hunting dates and hours are clearly posted
at the entrance. I don't see why TWRA can't do this too.
Carole Gobert, Knoxville
From: tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
<tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> on
behalf of Bill Pulliam <littlezz@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:littlezz@xxxxxxxxx>>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2016 7:54:39 AM
To: TN-birds Listserv
Subject: [TN-Bird] WMAs and birding
Revenue from sales of hunting and fishing licenses pays for the
acquisition and maintenance of our WMAs. It is OUR responsibility as
users to be aware of the rules, regulations, and seasons, so as not
to be surprised by or interfere with these activities. This
information is widely available online (www.tn.gov/twra/
<http://www.tn.gov/twra/>) and in the
booklets available where licenses are sold (including Mall*Wart).
FYI an annual statewide hunt/fish permit only costs $32 plus a small
agency fee, can be bought online or at a million vendors in TN, and
supports the continued existence and maintenance of these WMAs.
Bill Pulliam (who does NOT work for TWRA)
Hohenwald TN
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--
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Assistant Professor
Dept. of Biology, and
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Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
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