You’re right that posting hunting dates would be impracticable, especially if
they change every year. But, I like the idea of having a sign that lets folks
know that hunting is allowed on the property and then post a link so a person
could easily find out what the dates are.
Does anyone know if there are any states with something like a recreational
permit to use WMAs?
Melinda Welton
Nashville, TN
On Sep 12, 2016, at 9:59 AM, Simbeck, Damien J <djsimbeck@xxxxxxx> wrote:
As a manager of public lands (TVA), I deal with the potential conflicts of
public use on a regular basis. The biggest issues with posting property with
hunting season dates is that the dates can change annually and they vary
regionally (west, middle and east TN). Hunting seasons and bag limits are
set to help manage game species populations. Placing signage with
opening/closing dates would potentially require annual sign replacement…a
significant cost of time and materials. On TVA lands, we are trying to
install signage that warns users that hunting is allowed on the property (or
posts the property as no hunting, i.e. dam reservations) and to be aware when
using the property for all activities (even hunters must be aware that other
hunters may be on the property). When I go birding on lands open for
hunting, during hunting seasons, I wear something blaze orange so (hopefully)
hunters will see me. I have walked under occupied tree stands before, not
good for me or the hunter. That’s just part of sharing the small islands of
public lands amid the vast sea of private properties. The general rule to
remember, there is usually some game animal with an open season from early
fall (dove) through spring (turkey), and some species can be hunted year
round (coyote).
Damien J. Simbeck
Natural Resource Management - West Operations
256-386-2543
From: tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ;<mailto:tn-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]
On Behalf Of Bill Pulliam
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2016 9:31 AM
To: Melinda Welton
Cc: tn-bird
Subject: [TN-Bird] Re: WMAs and birding
TVA External Message. Please use caution when opening.
I am all in favor of a non-game use permit for TWRA lands. I know in other
areas you must have a "parking permit" to have your vehicle on public open
space. Such a permit could be given to those who either buy a hunt/fish
permit or a recreational permit.
BUT there is the big issue of enforcement. I know people who have fished in
Tennessee public waters for years without ever buying a license or ever
having been asked to show one. It depends on where you are, of course. And
this really gets to the core issue of funding and staffing. Posting and
updating hunting seasons would require person power. Which requires money.
And that money would be diverted from other activities like acquisition,
maintenance, and enforcement.
Politically, adding a recreational fee might be a hard sell, too.
Bill Pulliam
Hohenwald TN
On Sep 11, 2016, at 10:53 PM, Melinda Welton wrote:
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
