Welcome Visitor!
Friday, September 10, 2010.
722 visitors currently online


 
Great Outdoors

Snake regains habitat with help of Memphis Zoo
MEMPHIS (AP) — The baby snake that emerged from its shell at the Memphis Zoo recently represents the future of the Louisiana pine snake.
It’s at the center of a program to reintroduce the species to its native territory.
Published in The Messenger 9.10.10 Read More ...
AP

Respite from hot weather a relief for fishermen and hunters | Respite from hot weather a relief for fishermen and hunters
Respite from hot weather a relief for fishermen and hunters
The fall hunting season is here as well as some good fall fishing.
Maybe you’re not the hunting type and like to only fish. This fall should prove for some good fishing, that’s for sure.
Reelfoot Lake continues its downward turn toward lower water levels. I have had reports that some ramps are still good for unloading and loading your boats. Be careful no matter what ramp you may decide to use
Published in The Messenger 9.10.10

 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

Park seeks comment on managing elk herd
GATLINBURG (AP) — The elk herd in the Smokies is doing well and biologists want to relax their management practices. Read More ...

Lack of rainfall affecting fishing; waterfowl season could be hurt, too | Brent Callicott
Lack of rainfall affecting fishing; waterfowl season could be hurt, too
Lack of rainfall continues to contribute to the low water levels at Reelfoot Lake. This is not good with fall fishing almost here and the winter waterfowl season just a few months away. We need rain for everything, including our area ponds, rivers and lakes. Read More ...
By Brent Callicott

Fall fishing the 'cool' thing to do
Fall fishing the 'cool' thing to do
Fall fishing is almost here, and I hope this week’s cool down will get everyone ready and in the mood. Fall fishing is some of the best. Fish tend to get a little more aggressive with the cooler water temperatures as well as the cooler weather. This brings cool and cold fronts through the area which causes pressure to rise and fall, something that has a lot to do with the overall fish bite. This will also have the bait fish on the move. This time of year also brings some area lakes towards their normal winter time draw downs. At Reelfoot Lake, the water level continue to drop ever so slowly each day. The lake is still averaging around a quarter of an inch drop each day to day-and-a-half. I looked back at the water level reading — which is taken just behind the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency building on the southern end of Reelfoot Lake — and it shows that the lake has dropped around 2.8 feet since the heavy rains we had back on May 8. Read More ...
By BRENT CALLICOTT

All can hunt squirrels Saturday
NASHVILLE — All Tennesseans are reminded that Saturday is Free Hunting Day in the state when state residents may hunt without a license. The annual event coincides with the opening day of squirrel season. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the free day in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee's oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for persons to experience the enjoyment of the sport. Regular hunters are encouraged to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoors sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for those folks who have not tried hunting in a while to get back into the woods. Read More ...

2010-11 WATERFOWL SEASONS ESTABLISHED
2010-11 WATERFOWL SEASONS ESTABLISHED
2010-11 WATERFOWL SEASONS ESTABLISHED AT TWRC MEETING JACKSON, Tenn. --- The 2010-11 waterfowl hunting seasons were established by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission at its August meeting, held at the UT West Tennessee Research Center.  Read More ...

Wild hog herds spreading in Kentucky
OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) — State wildlife officials say herds of wild hogs are spreading in Kentucky, but a booking agent for hunters says he can’t find enough of the animals to justify bringing in clients to hunt them. Published in The Messenger 8.20.10  Read More ...
AP

Evaporation an ongoing problem at Reelfoot Lake | Evaporation an ongoing problem at Reelfoot Lake
Evaporation an ongoing problem at Reelfoot Lake
Several things to share with you in this week’s column. First I have the conditions at Reelfoot Lake. As I stated a few weeks ago, Reelfoot Lake’s water evaporation rate is a quarter inch each day. I am sorry to report but that rate still is in effect. Published in The Messenger 8.20.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

TWRA proposes waterfowl dates
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Res-ources Agency is proposing a 60-day season for 2010-11 duck hunting, with one split similar to past years, that would end Jan. 30, 2011 with a six-duck bag limit. TWRA has also recommended using the maximum number of days allowed for goose hunting. Published in The Messenger 8.13.10 Read More ...
NASHVILLE

Changes plenty in pro bass world | Changes plenty in pro bass world
Changes plenty in pro bass world
The past two weeks, there has been more changes in the sport of professional bass fishing than there has been in the past many years combined. The two largest bass fishing organizations in the world BASS and FLW Outdoors — named for Ranger boats founder Forrest L. Wood, have made very important announcements that will have a major impact on the future of professional bass fishing. Published in The Messenger 8.13.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

New duck stamp sold for Gulf conservation
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Interior Department is selling a new duck stamp envelope to raise money for conservation in the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill. Published in The Messenger 8.6.10 Read More ...
AP

Putting curves back in streams
CHATTANOOGA (AP) — When rain deluged the Hickory Creek townhouse subdivision in March, sewage started bubbling up from the manhole in front of Dixie Parnell’s house. “The smell was terrible and we couldn’t even get the mail from our mailboxes for a couple days,” she recalled. “It was a real mess and, unfortunately, this wasn’t the only time this has happened.” Published in The Messenger 8.6.10 Read More ...
AP

Humans not the only ones suffering through sweltering heat | Humans not the only ones suffering through sweltering heat
Humans not the only ones suffering through sweltering heat
The kind of heat our area has been experiencing the past several weeks and especially this past week is not only bad on humans but animals (including fish) as well. Published in The Messenger 8.6.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

Montana officials await test results in bear attack
By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writer COOKE CITY, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife officials expected DNA test results to confirm Friday that a captured grizzly bear and her three cubs were the animals that killed one camper and injured two others in a rampage that has set tourists in this Published in The Messenger 7.30.10 Read More ...
AP

Many tournaments completed, with many more yet to come | Many tournaments completed, with many more yet to come
Many tournaments completed, with many more yet to come
This week, I have tournament results from last week and weekend bass tournaments some of our area anglers took part in. I also want to share a little more information on John Coble Garrett’s upcoming trip of a lifetime national spotlight bass tournament. But first, here is what I have for Reelfoot Lake. Published in The Messenger 7.30.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

REFUGE ROMP
REFUGE ROMP
REFUGE ROMP — Several area youngsters recently took part in the Reefoot Refuge Romp, during which they learned about many different topics that introduce them to the outdoors. Read More ...

Summertime heat not deterring all fishermen from wetting their hooks | Summertime heat not deterring all fishermen from wetting their hooks
Summertime heat not deterring all fishermen from wetting their hooks
Despite the recent very warm weather, area lakes continue to have decent crowds of fishermen. Just this past Saturday, Reelfoot Lake had a pretty good number of folks fishing early before the hot and humid weather settled in that day. Even on Monday morning, some folks, including myself, were out on Reelfoot for a few hours. Published in The Messenger 7.23.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

FINAL FLIGHT EXPANDS
FINAL FLIGHT EXPANDS
GRAND PLANS — Brothers Tripp Powers, Kelley Powers and Jon Ed Powers review expansion plans for Final Flight Outfitters.  Read More ...

Waterfowl  blind permit drawings set | Waterfowl  blind permit drawings set
Waterfowl blind permit drawings set
NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s long-standing tradition of hand-drawn duck blind drawings will be held at the usual sites across the state Aug. 7. While hand drawings will be held for the majority of the locations, a computerized Published in The Messenger 7.16.10 Read More ...
NASHVILLE

TWRA: No duck blind drawing at Crockett
Access to duck blinds on Crockett Bottoms lake will continue to be on a first-come, first served basis, according to a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency official. Crockett Bottoms, officially known as “Gooch Unit E,” is a 500-acre impoundment Published in The Messenger 7.16.10 Read More ...

Recent rains improve water quality, fishing on Reelfoot Lake | Recent rains improve water quality, fishing on Reelfoot Lake
Recent rains improve water quality, fishing on Reelfoot Lake
Finally, our area was blessed that what many are calling a million dollar rain. This past week’s rainfall also benefited fishing as well. It was good to get this because it added some water to the dropping level at Reelfoot and much-needed oxygen as well. Published in The Messenger 7.16.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

WILLS HONORED
WILLS HONORED
WILLS HONORED — Tennessee River HRC Club recently recognized club member Bobby Wills (center) for his accomplishments — winning the Super Retriever Series Crown Championship recently in Mayflower, Ark. Read More ...

Livewell fish management an important part of tournament success | Livewell fish management an important part of tournament success
Livewell fish management an important part of tournament success
In this week’s column, I will touch base on livewell fish management — the what to do and not to do points. Last year, I spent a little time on this subject and I feel that it is that important to continue and try to educate folks on the management of fish care while fishing tournaments. Published in The Messenger 7.2.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

Slow down is best fishing advice in humid waters
Slow down is best fishing advice in humid waters
The best advice I can give you for fishing during this time of year is to do so a little slower and in deeper water, if possible. Bass and other fish are like humans. When the weather gets this rough, it is hard on us. The same is true of fish. They tend to drag just as we do when we get hot and tired. Now for the Reelfoot Lake information. Water conditions on Reelfoot Lake aren’t that bad other than the warm water temperatures — which are in the upper 80s. This temperature is taken at about a foot under water. In three to five foot depths, the water is about two to three degrees cooler. The lake remains at a decent level for now, but if there is no rain soon that will change with the weather pattern we are experiencing. Looking at the water rings around the trees, you will notice how high the water was just a month and a half ago. The lake has dropped over two feet since then and is about two to four inches below the normal level.  Read More ...
By BRENT CALLICOTT

Early arrival of dog days of summer doesn’t mean fish aren’t biting
Early arrival of dog days of summer doesn’t mean fish aren’t biting
The dog days of summer are here. Hot weather has settled in just a bit early, according to the weather history, but that is the way the weather usually is around here anyway. I tell folks, “If you don’t like the weather now, wait three days and it will change.”  Read More ...
By Brent Callicott

Second elk hunt winners to be announced
NASHVILLE — The four winners selected to participate in Tennessee’s second managed elk hunt will be announced during the June meeting of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission June 16. Published in The Messenger 6.11.10 Read More ...

Fishing tournaments in full swing at area lakes | Fishing tournaments in full swing at area lakes
Fishing tournaments in full swing at area lakes
Bass tournaments continue around the area on both Kentucky and Reelfoot lakes. Two area anglers from did really well over this past weekend with both claiming top spots in each of their respected tournaments they fished. Published in The Messenger 6.11.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

Boating-related fatality reported | Boating-related fatality reported
Boating-related fatality reported
NASHVILLE — A canoe accident on the Buffalo River in Wayne County resulted in the lone boating-related fatality over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Tennessee Published in The Messenger 6.4.10 Read More ...
NASHVILLE

Bobby Wills and Colt earn top honors at SRS event | Former UC resident earns top honors at SRS event
Bobby Wills and Colt earn top honors at SRS event
Bobby Wills and 10-year-old yellow lab, Colt 45 II, brought home the highest honors bestowed from the 2010 Super Retriever Series Crown Championship held recently in Arkansas. Published in The Messenger 6.4.10 Read More ...

Summertime weather arrives early with scattered thunderstorms | Summertime weather arrives early with scattered thunderstorms
Summertime weather arrives early with scattered thunderstorms
There is no doubt, summertime weather is here. Somewhat high humidity and warm temps with spotty afternoon showers have made for these summer-like conditions. The bad thing is, it is just the first of June and the heat of the summer is for at least the next three months, if not longer. Published in The Messenger 6.4.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott

Calendar filling up with fishing tournaments | Calendar filling up with fishing tournaments
Calendar filling up with fishing tournaments
Water conditions have returned to normal on Reelfoot Lake over the past several days. The bite is good with bluegill, bass and catfish being the best with crappie falling in behind. Published in The Messenger 5.21.10 Read More ...
Brent Callicott