The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has set two public meetings to discuss the possibility of establishing a quota permit elk hunt in the fall of 2007.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
- October 26, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. EDT - Cove Lake State Park, Take Exit 134 off I-75 and turn East on Hwy 63. The Park entrance is approximately ½ mile on the left.
- November 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. EST - John Sevier Hunter Education Center, Directions: take the Broadway Exit off I-640 and go approximately 4 miles north on Broadway, turn left on Rifle Range Rd. The John Sevier is on the right approximately 2 miles west on Rifle Range Rd.
In May 2006, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was directed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission to investigate the feasibility and processes necessary to establish an elk hunt in 2007.
At its September meeting in Nashville, the Commission heard a preliminary report on the possibility of establishing an elk hunt in Tennessee. The report discussed the current status of Tennessee’s elk herd, potential impacts of various levels of harvest on herd growth, and potential strategies for establishing a hunt.
As part of the process for public involvement in the decision-making process, TWRA will host two public meetings in East Tennessee to present information on the hunt proposals that are being considered. The public meetings will include presentations on the elk herd status, an explanation of the hunt proposals under consideration, and an opportunity for public input.
In addition to these public meetings, TWRA will be establishing a web site with information on the hunt proposals, including an opportunity for the public to submit their comments on-line.