When I agreed to write this column, I had no idea what I would get. As usual, the sportsmen of Chattanooga-area have come through with some really good questions. This makes me feel like I am providing a valuable service…after all, that is my job.
I am not able to respond to all of the inquiries in this edition, but keep your eye out in the future for you question to be answered right here on the Chattanoogan.com Outdoors section. And as always, hunt safe and keep the questions coming!
QUESTION: I have heard different things about salt blocks, Deer Co-Cane and Stump Licker. Are these products legal to deer hunt over during the season or does it fall into the baiting category?
MATT MAJORS: Tennessee Law states that it shall be unlawful for any person at any time to make use of any…bait (which shall mean to include any grain, or mixture of any ingredients, used as or for food purposes) or other devices for the purpose of hunting. Salt blocks have been found to be beneficial to deer. Salt is not considered a food item for deer so we DO permit the use of granular salt and salt in the block form provided at lease 51% by weight of the formulation consists of salt or other minerals. Many of these products sold on the market contain whole grain or other non-refined foodstuffs and WOULD be considered bait. Some products, such as Deer Co-Cane you mentioned, use liquid minerals as an attractant. Mineral does not meet the definition of "whole grain or foodstuffs," and I know of no law enforcement action ever taken for its use. However there can be wide variances in products... either those that exist now, or could be developed in the future. Officers can't know the ingredients of them all. It is the hunter's responsibility to know the ingredients of the attractants you choose to use. But if we find you hunting over "whole grain and non-refinded foosdstuffs" you're likely to get a ticket.
QUESTION: My question is about life preservers. I'm a really big bass fisherman and hate the cumbersome life jackets so I have 3 Mustang Auto inflatable vests. I also carry a throwable seat cushion type flotation device. Do I need to have standard Type III vests on board as well? The inflatables are Type V and I've heard that they aren't approved by all coast guard type agencies.
MATT MAJORS: Sure, you can use either type I, II, III, or type V P.F.D.’s on board your boat. Most major brands are Coast Guard approved and are a good alternative to the traditional bulky jackets. The catch is they are only approved for certain activities. You cannot wear them on a personal watercraft or for white-water activities. Typically those activities that are likely to cause "high impact," when the wearer would be unable to inflate a jacket "after the fact." This web address is likely to answer your question in more detail: http://www.state.tn.us/twra/boat001a.html Just remember to be acceptable, preservers must be used in accordance with their label.
QUESTION: Do you think the 34 inch catfish regulation will help grow trophy catfish and do fishermen you talk to like it? (Anglers can keep no more than one 34-inch catfish per day. Commercial anglers can not keep any catfish over 34-inches long.)
MATT MAJORS: As you could imagine, I talk to fishermen with all sorts of ideas on what the TWRA needs to do with the fishing regulations. I will tell you that we have some very knowledgeable fisheries biologists working with TWRA and I trust their decisions. I won't claim to be able to discuss the specific biology behind the regulation. I would encourage you to call and ask your biology questions first-hand at 615-781-6575. Secondly, I have heard from some anglers who object to the new regulation, however the majority I have spoken with personally approve of the additional protection for trophy catfish.