The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International continued its support of the state’s elk restoration program with a check of $4,000 to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. SCI Chapter President Keith Watson (second from left) presented TWRA Executive Director Ed Carter with a symbolic check during the August meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Also pictured (from left) are TFWC Chair Dr. Jeff McMillin, SCI Chapter Treasurer Bill Swann III, and TWRA Region IV Elk Program Coordinator Steve Bennett.
The Tennessee Valley Safari Club International (SCI) Chapter is continuing its long-standing tradition of support to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Tennessee Valley SCI Chapter President Keith Watson and Treasurer Bill Swann III were at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s August meeting in Knoxville. They presented the TWRA and Director Ed Carter a check of $4,000 to go toward the agency’s elk restoration program at North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.
Founded in 1999, the organization was recently renamed the Tennessee Valley SCI Chapter after previously being known as the Chattanooga Area Chapter SCI. The chapter has more than 100 members.
With the gift, the Tennessee Valley SCI is closing in on its goal of providing $25,000 for the program. Elk were reintroduced into Tennessee in 2001 and the Tennessee Valley SCI Chapter has played a pivotal role in the program’s success.
The contributions to the elk restoration program are just a part of the SCI Chapter’s efforts that benefit the TWRA. The chapter has purchased several mechanical deer and a mechanical turkey for TWRA wildlife officers in the Chattanooga area to help in wildlife law enforcement. The SCI Chapter also provides maintenance for the equipment.
The SCI Chapter is preparing for its second year sponsoring “The Hunt for Warriors.” The event is scheduled in late October for Enterprise South Park, north of Chattanooga.
The SCI Chapter is also a big supporter of a youth dove hunt hosted by the Sequatchie Valley Youth Hunters Association. The SCI Chapter has been involved with the hunt since its inception, contributing $2,500 annually.
Other recent donations have been a dozen trail cameras, GPS units, and video cameras.