TWRA Receives Gift Of Taxidermy And More

  • Tuesday, July 7, 2015
  • Míme Barnes

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) received a gift of taxidermy and much more. Mr. Wendell Freels has donated the first Black Bear to be harvested on the Cumberland Plateau in more than fifty years, reflecting the success of Black Bear management in the state of Tennessee.

The bear, harvested by Mr. Wendell Freels of Morgan County, weighed in at 428 pounds. Mr. Freels took the bear on Sept. 27, 2014, near Sunbright, Tn., opening day of the first present-day established season for Black Bear on the Plateau. Mr. Freels isn’t only a long time hunter; he also holds a wildlife degree and studied Black Bear with the University of Tennessee, under Dr. Michael Pelton. Mr. Freels utilized the meat from the Black Bear, but expressed sincere joy in being able to share the taxidermy with many Tennesseans. “I could have it in my own home” said Mr. Freels, “but few would see it, other than me. I want many people to be educated and understand this animal”. 

Mr. Freels had been monitoring the bear through trail cameras since 2009 and had established a pattern for the bear a few months before the season opened. The big male had been feeding up to twice a day in one of Mr. Freels cornfields. Opening day was no different, only the bear was a bit later than normal. Mr. Freels had been watching a second bear too, a smaller sow. Mr. Freels knew his subject and wanted to leave the sow to provide future generations of bear on the Plateau. He took his shot at the large male with his crossbow and put his name in the record books.

“He didn’t set out to do this and had no knowledge that his bear was the first harvested on the Plateau in more than 50 years,” said Morgan County Wildlife Officer Travis Buchanan. Mr. Freels, with the help of his nephew and a friend, loaded the bear for transport to the check station. Officer Buchanan contacted Mr. Freels to tell him about the accomplishment. “It’s an enjoyable conversation to have. Mr. Freels is well known in Morgan County and very deserving of this honor. We’re really happy for him,” Officer Buchanan said. “It’s an amazing reflection of wildlife management and we’re grateful for this gift. The bear is magnificent and we’re honored to receive it.”

TWRA is often looked at as an organization that governs hunting and angling regulations. This is true of course, but the organization truly has a much deeper meaning and mission to uphold. Employees know that historically many animals such as elk, bear, mountain lions, buffalo, numerous birds, fish and insects were common. A lack of laws and a myriad of unmanaged changes to the landscape devastated wildlife and many creatures were extirpated from the state.

Since the creation of the TN Conservation League in the mid 1940’s, which helped in the establishment of TWRA, individuals have worked to form strong guidelines to protect wildlife as a resource for current and future generations. TWRA has had the pleasure of success in many areas including the reintroduction of elk, the expansion of waterfowl management and a favorite throughout the state, an increase in Black Bear populations.

Black Bear populations have successfully grown allowing for the establishment of hunting zones on the Cumberland Plateau in 2014. Wendell Freels didn’t know that he was part of an historical event when he set out to hunt a bear on his property that early September morning. TWRA employees are grateful for the recovery of bears on the plateau and for stories such as Mr. Freels.

For more information visit:  http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/black-bears#sthash.KexSrEU9.rwlEtmGd.dpuf 

 

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