With all the beauty and natural wonder of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, it is not surprising that the pretty town of Gatlinburg has become one of the most sought-after vacation spots for families looking to get away from it all.

On the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are lots of fun outdoor activities. When you take your kids hunting in Gatlinburg’s beautiful surroundings, you can teach them in some of America’s most pristine wilderness.  Book a comfortable cabin right in the woods and enjoy some family time on your own out in nature.

Teach the Kids about Hunting

Gatlinburg is ideal for family hunting trips. There is a variety of game in the Cherokee National Forest, including deer, grouse and wild turkey. Before heading out, it is important to note that certain areas of the forest are closed to hunting, and a valid Tennessee or North Carolina hunting license is required.

There is also hunting in the nearby Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests across the state line in North Carolina, where a North Carolina hunting license will be needed.

Kids under the age of 10 do not need a hunter safety certificate, but they must always be accompanied by an adult over age 21.

The Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide is a great resource for information about hunting in this area, including the dates of the various hunting seasons, bag limits and necessary permits and licenses. This guide can be found at any sporting goods store in Gatlinburg.

Other Things to Do in Gatlinburg

If the kids are done with hunting and want something else to do for the day, there are plenty of great attractions and other outdoor activities all around the Gatlinburg region. There’s excellent whitewater rafting for kids over the age of 12, and more than 600 miles of marked trails for hiking. Young anglers will find hundreds of places to fish in the region’s lakes and streams. Fun urban attractions right in Gatlinburg include bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf and the famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, with an aquarium, a theater and a “fun zone.”

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

With all the natural beauty surrounding you, the best place to stay is in one of the hundreds of excellent Gatlinburg cabin rentals in the woods. There are plenty of authentic log cabins available, many with modern amenities like satellite television and hot tubs. A vacation cottage rental in the woods will offer gorgeous views across the Smoky Mountains and plenty of room for the kids to run and play, not to mention the privacy and relaxation of being surrounded by nature.

Every kid deserves to spend time learning about the joys and wonders of the great outdoors, and the outdoors doesn’t get any greater than here in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Start planning today to take your kids hunting in Gatlinburg on a trip that will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime!

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Take Your Kids Hunting in Gatlinburg

Members of the media are invited to register for a media badge granting complimentary admission to the 2012 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show Feb. 9-12 at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Media badges will provide access to more than 650 booths with the latest outdoor gear from leading brands, the NWTF Grand National Calling Championships, taxidermy exhibits and various seminars and workshops led by top experts in their fields.

The theme for the 36th annual NWTF event is: “Hunters: Champions of Conservation.”

Tickets can be purchased for special meals and events, including the NWTF Awards Banquet on Feb. 11 featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia as keynote speaker and performances by country music stars Ricky Skaggs and Ashton Shepherd.  Lt. General Buck Bedard, USMC, will speak Feb. 11 at the Winchester Breakfast. Country and gospel artists Daves Highway will perform at the Feb. 12 Remington Breakfast.

To register for a media badge, please contact John Brasier at jbrasier@nwtf.net or (803) 637-7667. Those who register by Feb. 1 will receive a personalized NWTF badge. Registration also will be available on site at the NWTF media room.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - NWTF Invites Media to National Convention and Sport Show

Edgefield, SC — MidwayUSA, the catalog and Internet retailer, will showcase its role as a major champion of conservation by sponsoring the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2012 National Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 9-12 at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.

Fittingly, the theme of the 36th annual NWTF convention is: “Hunters: Champions of Conservation.” MidwayUSA has now sponsored the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show for three consecutive years. About 43,000 people attended in 2011.

“This is an event that outdoor enthusiasts circle on their calendar with great anticipation each year,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. “We’re grateful to have the support of MidwayUSA, which shares our dedication to the conservation of North America’s wildlife populations and habitat, in providing a wonderful experience for our convention.”

Each February, NWTF volunteers, members, staff, partners and outdoors enthusiasts gather at the NWTF convention to celebrate the NWTF’s accomplishments and plan for the future. This year’s show will feature more than 650 booths with performances from entertainers Ricky Skaggs and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, exciting competition in the NWTF Grand National Calling Championships and more. Check www.nwtf.org for more information.

NWTF members and active military personnel will receive free admission to the expo floor with their NWTF membership card or military ID.

Attendees interested in booking rooms at the reduced NWTF rate should book immediately. Opryland’s reserved block of rooms will be released to the general public on Jan. 18. Hotel guests receive free parking.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - MidwayUSA Sponsors NWTF Convention and Sport Show

Knoxville, Tennessee – SportDOG Brand, a leading manufacturer of sporting dog training gear and accessories, has expanded its support of conservation causes with a donation of Lurelogik hunting scent products to Whitetails Unlimited.

By using the Lurelogik spray timer dispenser or remote control dispenser, hunters and wildlife observers can increase their odds of getting closer to deer.

“Our remote systems have numerous applications beyond our broad line of electronic dog training products, and this is just one more way we can benefit hunters and help another conservation group in its mission,” said Eleanor Marshall of SportDOG Brand.

WTU will use the Lurelogik systems as a means of fund-raising, according to Kevin Devault, the group’s national funding director.

Whitetails Unlimited, formed in 1982, is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of the whitetail herd and wildlife habitat. The group focuses on conservation, education and preservation of the hunting tradition. For more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

SportDOG Brand’s support of WTU is one of many initiatives included in the company’s Conservation Fund. To find out more, visit www.sportdog.com.

SportDOG Brand of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a manufacturer of electronic dog training gear and accessories. Product lines include remote training collars, no-bark collars, in-ground fence systems and remote tracking systems. The company also carries Lucky Dog training equipment,Tracker dog-locating products and Canine Athlete nutritional products.

Contact:
Eleanor Marshall, SportDOG Brand (865) 218-1533

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - SportDOG Supports Whitetails Unlimited with Lurelogik Donation

Don’t miss this last chance at a 2011 TN Elk Tag!

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recently announced the issuance of 5 Special Elk Take Permits for the upcoming 2011 hunting season. Four of the special permits were issued through the TWRA quota hunt drawing system. These permits were awarded to Richard Rutherford of Walland, Terrell Holt of Columbia, John Alston of Knoxville, and Jody Moore of Loudon.

The remaining special elk take permit was awarded to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization through the state’s Request For Proposals (RFP) process. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Inc. (TWRF) was selected as the recipient of this year’s NPO tag. The TWRF will auction off the tag to the highest bidder through an e-bay auction Thursday, July 14 to Saturday, July 23, 2011. The proceeds from the sale of this special elk tag will go to benefit the elk restoration program. TWRF is partnering with Bill Swan, an experienced e-bay seller and active member of the Chattanooga Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI), on the promotion and sale of this Elk Tag.

The elk hunt will take place at the North Cumberland WMA in East Tennessee from Monday, October 17th to Friday, October 21st of 2011. This will be the third year for the Tennessee elk hunt, and the successful bidder has very good odds for killing a mature bull elk. More information concerning the hunt will be listed in the e-bay auction. Search “Tennessee Elk Permit” on e-bay to find the listing after July 10th.

The North Cumberland WMA will be sub-divided into five (5) Elk Hunting Zones (EHZ). Each hunter will be designated an EHZ through a handheld drawing conducted at a TWRA Region IV location (location, dates and times TBA). The purchaser of this elk permit will be required to purchase an elk license before participating in the hunt. The resident elk license (Type 256) is $27.00, and a non-resident elk license (Type 257) is $300.00. Sportsman and Lifetime license holders are exempt from having to purchase the elk license. All other licenses and permits to hunt big game in Tennessee are required.

TWRF is proud to be a part of this success story, where an animal reintroduction has been successful enough to allow for management through hunting. We look forward to many more successful hunts in years to come.

For additional information about the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, go to www.twrf.net. TWRF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and Tennessee’s hunting and fishing heritage for the benefit of Tennessee’s wildlife and it’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Contact:

Andy Edwards, Programs and Events Director

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation

615-831-9311 x 214

aedwards@twrf.net

www.twrf.net

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Tennessee Elk Permit to Be Auctioned on E-bay by TWRF

Nashville, TN   The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) conservation based hunting and fishing organization for Union members, retirees and their families will host its inaugural New York Sporting Clays Shoot, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 at Suffolk County Skeet, Trap & Sporting Clays, located at 165 Gerard Road in Yaphank.

Bringing together Union members, leaders, contractors, family members and friends for a fun-filled day of outdoor recreation, the sporting clays shoots also raise imperative funding to support the USA’s nationwide conservation programs such as Boots on the Ground and promote the importance of building a sustainable country to the more than 400,000 Union workers in New York.

Individual shooter registration starts at $125 (lunch, shells and targets provided), and premium and classic sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 – $5,000. Deadline for shooter registration is Tuesday, July 5.

In 2011, the USA will host more than 20 sporting clays and trap shoots in 17 states across the country including Alaska, California, Nevada, Kansas, Missouri, Washington D.C. and more.

For more information or to register, visit www.unionsportsmen.org/events.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a conservation based hunting and fishing organization for Union members, retirees and their families. The USA works to expand and improve hunting and fishing access and wildlife habitat throughout North America. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or www.facebook.com/unionsportsmen.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - USA’s Sporting Clay Series Heads to New York

Nashville, Tenn. – Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts will converge at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Aug. 12-14, 2011, for the Bass Pro Shops Land and Wildlife Expo presented by Ram Truck, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the nation’s top five land and wildlife conservation organizations.

Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International Foundation have joined forces to share the latest innovations for developing, preserving and enjoying America’s rich hunting land.

This three-day event features a massive indoor hunting exhibit hall, outdoor equipment test drives, crop demonstrations, seminars by leading biologists, kids’ activities and a private concert with Opry Member Craig Morgan and special guest Jeff Foxworthy.

“Supporting conservation is a long-standing Bass Pro Shops tradition and we are thrilled our customers will have the opportunity to interact with these top organizations, companies and celebrities under one roof,” said Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris. “You won’t want to miss your chance to take part.”

The 113,000-square-foot indoor exhibit hall will feature must-have products and equipment for the upcoming hunting season, product demos from top outdoor companies and celebrity appearances.

Outside, 105 acres of private land adjacent to Opryland will become an outdoor playground with ATV and UTV test tracks, tractor pulls, food plot and crop demonstrations, classic truck and tractor exhibits and a Kid’s Village featuring activities for all ages including a zip line and treestand safety demo, a shooting trailer presented by NWTF JAKES Take Aim and an archery range presented by the National Archery in the Schools Program.

Adventurous attendees can head over to presenting sponsor Ram Truck’s demonstration area to test drive their range of trucks designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts.

“Ram Truck is involved in the Land and Wildlife Expo because conservation and stewardship of the land play a vital role in sustaining the sport for future generations,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “The majority of truck owners are involved in hunting and fishing. Being here to share their passion, while at the same time giving attendees the chance to get a fun, hands-on feel for our Ram Truck lineup is a great way to connect with new customers.”

Back inside, the conservation partners will team up once again to deliver an all-star lineup of land management experts at The Mossy Oak True North Seminar Summit. This two-day series is designed specifically for hunters, landowners, and land managers looking to get the most from their properties through wildlife management and habitat development.

“We designed the seminar summit to resemble a land and wildlife management university with cutting-edge topics presented by the nation’s top experts,” said Brian Murphy, CEO of Quality Deer Management Association, whose 2011 convention is being held in conjunction with the Expo. “The information provided will be worth thousands to anyone who manages land for wildlife.”

Attendees can save up to 50 percent on packages that include seminars, accommodation and meals by registering online before June 30. Day passes to the Expo are $20, three-day passes are $45, and children 12 and under receive free Expo admission with a paying adult.

Visit www.LandandWildlifeExpo.com for reservations and more information.

ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., is the largest non-gaming hotel facility in the continental U.S. and the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels, owned by Nashville-based Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET). The newly-renovated resort boasts 2,881 rooms and more than 600,000 square feet of meeting, convention and exhibit space. The property features nine acres of lavish indoor gardens and waterfalls under its signature glass atriums. For reservations or to learn about the wide array dining, shopping and entertainment options at the world-famous resort, visit www.GaylordOpryland.com or call 1-888-999-OPRY.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres, thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

Contact:

Brian Abrahamson

Land and Wildlife Expo

Babrahamson@gaylordentertainment.com

615-316-6302

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Gaylord Opryland Resort to Host the Inaugural Bass Pro Shops Land and Wildlife Expo Presented by Ram Truck

Knoxville, Tennessee – The American Kennel Club’s Performance Events Department has added the SportDOG Brand® TEK-V1L GPS tracking system to its list of approved tracking devices for use in pointing dog field trials and hunting tests. The TEK-V1L allows dog handlers to keep tabs on far-ranging pointing and trailing dogs via a collar with a built-in GPS and a handheld transceiver.

The TEK system’s compact transceiver features a backlit liquid crystal display and integral electronic compass. The scalable screen provides a 75-mile diameter view and multiple-waypoint capabilities. Paired with the tracking collar-receiver, it shows a dog’s location from up to 7 miles away, and reports the dog’s status (stopped or direction of movement). The transceiver, designed with SportDOG Brand’s DRYTEK technology, is waterproof and submersible to 25 feet. It can be programmed to track up to 12 dogs at once.

The TEK system is unique in that an e-collar module can be added to the collar unit to also provide training capabilities. However, it is important to note that the additional e-collar function is not allowed during AKC competitions.

To find out more about the TEK system’s capabilities, visit www.sportdog.com.

For more information or clarification about tracking equipment allowed in AKC pointing dog competitions, go to http://www.akc.org/about/depts/perform.cfm

SportDOG Brand of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a manufacturer of electronic dog training gear and accessories. Product lines include remote training collars, no-bark collars, in-ground fence systems and remote tracking systems. The company also carries Lucky Dog training equipment,Tracker dog-locating products and Canine Athlete nutritional products.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - AKC Approves SportDOG’s GPS Collars for Pointing Dog Competitions

This is a warning to outdoor users about a potentially deadly biological event that could result from one’s curiosity to poke at and kick through scat from wolves, coyotes and foxes. Of course not everyone knowingly does this but many hunters, trappers and simply the curious, want to know what these animals have been eating.

Back in the end of November I gave you a link to a story, “Of Wolves and Worms”. That story introduced many of us to the subject of worms being found in wolves in the Greater Yellowstone area.

According to a new study out in the October issue of the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, three-millimeter-long tapeworms known as Echinococcus granulosus, are documented for the first time in gray wolves in Idaho and Montana. And the authors didn’t just find a few tapeworms here and there… turns out that of 123 wolf intestines sampled, 62 percent of the Idaho gray wolves and 63 percent of the Montana gray wolves were positive. (Ew!) The researchers wrote: “The detection of thousands of tapeworms per wolf was a common finding.” (Again… Ew!!) This leads to the interpretation that the E. granulosus parasite rate is fairly widespread and established in the Northern Rocky Mountain wolves.

There is discussion about how some think the worms ended up in the wolves in this region but the article tends to downplay any serious concerns people should have from coming in contact with these tapeworms and the eggs they leave behind.

In the comments section of the article, Will Graves, author of the book “Wolves in Russia: Anxiety Through the Ages“, left his thoughts on his own research discoveries about the dangers to humans of these parasites.

In the first paragraph in my letter to Mr. Bangs dated 3 October 1993 on the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) which was titled “The Reintroduction of Gray Wolves to Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho,” I warned about the damages and problems wolves would cause to Yellowstone and other areas by carrying and spreading parasites and diseases over larger areas. Some of these parasites are damaging not only to wild and domestic animals, but can also be dangerous to humans. One of these parasites is Echinococcous Granulosus and Echinococcus M. Since 1993 I have been working to tell people what I have learned from about 50 years of research on the characteristics, habits and behavior of Russian wolves. From that research I came to the conclusion that one of the most serious consequences of bring wolves into the US would be the wolves carrying and spreading around damaging/dangerous parasites and diseases. I did my best to explain this in my book titled, “Wolves in Russia – Anxiety Through the Ages” edited by Dr. Valerius Geist. Details about my book are in my web site: wolvesinrussia.com.

After several years effort, I finally recently obtained help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Parasitic Research Center in Beltsville, MD. This research center will try to conduct research on the blood taken from wolves in our western states. Oneparasite they will be researching is to determine if wolves carry and spread the parasite Neospora Caninum around. It is established that coyotes and dogs carry this damaging parasite.

I remember that about two years ago there was a report about one wolf carrying Echinococcus Granulosus in Montana.

Much more research is needed about the danger wolves bring to our environment. Some of the parasites carried by wolves are dangerous to humans.(emphasis added)

Around this same time that Will Graves posted his comments, he contacted me by email and asked if I could somehow be of assistance to him in obtaining blood samples from wolves taken during the Idaho and Montana wolf hunts. The word went out quickly and hopefullyGraves gets what he needs to help him in his research. This can become extremely valuable information for all of us.

In the meantime, Dr. Valerius Geist, professor emeritus University of Calgary and Dr. Charles Kay, of Utah State University, who holds degrees in wildlife ecology, environmental studies and wildlife biology, exchanged thoughts on the discovery of worms in Yellowstone wolves in emails I received.

Well, Charles? What else is new? What did we warn about, how we were censored as alarmists………………………
And yes, a colleague assured us that all that is not a problem for us, but for some native types. Nothing to worry about, really. Remember how, early on, we put out a warning – do not kick dry wolf feces or poke about in such looking for evidence of food habits. Do not handle wolf feces as it will disturb the tiny Echinococcus eggs that float up like little dust cloud to envelop you, and you are very likely to ingest some of that “dust”. This know-how, which we older Canadian types carried away from our parasitogy lessons was poo-hood by some American colleagues. Wolves are after all, harmless! Remember the question we posed: is it really such a great idea completing ecosystems when the progression is herbivores, carnivores, finally diseases and parasites?

It is not my intention nor that of Drs. Geist and Kay to attempt to instill unnecessary fear in people but to educate, as it was back in the day before wolf reintroduction. There are very important lessons and warnings that all should heed and take into consideration when in the woods or maybe even in your own back yard.

Dr. Geist emailed me the other day and asked me if I would be kind enough to post this information so that anyone and everyone will be aware of the potential for some very serious health issues.

Urgent: could you make a point of it that now, that we know that the majority of wolves are infected with Echinococcus, that all hunters control their curiosity and not poke about in wolf or coyote feces to find out what these predators ate. these feces are saturated with tiny, lightweight Echinococcus eggs that rise like dust plume from the disturbed feces and envelop the poking hunter. If the air-born eggs are ingested, the an infection is possible, and having Echinococcus cysts grow inside oneself is not a desirable condition. Trust me!

He followed that up with more information about the dangers.

As to the pathogenicity of Echinococcus granulosus: Yes, I noticed that Foayt, leaning on Raup’s research in Alaska, toned down the dangers from this northern form. My understanding based on what we learned from an old, experienced parasitologist at the University of British Columbia is that it’s nothing to fool around with. It’s serious! In my career as a biologist in touch with the north, I have heard nothing else. I have not, however, done a recent literature search. Foayte’s assessment may be on even though it conflicts with mine. Either way, getting an Echinococcus cyst of any kind is no laughing matter as it can grow not only on the liver or the lungs, but also in the brain. And then it’s fatal.

There is however, another much more alarming angle. Echinococcus multilocularis is a nightmare, and much more virulent than Echinococcus granulosus of any strain. We cannot encapsulate this cyst, and it grows and buds off like a cancer infecting different parts of the body incessantly. Were some of the wolves infected with multilocularis? Coyotes and foxes carry it and it has been spreading. Do canids in Idaho, Montana, etc. have it? It’s found in Alberta. Regardless, now is the time to send out an SOS to ALL outdoor users. Hold your curiosity in check, do not poke into the feces of wolves, coyotes and foxes. If you do you will release clouds of Echinococcus eggs which will envelop you, and you may ingest the eggs, bring the eggs home and endanger your family. This is nothing new to me and I have lived with this constraint on my curiosity for over 40 years. This is just a know how that maintains your personal and your family’s safety. Also, never feed uncooked offal to your dog as it may become infected with Echinococcus and infect you and your family. Echinococcus cysts love to be in lung and liver, and if consumed by dogs you have a health hazard on your hands. And such cysts now grow in deer and elk where you live. Somebody should take a second look searching out Echinococcus multilocularis.

You and I probably have no idea in the world whether these worms exist in the woods we hunt, trap, hike, etc. but good advice given by Dr. Geist should tell us it’s not something we should mess around with. Squelch the curiosity to dig in the poop and just assume there could be hidden danger.

I want to take a moment to thank Will Graves, Dr. Val Geist and Dr. Charles Kay for caring enough about the rest of us to be willing to share their findings and experiences.

•    Gear: Clothes, utility tools, ATV’s…
•    Favorite weapons: guns, bows, sticks, stones…
•    Best Duck Blind or Hide…
•    You, family or friends dressed for the hunt…
•    Where you hunt

All I need is a digital picture in any PC compatible format and a description of the picture.  You can make the description as long or short as you would like.  If there is a story behind the picture we would love to hear about it.

Send Pictures to:

Todd Krater
U.S. Hunting Today
Managing Editor
todd@ushuntingtoday.com

Note: If you want a picture posted and do not have a digital copy I would be willing to scan it for you.  Please contact me for details.

US Hunting Today reserves the right to refuse any picture for any reason as well as edit it where appropriate.