Commission backs working group on deer depredation; asks committee to study veterans' license exemption for two waterfowl days

Commissioners directed staff to form a working group to address deer depredation and asked that a proposal to exempt veterans from state licenses for two special February waterfowl hunting days be reviewed through the commission's committee process.

Commissioner Monty Blue said he wanted the commission to maintain focus on deer depredation and suggested forming a task force or committee to recommend ways to increase big-game harvest and reduce crop damage. Director Maxedon replied the agency had reached out to partners and planned a working-group meeting in November; he listed planned partners including the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources, the National Deer Association and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

On veterans' licensing, Commissioner Blue asked the agency to consider not requiring a Tennessee state license for veterans who hunt only during the agency's two special waterfowl days in February. Director Maxedon recommended the idea be routed through the licenses committee for review; he said the committee process would allow review of physical and fiscal implications, and staff agreed to take it back to committee.

Commissioner Blue also requested the agency provide him with the number of applicants and successful draws for tier-1 waterfowl blind draws; Director Maxedon acknowledged the request and agreed to follow up.

The commission did not take a formal vote on policy or change licensing at the meeting; commissioners requested staff and the relevant committees to study the proposals and report back.