J. Mark Fly

Angler Opinions Regarding Catfish Management in Tennessee

Emphasis on catfish management has increased in Tennessee, and in 2003 the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency adopted new regulations protecting trophy-sized catfish by restricting recreational harvest of catfish >864 mm to one fish per day and eliminating all commercial harvest of catfish >864 mm. A statewide survey on licensed catfish anglers was conducted in fall 2000, 2005 and 2006 to determine if angler responses changed following implementation of these regulations. Before the regulation change, catfish anglers generally supported protecting trophy-sized catfish but angler...

Leasing by Tennessee Hunters

Telephone interview surveys of the general population of Tennessee residents were used to determine the extent to which hunters leased land for hunting. About 7% of hunters leased land in Tennessee, with the average lease consisting of about 631 acres at a total cost of $1,500. Average per acre costs in Tennessee were about $3.56 per acre. Hunters who lease were more likely to have higher incomes, live in rural areas, and be more dissatisfied with wildlife management than those who do not lease. Hunters very interested in leasing, but not currently leasing, shared some of the...