Mid-South Hunting and Fishing News

Saugeye, Sander canadensis x vitreus, are a hybrid fish created by crossing a female walleye with a male sauger. In this video we take you behind the scenes to learn about how the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources produces these unique fish. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits of saugeye from a management perspective and why we are stocking them in select waters across the central and eastern portions of the state.

The only two Bassmaster events to take place on the Tennessee River are owned by the Humminbird and Minn Kota team. In 2019, Ott DeFoe won the Bassmaster Classic on his home waters and again in 2021, Jeff Gustafson won the Bassmaster Elite event on the same body of water in dominating fashion. Now in 2023, another pro will look to carry on the streak of dominance at the Tennessee River and chase this year’s Bassmaster Classic title.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are voluntarily recalling the Hopper M20, Hopper M30 1.0 and 2.0, and SideKick Dry products sold between March 2018 and January 2023. The magnet-lined closures on these products can fail and release the magnets, which poses a risk of serious injury or death if ingested. We ask all customers currently in possession of the Hopper M20, Hopper M30 and SideKick Dry to immediately stop use of these products.

FLORENCE, AL – The first event of 2023 on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing series is in the books. The no-entry-fee, ACA major double points Pickwick Slam presented by Evolution Fishing saw over 200 of college fishing’s top teams compete for two days on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes in Florence, AL, and awarded over $20,000 in prizes & contingencies. Charlie Wright & Logan Plueger took home first place honors with a two-day total weight of 43.83 pounds.

Presented by Bill Dance Signature Lakes, the tournament at Bluewater Marina in Dayton offers multiple opportunities for amateur anglers including youth to win cash prizes. Chattanooga, TN – Klear Digital announced today the first-ever “Bill Dance Giant Bass Open” will take place at Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tennessee on October 21 and 22.

The application period for the 2023-24 season-long (Tier 1) duck blinds is open now and will close July 19 at 11:59 p.m. (CDT). Results will be available on your GoOutdoors account, released via email, and announced at in-person events on August 5. All applications must be submitted through www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Check out the website for complete information. Reminders: Only those who hold a resident license may apply.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is now soliciting comments on the proposed 2023-24 hunting season regulations that were presented at the March meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about the proposed hunting regulations with TWRA staff. A public comment period on the proposals will be open until April 12. The proposals can be viewed on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With guests soon arriving for the grand affair, the Tennessee River’s table is set for peak potential as a field of 55 anglers make their final preparations for the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota. Competition days will be March 24-26 with daily takeoffs from Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville at 7:15 a.m. ET and weigh-ins each day at Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus.

GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to return to Kentucky and Barkley lakes, next week, April 20-22, for the second event of the season in the Toyota Series Prairie Division – the Toyota Series at Kentucky and Barkley Lakes Presented by Jenko Fishing .

Check your county for season opener date as some are later this year. Spring Turkey hunting is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family and friends, and put some food on the table. Here are a few things to know before you head to the woods this year. A combination hunting and fishing license, plus a supplemental big game license, or a sportsman license is required. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to renew your hunting and fishing license(s).