(NASHVILLE) — Representative Timothy Hill (R-Blountville) today announced he is partnering with officials from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to host a town hall discussion on Saturday, September 29 with area hunters related to the upcoming hunting season in Northeast Tennessee.
The town hall will take place at Highlander BBQ, located at 8315 US 19E in Roan Mountain, and will begin at 8:30AM. It provides an opportunity for area hunters to discuss rules and regulations and ask questions related to an upcoming event authorized on private land near the Laurel Fork Bear Reserve in Johnson and Carter Counties.
Local residents have seen an increase in the bear population in recent years. The TWRA roughly estimates that 850-950 bears may now inhabit both Carter and Johnson Counties. These large animals have been frequenting land outside of their federally designated plots, and their increased presence is jeopardizing the safety of citizens, pets, and local farm animals.
Everyone is invited, and Representative Hill and TWRA officials want those interested in participating in the hunt to be well-informed and well-prepared for success.
“With the bear population growth in our communities, we must take appropriate steps to improve safety for our citizens and their animals,” said Representative Hill. “At the same time, our local hunters must be aware of rules and regulations designed to protect certain numbers of the bear population in Northeast Tennessee because they will be hunting in close proximity to our federal bear reserves. This town hall will make certain they have the information they need to participate in a safe, successful hunt without violating federal or state laws.”
For more information about bear hunting regulations in Tennessee, please click here.
Timothy Hill serves as House Majority Whip. He is also a member of the House Calendar & Rules, House Transportation and House Insurance & Banking Committees, as well as the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee. Hill lives in Blountville and represents House District 3, which includes Johnson and part of Carter and Sullivan Counties. He can be reached by email at:Rep.Timothy.Hill@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2050.