Species identification is normally the angler's responsibility; however the TWRA developed the current tooth patch regulation in 1999 to reduce or eliminate confusion over distinguishing spotted bass from largemouth bass, particularly in interactions between wildlife officers and anglers. It was intended to be a convenience to the angler and wildlife officer not an absolute species determining characteristic, hence the use of the word "considered." For enforcement purposes if the fish in question had a tooth patch it would be considered a spotted bass not a largemouth bass. Largemouth bass rarely have a tooth patch (about 1 out of 100-150) so TWRA felt that using this characteristic would help reduce angler-officer conflicts. Smallmouth bass were never part of this distinction because their brown coloration easily distinguishes them from the other two species. Although the wording changed slightly in this year's fishing guide, the regulation is the same now as it was in 1999.
This issue was further complicated this year because of an inaccurate statement on page 38 in the fishing guide that indicated that smallmouth bass do not have a tooth patch. This is not the case in many parts of Tennessee where a tooth patch may be present in smallmouth. The TWRA is asking anglers to ignore the statement regarding a tooth patch in smallmouth bass, to practice ethical angling in regard to creel and length limits, and to use common sense when identifying black bass. The pictures on page 38 of the fishing guide are still accurate - the smallmouth is the brown bass that looks nothing like a spotted or largemouth bass. A smallmouth is a smallmouth, whether it has a tooth patch or not.
Two Adults Charged, Two Juveniles Charged With Wild Turkey Shooting Spree "Reminiscent" Of Market Hunting Days
In what is one of most the flagrant poaching violations in recent memory, two Middle Tennessee adults have been cited with numerous illegal hunting charges after allegedly killing at least a dozen wild turkeys, while in the company of two juvenile hunters, during a weekend hunt open only to sportsmen under 16.
"This is perhaps the most blatant violation of the turkey game laws in recent history," noted Jeff Skelton, an assistant law enforcement supervisor for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. "This is reminiscent of market hunting that took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s when hunters nearly drove the wild turkey into extinction."
Charged is Billy Joe Davidson of Lewisburg and Leonard Williams of Culleoka, who apparently took advantage of Tennessee's annual Young Sportsman hunt and carried two young hunters-one 9 and one 14-on a shooting spree down the Duck River in Maury County, March 22-23.
"We think the poachers killed at least nine turkeys just on Sunday as they motored up and down the Duck River in a 16-foot flat bottom boat, shooting some turkeys off tree limbs that had roosted for the night and using a spotlight to locate others," explained Skelton. "Adults are required to hunt with youngsters during this weekend, but not allowed to do any shooting. Even if they were allowed to shoot, the bag limit is one bird for the entire weekend."
All four of the hunters have been charged with violations.
"The example set by the two adults is a shame by any standards, but we also believe the young hunters have responsibilities for their actions." said Skelton. "We issued a search warrant for Davidson's Lewisburg home after receiving a report from a concerned citizen. The search turned up 12 fresh turkey beards and 13 turkey breasts and other turkey meat."
Charges are numerous, with Davidson being cited with hunting from a watercraft under power, spotlighting game, 10 counts of hunting, killing, possessing, and transporting turkeys in closed season; hunting after legal shooting hours, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Williams will be charged with hunting from a watercraft under power, spotlighting game, nine counts of hunting, killing, possessing and transporting turkeys in close seasons. He will also be charged with hunting after legal shooting hours, and contributing to the delinquency of minors.
The 14 year old is charged with hunting from a watercraft under power, spotlighting game, six counts of exceeding his bag limit, and one count of violating the state's tagging law; shooting after legal shooting hours, and hunting without a wildlife management area permit.
The 9 year old is charged with hunting from a watercraft under power, spotlighting game, violation of the state's tagging law, hunting without a wildlife management area permit, shooting after legal shooting hours, and two counts of exceeding the daily bag limit.
"We appreciate the tip that led to these arrests," said Skelton. "The TWRA and the National Wild Turkey Federation have offered rewards to citizens that report and convict turkey poachers."
In addition to the charges, wildlife officers seized three shotguns, a spotlight, and the flat bottom boat and a 25 horsepower motor. They also seized all of the turkey meat and various turkey parts.
The two adults are scheduled to appear in County General Sessions Court in Mt. Pleasant May 14. The juveniles are scheduled to appear May 28 in Juvenile Court in Columbia.
Helping make the arrests were Skelton, Maury County Wildlife Officers Pam McDonald and Mark Ventura, Marshall County Wildlife Officer Doug Lowery, Giles County Wildlife Officer David Robertson, and Williamson County Wildlife Officer Joe Fortner.
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