After a one year absence, this is very welcome news for regional deer hunters. Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP) is now accepting applications for eight white-tailed deer hunts to be held on the installation during the upcoming 2008 hunting season.

The installation cancelled all hunts during the 2007 season because it was unable to meet new security and safety requirements prior to the start of the 2007 hunting season. Due to these new requirements, hunters who apply for the 2008 HSAAP hunts should be aware that there will be several changes to the installation's hunting program beginning this year.

One significant change is that all hunters who hunt on the plant, regardless of their age, will now have to show proof that they have completed a hunter safety training class. In addition, all hunters who are selected for one of the installation's hunts will be required to obtain a background check from their local police department and provide the results of the check to HSAAP security personnel.

The installation will also be implementing an "earn-a-buck" type program. All HSAAP hunts for which hunters apply and are selected by a random drawing will now be antlerless-only hunts. Hunters, who are successful in harvesting a doe on one of these antlerless-only hunts, will then be automatically awarded a permit for a buck-only hunt that will be held the opening weekend of the rifle season.

Individuals interested in obtaining an application for this year's hunts may call the HSAAP hunting and fishing information line at 423-578-6291 for recorded information on where applications may be picked up locally or for their availability online.

Individuals may also request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the following address: Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Attn: Deer Hunt Information, 4509 West Stone Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660. Parties may also email Bruce Cole, HSAAP Natural Resources Manager, and request an application via email at bruce.cole@us.army.mil. Applications may also be printed off the TWRA Web Page at www.tnwildlife.org.

The Tennessee Commercial Roe Fishermen's Association and Tennessee Commercial Fishermen's Association in Tennessee are suing the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for violations of federal and state laws. The complaint was filed in chancery court in Davidson County and alleges that TWRA is not only operating under an invalid commission but that the method followed by the implementation of a new proclamation is unconstitutional.

In a pres release, the fishermen assert the proclamation, which expresses several new provisions for Tennessee lakes and rivers, is arbitrary and invalid as it contains rules not supported by science or factual basis and violates equal protection guarantees.

"The Proclamation itself is void because it is unconstitutional and invalid under the law," says Jim McKoon, attorney representing the commercial fishermen associations. "Not only did TWRA pass procedures with rules that are not supported, they deprived citizens of due process - the general assembly has declared it to be the policy of the state that decisions such as these are public business and shall not be conducted in secret and yet no public comment is provided for by statute. These rules greatly impact commercial fishers' livelihoods."

Most notably of the Proclamation's provisions, TWRA has closed Watts Bar Reservoir for commercial fishing, citing a Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) advisory on catfish consumption from over 20 years ago. The Tennessee commercial fishing associations assert that not only is this advisory outdated, it only pertains to certain fish.

Fish such as paddlefish - fish that are not listed on the outdated advisory -- can now no longer be harvested from Watts Bar according to TWRA's Proclamation, which the commercial fishermen state will cause a significant drop in Tennessee's commercial fishing industry. TWRA has not closed Watts Bar for sport or recreational fishing, however, violating commercial fishers' equal protection guarantees.

"We (commercial fishermen) would never sell fish that are harmful to the public," said Allen Fine of Leisure Caviar and member of the Tennessee Commercial Roe Fishermen's Association. "But we feel the provisions should be based on scientific fact, and they are not."

Other provisions in the Proclamation include: limiting the season during which paddlefish may be commercially harvested; changing the definitions of fishing equipment that may be used commercially; continuing to prohibit the commercial harvest of hybrid shovelnose sturgeon; prohibiting the use of fyke nets on certain Tennessee reservoirs; and changing the minimum block lengths for paddlefish.

The Tennessee Commercial Roe Fishermen's Association and Tennessee Commercial Fishermen's Association are comprised solely of commercial fishermen, including buyers of commercial fish products.

With American's busiest boating holiday, July 4th, upon us, the waterways will soon be brimming boaters. The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that making a few extra preparations ahead of time will go a long way towards increasing your family's and friend's safety and fun on the water.

Here are ten tips that will help you stay safe this July 4th holiday weekend:

*Put safety into your weekend plan: The Foundation's free Online Boating "Toolbox" at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/Guide has helpful information on trip planning and preparation, boating equipment, emergency preparation, navigation, and quizzes to test your knowledge.

* "Little: guests need life jackets: Everyone wants to be on the boat this holiday weekend, but do you have the right-sized life jacket aboard for any visiting kids? The BoatU.S. Foundation loans children's life jackets for free at over 350 marinas, fuel docks, and other waterfront businesses and boat clubs. To find a location near you go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP.

*Take your time to get home: July 4th is the one time a year many fair-weather boaters - who may rarely navigate in the dark - venture out after the sun goes down. The most reported type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel so it's a good idea to keep your speed down, post an extra lookout, and ensure all your navigation lights work. A spotlight is a must, and you should ensure all safety gear is readily available and life jackets are worn. Be extra vigilant about not running over anchor lines in crowded fireworks viewing areas, and don't take shortcuts in the dark.

*Wear life jackets: Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can happen very quickly, sometimes leaving no time to don a life jacket.

* Don't overload your boat: Resist the urge to invite more friends or family to the fireworks show than what your boat was designed to carry. Heavily loaded small boats, and those with little freeboard such as bass boats, are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action associated with heavy July 4th boating traffic.

* It's a long day: A full day in the sun will increase alcohol's effects on the body, so it's better to wait until you're safely back at the dock or home before breaking out the libations. Also bring lots of water, a VHF radio, and check the weather reports to avoid storms.

*Know how to get back in the boat: A fall overboard can turn into a life-threatening situation pretty quickly, especially for small boats without built-in boarding ladders. The BoatU.S. Foundation recently tested a range of portable boarding ladders, and you may be surprised what they found. To view video of these ladders in boarding tests, or learn which ladder may be best for you, see the Foundation Findings #44 at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation.

*Never run the engine when swimmers are in the water: Raft-ups, or groups of boats tied together in a protected anchorage, is a great way to spend the holiday with fellow boating friends. But you should never run an engine, or a generator for that matter, with swimmers in the water near exhaust ports or props. Even though the boat's transmission may not be in gear, propellers can still rotate, and odorless, colorless carbon monoxide can quickly overcome swimmers.

*Take a local boating safety class: The Foundation has most complete list of boating safety courses taught in communities across the country.

* Cruising offshore? An emergency position indicating rescue beacon (EPIRB) from the BoatU.S. Foundation's EPIRB rental program will give you the margin of safety you need during an offshore passage. These $750 beacons rent for just $40 per week (plus shipping).

The TWRA said the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission approved the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's 2008-09 budget at the TWRC's meeting held June 18. The new budget goes into effect July 1. Due to a decrease in license sales, TWRA has cut the budget $4.7 million or 7.8 percent from fiscal year 2008-09.

The TWRC also passed a motion not to increase TWRA's hunting and fishing license fees for the license year starting in 2009. The licenses are good from March 1 through the end of the following February each year.

Also at the meeting, George Birdwell, Region IV Area 43 boating officer from Greene County, was presented the 2008 Boating Safety Awareness Alcohol Awareness Impact Award.

The TWRC voted to make the proper budget adjustment after TWRA received a $225,000 Federal Endangered Species Grant for the acquisition of the Pearson Cave property in Hawkins County. The 101-plus acres of the property provides habitat for the endangered Gray and Indiana bats.

The TWRC will not meet in July, but will resume its schedule August 20-21. The August meeting will be held at Pickwick Landing State Park.