Digging Up Bones: Celebrating 40 Years of a Fisheries Legend

Tennessee WildCast

Carbon Score: 8

Join us on this special episode of Tennessee WildCast as we celebrate Darrell "Bones" Bernd and his well-deserved TWRA Fisheries Division Lifetime Achievement Award. With retirement just days away on December 31, Bones stops by to reflect on more than 40 years of service with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. From his start in 1984 mowing grass at Bedford Lake to building early electrofishing equipment and working on the streams and reservoirs of Middle Tennessee, Bones shares stories of a career dedicated to fisheries management. He discusses the remarkable biodiversity of Tennessee waters—home to over 300 fish species, with the Duck River system among the most diverse in the world—and how the state has changed from rural to increasingly urban landscapes. Bones touches on advancements in technology, from basic generators to modern tools using DNA and data, and how these help TWRA adapt to growing challenges like development and water use. Along the way, he offers insights into the agency's evolution and the teamwork that has always defined it. This thoughtful conversation is a tribute to Bones' contributions and a look at the ongoing efforts to protect Tennessee's aquatic resources. Tune in to hear his experiences and perspectives. Whether you're an angler, outdoor enthusiast, or interested in conservation, this episode offers something for everyone. We hope you'll join us! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.

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