Tragedy at Mona Boat Ramp.

[JKTrevecca]

http://wkrn.com/2015/10/16/authorities-respond-to-shooting-in-smyrna/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaya...3/?pnref=story

We are collecting for the family of Greg and to raise the reward money for any information leading to arrests.

Donations can be made via Paypal to:
kayakanglersforacause@gmail.com

Kayak Anglers For A Cause will be hosting a benefit tournament, BBQ sales, and donation booth to raise money for Greg Hawkins family and for reward for any information leading to arrests.

6:30am - 1am
Saturday November 7th.
Murfreesboro Outdoors
2204 NW Broad Street Murfreesboro, TN 37129

The tournament is a catch photo and release tournament like most kayak tournaments boats, and kayaks will be allowed to fish the tournament. Any public water on the Stones River or Percy Priest will be legal fishing waters. Black bass 3 fish 12" minimum.

Donations and BBQ sandwiches will take place at Murfreesboro Outdoors. 100% of the sandwich sales will go toward the reward.

Even if you're not a tournament fisherman, or not interested in fishing the tournament please come out and show your support.

[notorious]

http://wkrn.com/2015/10/16/authorities-respond-to-shooting-in-smyrna/
Damm, be prepared to defend yourself in this day and time!

[StriperFan]

I was coming down 840 and saw an EMS truck with its sirens on pulling a trailer with a 4 wheeler just before the hwy 266 exit and thought it probably wasn't good. Worse than I thought. They really need to catch these guys.

[GO-OKFISHIN]

That sucks. We are officially now a big city. Could of have been any of us being a victim. I would prefer this post be renamed though. JMO.

[Heiny57]

That is horrible.

[XxthejuicexX]

Be ever vigilant and aware of your surroundings. I carry a gun everywhere. Not sure if it would have helped if they get the jump on you.

[JDH8504]

It's crazy that there aren't cameras installed at the boat launches. The ramp is where people have a whole bunch of valuables with them at one time and it's secluded from public view. I mean c'mon...DUH

[tennarl]

I've never put in at Mona. Been fishing Priest at multiple locales for going on five years and have never seen or had a problem. I admit, every time I pull up to a ramp, you get a somewhat helpless feeling meaning if someone really wants to do something bad, they pretty much will be able to pull it off. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer the ramps with more people, cars, etc. Seems like the ones that are isolated are more attractive to those looking to cause harm.

1. Fate Sanders Rec - Lots of people partying, fishing from shore, rarely more than 4 or 5 fishing boats.

2. Stewart Creek - I quit using it, always a line to get in and out of water.

3. Jefferson - Used it a couple times, spacious, wide open.

4. Poole Knob - Probably the one I use the most and unfortunately, the one that seems the most likely for crime given its layout and out-of-the-way location.

5. Smith Springs - Lots of people, rec area close by -- probably a bad thing.

I've never used Lamar -- too far out of the way for someone coming from the west. Smith is the closest mileage-wise from Franklin though I only use it in fall when the smallmouth get shallow.

[jprism]

Always carry a gun.

If you put up to a ramp, people are milling around and it does not feel right leave and come back later or go somewhere else.

Stay safe

[TNBronzeback]

Mines like american express....never leave home without it!
totally concealed, partially, or full exposure, its always within reach. Just having it visible in SOME situations might be enough to make some people re-think thier harmful intent.
Thats my logic atleast.
Sad story none the less though.

[Heiny57]

I've never put in at Mona. Been fishing Priest at multiple locales for going on five years and have never seen or had a problem. I admit, every time I pull up to a ramp, you get a somewhat helpless feeling meaning if someone really wants to do something bad, they pretty much will be able to pull it off. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer the ramps with more people, cars, etc. Seems like the ones that are isolated are more attractive to those looking to cause harm.

1. Fate Sanders Rec - Lots of people partying, fishing from shore, rarely more than 4 or 5 fishing boats.

2. Stewart Creek - I quit using it, always a line to get in and out of water.

3. Jefferson - Used it a couple times, spacious, wide open.

4. Poole Knob - Probably the one I use the most and unfortunately, the one that seems the most likely for crime given its layout and out-of-the-way location.

5. Smith Springs - Lots of people, rec area close by -- probably a bad thing.

I've never used Lamar -- too far out of the way for someone coming from the west. Smith is the closest mileage-wise from Franklin though I only use it in fall when the smallmouth get shallow.
Hamilton creek is fastest from Franklin, and there are usually some fisherman there.

[Gone fishing]

Hamilton creek is fastest from Franklin, and there are usually some fisherman there.



I put in at Hamilton a lot because it's usually the least busy and I've never have had a problem there. It does concern me when I come back after dark because they don't even have a dang light there anymore. There's generally a couple cars doing lord knows what but I've had no problems. I do always keep my problem solver with me though just in case.

[XxthejuicexX]

Mines like american express....never leave home without it!
totally concealed, partially, or full exposure, its always within reach. Just having it visible in SOME situations might be enough to make some people re-think thier harmful intent.
Thats my logic atleast.
Sad story none the less though.


A lot of the times when I am on the lake I have it holstered outside the shirt, just more comfortable when carrying a full size M&P. When I'm feeling froggy I slide the 32 round mag in, no hiding it then :) . In public I like it concealed, walking to my truck at a boat ramp I think having it exposed could deter some people from making bad decisions.

[Paincave]

But having it exposed could just let them re-think their approach. It could go from a "hold up at gun point" and take what they can get and leave to "shoot to kill" and take what they want. Lots of variables in each scenerio.

[thehick176]

Leave it exposed and take your chances. The cowards that rob and steal are usually looking for an easy fix.
When they see that 45 reflect light, they will probably just pull away.

[Krogers79]

This could have been any one of us. Its extremely sad when I have to explain to my 7 year old son that a fisherman was shot in front of our subdivision where he and I have fished numerous times. I feel for the daughter that was with him...knowing that her dad was gunned down by a damn coward that was too damn lazy to work for his keep.

[TNBronzeback]

A lot of the times when I am on the lake I have it holstered outside the shirt, just more comfortable when carrying a full size M&P. When I'm feeling froggy I slide the 32 round mag in, no hiding it then :) . In public I like it concealed, walking to my truck at a boat ramp I think having it exposed could deter some people from making bad decisions.

I agree! ive pulled up to long hunter late at night and there have been shady folks milling around. Head lamp on scanning around and hand on the equalizer till im in the truck and it stays exposed at the ready till im on my way safe and sound.
Its a tough call depending on the bad peoples mind set:
A) hes got a gun, im not gonna go after him.
B) hes got a gun but i bet im faster, better shot, ect....

[snowman]

I fish Lamar a lot....always try to get out of there before dark. It's out of the way and creepy. Also fish Elm Hill never had any problems there.

[notorious]

This could have been any one of us. Its extremely sad when I have to explain to my 7 year old son that a fisherman was shot in front of our subdivision where he and I have fished numerous times. I feel for the daughter that was with him...knowing that her dad was gunned down by a damn coward that was too damn lazy to work for his keep.

First I've heard about his daughter being present, nice to know there was a witness now so they can catch those scumbags.

[agelesssone]

Vivrette Creek ramp has some pretty sketchy characters there late at night and before daylight.
I switched to 7 Points. It has good lighting, big parking g lot and only a FEW sketchy characters.
But I still practice total situational awareness and take nothing for granted.
If there are non fishermen around, hand is on the heater. (Pistol for the unknowing)

[Ghost5]

One reason I use Hurricane Creek. Cops roll through there all night long and I can see all the parking lot from the water. I stopped using the lower end ramps a long time ago.

[Headhunter]

Very few ramps on Priest are safe. A group of people was busted at seven points, they had someone hide at the entrance, the purpose was they could call and warn their buddies who were robbing whatever they could from vehicles in the parking lot. Hamilton Creek is bad, maybe on a weekend day in the summer, no other time. Lamar Hill is fairly safe in the summer.

Absolutely no way (nor have I ever) would I leave my vehicle at Poole knobs, Mona, Fall Creek, Cooks, Jefferson Springs, West Fork, Hamilton Creek, the ramp that is now for use at Elm Hill, Bryant Grove, Long Hunter, Seven Points, Smith Springs, and maybe one or 2 others on a weekday or during the fall and winter. All you are doing is asking for someone to break into your vehicle, sorry that is the way it is. Fate Sanders, Four corners, hurricane creek and yacht club is it for me. Of course, always carry.

[tkwalker]

I worked with Greg Hawkins for 21 years before I retired from Nissan. He was a heck of a nice guy, Very considerate, soft spoken and never had anything bad to say about anyone .... He will be missed... <'TK><

[tsuggs]

Unfortunately this will only worsen as our county's population continues to explode.Better to have the peashooter as to not.I pray the family will find justice

[TNPaddleBass]

I worked with Greg Hawkins for 21 years before I retired from Nissan. He was a heck of a nice guy, Very considerate, soft spoken and never had anything bad to say about anyone .... He will be missed... <'TK><


Then you have to know my dad...Roy G.

Gregg was my dad's best friend. My sister and I grew up with his daughters. That man taught me more about bass fishing than I ever realized. Daddy sent me out with him one day and I wasn't allowed to fish with anything but a jig. Apparently it was a teaching of patience or something. I'm not sure. But man, that day is one I'll never EVER forget. That's been 15 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. First jig fish ever came in his boat up in Viverett Creek. First bass boat I ever drove was his old (new then) Hydra Sport...first time I used a left-handed baitcaster...I'm proud to have known him.

[commdd]

So sorry for your loss!

[jad2t]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned one of the more obvious problems here. Sure, I'm a supporter of the 2nd and believe everyone should own firearms to protect themselves and their family but don't we pay people through our taxes to assist in that task? You know, the police. The police that we see set up in speed traps on every highway in the state. Posted up there all day, all night, handing out tickets like Halloween candy. Would you all agree they would be doing us a much greater service if they were posted up at these boat ramps to deter criminals from making them their personal robbing/drug dealing grounds?

[TNBronzeback]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned one of the more obvious problems here. Sure, I'm a supporter of the 2nd and believe everyone should own firearms to protect themselves and their family but don't we pay people through our taxes to assist in that task? You know, the police. The police that we see set up in speed traps on every highway in the state. Posted up there all day, all night, handing out tickets like Halloween candy. Would you all agree they would be doing us a much greater service if they were posted up at these boat ramps to deter criminals from making them their personal robbing/drug dealing grounds?
I totally agree and understand that!
And not to be a negative guy on that note, but im sure the police would come back and say we cant patrol everywhere all the time, and let the corps patrole it, or the corp would say well we arent law enforcement....i could see it being alot of back and forth while nothing gets done.
More lights at the ramps would be good at night but people would shoot em out or break em or something.
I would LOVE to see all ramps go to a pay system. Yearly fee of X amount to have somebody in a little booth checking for the yearly pass or a daily pass. Ofcourse that would leave night fisherman S.O.L. but it would be a start. Ive proposed just that to the people at Long Hunter dozens of times for just that reason....security, lights, ramp upkeep, parking lot repaving, ect. And they have agreed with me, but no movement is ever taken. I would gladly spend $50 a year for a pass for ramp access on these lakes IF the proper entities are managing them and managing them properly.
I would love to fish the cumberland Access points more but its lack of ramps in decent areas is a big deterant for me. So far long hunter has been OK for me so i will keep using that ramp and use more boat gas to get me where i want to go on the water. But others here have had problems at that ramp as well, so its a crap shoot of sorts.

[metaniumxg]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned one of the more obvious problems here. Sure, I'm a supporter of the 2nd and believe everyone should own firearms to protect themselves and their family but don't we pay people through our taxes to assist in that task? You know, the police. The police that we see set up in speed traps on every highway in the state. Posted up there all day, all night, handing out tickets like Halloween candy. Would you all agree they would be doing us a much greater service if they were posted up at these boat ramps to deter criminals from making them their personal robbing/drug dealing grounds?

Sadly in my eyes the police are more interested in generating revenue instead of focusing on real crimes and prevention. The real money is not catching real criminals but to write thousands of tckets a week with multiple violations to the average law abiding tax paying citizen. I remember a couple of years ago reading that Metro keeps breaking their record in fines year after year. They have a huge new police station in Madison and brand new cruisers with all the latest gear and we are all paying for that. Pressure needs to be put on the mayor and chief of police through the media.

[jad2t]

Sadly in my eyes the police are more interested in generating revenue instead of focusing on real crimes and prevention. The real money is not catching real criminals but to write thousands of tckets a week with multiple violations to the average law abiding tax paying citizen. I remember a couple of years ago reading that Metro keeps breaking their record in fines year after year. They have a huge new police station in Madison and brand new cruisers with all the latest gear and we are all paying for that. Pressure needs to be put on the mayor and chief of police through the media.

That's exactly my point. It would be nice if they'd spend less time hitting people via speed traps and more time watching out for actual crimes The type of thing that happened at Mona can possibly be avoided.

[StriperFan]

A friend of mines house got broken into a couple of weeks ago and some of his stuff got stolen, including a knife set his grandpa had passed down to him and his son's piggy bank, among other things. The police told him they wouldn't look for finger prints and probably wouldn't solve it. The same thing they told me when my truck got broken into. Those criminals didn't know that nobody was in the house. I think they should finger print any break in, vandalism, or other stolen property. I believe there is a small percentage of hardened criminals committing the majority of these crimes. And when they go bad, someone dies. Then they fingerprint. Priorities are not right. Now I'm just rambling...

[notorious]

I totally agree and understand that!
And not to be a negative guy on that note, but im sure the police would come back and say we cant patrol everywhere all the time, and let the corps patrole it, or the corp would say well we arent law enforcement....i could see it being alot of back and forth while nothing gets done.
More lights at the ramps would be good at night but people would shoot em out or break em or something.
I would LOVE to see all ramps go to a pay system. Yearly fee of X amount to have somebody in a little booth checking for the yearly pass or a daily pass. Ofcourse that would leave night fisherman S.O.L. but it would be a start. Ive proposed just that to the people at Long Hunter dozens of times for just that reason....security, lights, ramp upkeep, parking lot repaving, ect. And they have agreed with me, but no movement is ever taken. I would gladly spend $50 a year for a pass for ramp access on these lakes IF the proper entities are managing them and managing them properly.
I would love to fish the cumberland Access points more but its lack of ramps in decent areas is a big deterant for me. So far long hunter has been OK for me so i will keep using that ramp and use more boat gas to get me where i want to go on the water. But others here have had problems at that ramp as well, so its a crap shoot of sorts.


At one time, there was a user fee at Long Hunter ramp in fact it was in any state park, as I recall purchasing a yearly pass and it hung on my mirror. During that time crime did significantly decrease at least at Long Hunter. I believe the access fee did not last but a year before being receded.

I do agree for a fee access at JPP, Corps of Engineers or State Park level, at least a few ramps for evening users with the proceeds supporting security.

[Halli]

Sadly in my eyes the police are more interested in generating revenue instead of focusing on real crimes and prevention. The real money is not catching real criminals but to write thousands of tckets a week .


There is a Traffic div and a Patrol/and Ect div. each has there job unless something happens incourse or the other.

[JDH8504]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12140775_982485285125857_6395287125459207609_n.jpg ?oh=4064ee474604e7e3a03a23d2c845f171&oe=5686BFDE

Do you think she even reads this kind of stuff?

[JeffsLowe]

Good grief.

It's not up to that libtard Barry to charge men for the "privilege" of launching from a state or corp ramp in another county. Nor do I expect the cops to sit around all day at a boat ramp . Nor will I travel to a "safer" ramp because I am afraid of "criminals". If my truck gets broke into or stuff or if somebody threatens me or my family I will deal with it.

Grow a pair, Carry a gun. Be responsible for your own safety.

Its just sad what has happened to men in this country.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8pJBCCrZl8

[JDH8504]

Good grief.

It's not up to that libtard Barry to charge men for the "privilege" of launching from a state or corp ramp in another county. Nor do I expect the cops to sit around all day at a boat ramp . Nor will I travel to a "safer" ramp because I am afraid of "criminals". If my truck gets broke into or stuff or if somebody threatens me or my family I will deal with it.

Grow a pair, Carry a gun. Be responsible for your own safety.

Its just sad what has happened to men in this country.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8pJBCCrZl8

I mean, you can keep telling yourself that carrying your piece is the catch-all solution to your own security but if you honestly think that's the answer you are sorely mistaken. I do agree that having it on me will help my chances if bad things go down, but I also know that more often than not they don't catch the people that steal your things. And if I happen to find myself in a situation where I'm pitted up against an armed criminal, odds are about 50/50 on who is going to win. I don't care if you're the fastest draw this side of the Mississippi...bad guy already has the gun drawn and his lack of regard for his own useless life emboldens him to shoot first and ask no questions.

Here's an idea...let's just shut the MNPD down altogether. Send 'em home, get every law-abiding citizen a sidearm and let's get to sorting them out ourselves. I mean, the wild west wasn't so bad right? You got to live a good 30 or 35 years back then.

I don't think that there is any need to be condescending toward "men in this country". I'm perfectly capable of defending myself and fully support everyone's right to bear arms. That doesn't mean I think we shouldn't do things to make it safer for folks who may not feel the same way. Just because our opinions might differ doesn't mean that person should just stop boating/fishing and leave the ramp for us "cowboys".

[Reel Tune]

I believe in carrying, my wife and I do, but drawing a weapon is not something I want to have to do. What I think is better is safety in numbers. Everybody wants to go fishing right? So next time you're about to go by yourself give someone a call, send a text, or email and invite them to come along. Hey, I like fishing from a boat when I get the chance:)

I host tournaments at these ramps, and having our presence there is good, but of the 10 tournaments we hosted last year we only saw 1 police officer, and 0 TWRA Agents.

Lighting and cameras would be nice as most of these parking lots are not lit, but that would also cost money for electricity and maintenance.

[SalmonDaze]

Been meaning to get my CC since moving to TN. Will be at The Gun Room in Lebanon this Saturday to get that out of the way. When the State clears the rest of the paperwork; I'll be carrying.

I hate carrying while fishing (and won't be). I will be carrying when I'm retrieving the rig. However, I have no desire to confront any thugs, just deter; I will not have a weapon concealed. Holstered and obvious in FRONT.

[Krogers79]

I agree with MidTNKayakAngler. Safety is in numbers. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings in all situations. A concealed carry does you no good if you put yourself in a very bad situation. I don't know what happened at the Mona ramp that day, but I am sure there may be things that we can all learn from when the details come out. On more than one occasion I have instructed my partner where to park the truck so there are no vulnerable spots when approaching. This may sound overly paranoid, but being someone that has had to draw their carry weapon...that is not a position I ever want to be in again. On that day, I put myself in a bad situation and almost had to fight my way out of it. Luckily the barrel of a pistol shoved in his face was enough deterrent.

[TNPaddleBass]

From the police perspective (yes, I am)...


Jimmy, you live in Rutherford County and pay RuCo taxes, right? Would you like a tax increase to better afford more deputies, cars, and equipment? No? Neither do your (and my) neighbors. That's what it all boils down to. Even then, there's no possible way to be able to put enough units on the roads to deter every single crime. Also, those DUI checkpoints are Federally funded through grants for the OT. Which you still pay for, but you pay Uncle Sam who then gives it back to the locals.

Sure, we can point the finger at RCSO for not patrolling during broad daylight at a secluded boat ramp. But is that the county's responsibility or TWRA? Or the CoE? But would it help? No. Look at Jefferson Springs. RCSO patrols there every night, but the shady crap still goes on because it's IMPOSSIBLE to be at every square inch of the county at a given time.

Sure, we can say that Gregg exercising his 2nd Amendment rights might have helped. In his situation, it wouldn't have mattered one way or the other. He still would have been shot and he'd still be dead. Kinda hard to draw on a guy who already had his gun in his hand.






We can all MMQB every bit of this, but instead of focusing on what "could" have happened, why not put your efforts to good use and join us in a benefit tournament on Nov. 7 to raise reward money so maybe someone might be a little more interested in turning in a cold-blooded killer? Let's face it, $1000 isn't enough money for someone to put their life on the line by snitching out a murderer, is it?


Tournament info can be found HERE. (https://www.facebook.com/events/835986123183400/)

[jad2t]

No, I would not like a tax increase and never said that I would want one. I would, however, like my tax dollars to be put to better use by having cops patrol places where actual crimes are happening instead of setting up at speed traps handing out speeding tickets. 60 mph for a "work zone" with zero construction workers and a cop is posted up 100 ft downstream of the 60mph sign after we've all been driving 70+ for miles. We've all seen it. That's the easy way to generate revenue, I get it. It doesn't mean I like it though.

Also, I intend to fish that tournament and make a side donation to this cause. I believe if we get enough of a reward someone will snitch out this animal and put him behind bars where he belongs. If you can't behave like a civilized human, you don't deserve to exist among us that do.

And please don't take my comment about boat ramps/speed traps personally, I am absolutely in no way a cop hater. I don't want you to think otherwise since you may wind up meeting me at the tournament. I know you all have had a target placed on your backs due to recent events and I don't agree with it at all. I treat every cop I meet with respect and have never had issue with them but it's hard not to be a bit disturbed to see SO MANY patrolling speed trap infested interstates but almost never see one at a boat ramp where everyone knows crimes are committed almost daily. Mostly vehicle break ins.

[tkwalker]

Great thread after a heartbreaking story of a friend . There were some great points brought up Pros and con on what should be done or what someone else should do.

I learned many years ago, That I had control of my life and Destiney, even in the Military you still have control. One has to push the envelope sometimes to get things done and not depend on others so much. This is true when it comes to you and your families personal safety.

In this case Like TNPADDLEBASS Stated about Gregg is that it is hard to defend against a drawn gun unless you had a suspicion of the environment and situation. I ran into a similar situation at Bettys' Island on the Caney, fortunately I was armed and avoided a confrontation that could have ended very deadly.

A Key point here is always be aware of your environment especially around boat ramps. I think everyone pretty much checks it out when you drive up in a car, but rarely check it from a boat when returning.

Things that I do personally, I never leave home with out a weapon. One of the two pictured below and sometimes both. For me everything depends on some of these conditions. Weather, Time of year, clothing, activities, indoor or out doors or both . This way you are ready to defend against Man or Beast or Slithery things .. In the military as well as law enforcement you must stay qualified with your weapon ... As a private citzen I personally qualify three or four times a year, remember you are responsible for that bullet when it leaves your muzzle.

Always be prepared always scan your environment whether it be Walmart or Hardee's ... I never Carry anything in my dominant hand it is always free.

I can't make the Tourney but have sent in a donation. If you can help out for a worthy cause please do, It is the first sticky at the top of the forum page.

Thanks ... <'TK><:o

[JDH8504]

Everybody just wants the answers, or to have the answer for these types of situations. The truth is that there is no perfect answer. Carrying your sidearm will help you in some cases, cameras would deter would-be criminals for the threat of getting caught, etc. But no individual or any combination of these solutions will completely end the threat, because there are people who flat-out don't give a rat's ass about their own or anyone else's life.

I hope that the perp is caught and I hope they nail his ass to the wall. A family is missing their Husband and Father right now, and all for doing what he loves without the (apparently necessary) fear for his well-being. Shame.

[Headhunter]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12140775_982485285125857_6395287125459207609_n.jpg ?oh=4064ee474604e7e3a03a23d2c845f171&oe=5686BFDE

Do you think she even reads this kind of stuff?

I disagree with this letter. 6 am to 6 pm way wrong. Where did those hours come from? paying to use a publicly paid for ramp, only if security, 24/7, of some type is provided. This letter is not the way to go about asking for help.

[Headhunter]

At one time, there was a user fee at Long Hunter ramp in fact it was in any state park, as I recall purchasing a yearly pass and it hung on my mirror. During that time crime did significantly decrease at least at Long Hunter. I believe the access fee did not last but a year before being receded.

I do agree for a fee access at JPP, Corps of Engineers or State Park level, at least a few ramps for evening users with the proceeds supporting security.

Only if ADEQUATE security is provided, 24/7.

[JDH8504]

I disagree with this letter. 6 am to 6 pm way wrong. Where did those hours come from? paying to use a publicly paid for ramp, only if security, 24/7, of some type is provided. This letter is not the way to go about asking for help.

I pulled those out of my rear, so to speak. I know of other states where they do this to have people in the gate shack during daylight hours to help people buy permits, among other things. It's not really about the details at this point. Something or rather anything is a step above nothing at this point. And as of Monday, she (or maybe someone who manages the FB account) did read what I wrote.

Many states require access passes to use ramps built with public money. Why? To pay for more DNR officers to patrol, video surveillance in parking lots, etc. This letter may not be the most efficient way to ask for help, but it's something and that's all that matters at this point. I ain't running for office or writing a damn senate bill here. I'm sure the particulars will be handled by a committee of appointed officials if they ever do decide to do something.

[TNPaddleBass]

I pulled those out of my rear, so to speak. I know of other states where they do this to have people in the gate shack during daylight hours to help people buy permits, among other things. It's not really about the details at this point. Something or rather anything is a step above nothing at this point. And as of Monday, she (or maybe someone who manages the FB account) did read what I wrote.

Many states require access passes to use ramps built with public money. Why? To pay for more DNR officers to patrol, video surveillance in parking lots, etc. This letter may not be the most efficient way to ask for help, but it's something and that's all that matters at this point. I ain't running for office or writing a damn senate bill here. I'm sure the particulars will be handled by a committee of appointed officials if they ever do decide to do something.



The problem with this is, it only covers Davidson County, the lower half of the lake. Even then, Mayor Berry is too far left. She'd be more apt to take away ALL access instead of making it safer.

Realistically folks, TWRA can't even get the illegals when they exceed their creel limits, much less be around to thwart hard crime. How many times have we seen those complaints on here, yet nothing changes? JPP dam, Center Hill dam, Nice Mill dam, Walter Hill dam (and that's Murfreesboro City)...


Jimmy, I look forward to meeting you (if we haven't already). I'm the girl that doesn't exactly fit the "girl" stereotype with the yellow Coosa. I'm always wearing a Clemson ball cap and either a 412 Bait Co or Tailwater Marine shirt.



I wish there was a solution, answers, anything at this point...SOMETHING tangible.

[tsuggs]

Great thread after a heartbreaking story of a friend . There were some great points brought up Pros and con on what should be done or what someone else should do.

I learned many years ago, That I had control of my life and Destiney, even in the Military you still have control. One has to push the envelope sometimes to get things done and not depend on others so much. This is true when it comes to you and your families personal safety.

In this case Like TNPADDLEBASS Stated about Gregg is that it is hard to defend against a drawn gun unless you had a suspicion of the environment and situation. I ran into a similar situation at Bettys' Island on the Caney, fortunately I was armed and avoided a confrontation that could have ended very deadly.
A Key point here is always be aware of your environment especially around boat ramps. I think everyone pretty much checks it out when you drive up in a car, but rarely check it from a boat when returning.

Things that I do personally, I never leave home with out a weapon. One of the two pictured below and sometimes both. For me everything depends on some of these conditions. Weather, Time of year, clothing, activities, indoor or out doors or both . This way you are ready to defend against Man or Beast or Slithery things .. In the military as well as law enforcement you must stay qualified with your weapon ... As a private citzen I personally qualify three or four times a year, remember you are responsible for that bullet when it leaves your muzzle.

Always be prepared always scan your environment whether it be Walmart or Hardee's ... I never Carry anything in my dominant hand it is always free.

I can't make the Tourney but have sent in a donation. If you can help out for a worthy cause please do, It is the first sticky at the top of the forum page.

Thanks ... <'TK><:o

Nice heaters TK,I've always been a revolver guy myself!!