Charlie Daniels video promotes TWRA

Charlie Daniels isn’t just fiddling around when he says he enjoys the outdoors.

The country music star and Mt. Juliet resident recently taped a public-service announcement for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that is airing on Nashville TV stations Fox 17 and WUXP 30 during Southeastern Conference baskeball telecasts.

The video, which can be viewed on the internet (Charlie Daniels TWRA promo), will be used to create radio Public Service Announcements that will be aired statewide. Other outlets will air spots as the year progresses.

“The greatest thing my dad ever did for me was take me hunting and fishing,” Daniels says in the video. “It’s stuff I never will forget. We’ve got great hunting and fishing here in Tennessee – it doesn’t get any better than this. Get out and make some melodies that will last a lifetime.”

Daniels was recruited to do the video by Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commissioner James Stroud. Stroud worked with Daniels as a record producer and the two remain close friends.

Daniels is one of Tennessee’s most popular public figures. TWRA expects the video to attract positive attention to the Agency and help promote such topics as boating safety, the importance of taking youngsters hunting and fishing, and the benefits of purchasing licenses to support wildlife in the state.

“We are thrilled to have Charlie Daniels help promote the fabulous wildlife and fishing opportunities we have here in our state,” says Don King, TWRA Chief of Information and Education, who assisted with the video’s production.

King says Daniels’ comment about it “don’t get any better than this” was unscripted.

 “I couldn’t have said it any better than when Charlie ad-libbed it,” King says. “We live in Tennessee, and for outdoorsmen it doesn’t get any better than this.”

Daniels has been active in the music industry since the 1950’s and is nationally known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is especially famous for his sizzling fiddle playing.

In January Daniels celebrated the 5^th anniversary of his induction into the Grand Old Opry.

When not preforming, Daniels divides his time between his farm in Mt. Juliet and a second home in Colorado.

Daniels is one of a number of celebrities who have taped public-service announces for the TWRA in support of hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation.

One popular video was done by former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer, a native Tennessean who, like Daniels, explained how much the outdoors has always meant to him.

“It is a heart-felt endorsement,” Fulmer said at the time. “I’ve always enjoyed spending as much time outdoors as possible – it’s a great escape from the stress of daily life.

“I’ve always thought that the TWRA does a tremendous job of managing our natural resources here in Tennessee. It’s something I care about very much, and I’m glad to offer my support every way I can.”