I would like to formally introduce myself. While some of you may already be acquainted with me, others might have only seen me passing. My name is Jacob Adames Tilley, though my family and friends commonly address me as Adam.
Clarence Dies has nominated me to run for the TFHA office of president, which I accept. I’m a native of Blount County for 47 years and have been married to Melissa for 27 years. We have three sons and two grandchildren. My professional background includes being a retired lead gunsmith, with credentials as a logistics specialist, and firearms instructor. I have served various organizations including the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, Tennessee Department of Safety, Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and other federal, state, local law enforcement departments, as well as several firearms manufacturers.
For 37 years, I have been involved in hunting and trapping, developing a keen interest in firearms. Since 2003, I have been a hunter education and trapper education instructor with TWRA, teaching or assisting numerous classes across regions 1, 3, and 4. I have been fortunate, having TFHA hall of fame trappers as mentors, along with attending the Fur Takers of America Trappers College, where Gary Jepson was my instructor. Currently, I serve on the instructor staff at the Trappers College, working alongside some of the top trappers in America and Canada. Additionally, I am a Tenn. Department of Agriculture Honeybee Health Inspector and hold a license as a full-time professional wildlife control agent in Tennessee. In 2023, Doug McKenzie transferred ownership of Predator Management Solutions to me, a professional wildlife control company operating in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi since 2009.
Knowing a little about my experiences, I respectfully request your support and vote in the upcoming election. For your convenience, I have attached a membership form. Please ensure you sign up by August 1, 2025, to be eligible to vote.
https://www.tennesseefurharvesters.com/membership I am aware of what the association is capable of and remember the days when we had a large, active membership. The trapping community has evolved, with both positive and negative changes. There is a generation of trappers who may not fully appreciate the values and common bonds we share. The fellowship experienced during our rendezvous events, the value of live demonstrations, and the wealth of knowledge provided by seasoned trappers are invaluable aspects of our association.
I encourage all past and current TFHA members to actively participate in the association by voting for officers, attending meetings, volunteering time, and donating to preserve, educate, and contribute to legislation efforts. Historically, trappers have been judged, evaluated, mentored, and educated in ethical wildlife management by the veteran trappers.
Unfortunately, our past and current TFHA leadership has neglected their leadership duties, allowed inexperienced trappers into leadership positions, resulting in detrimental consequences for the association. As a result, we have lost senior members along with a decrease in new member recruitment, damaged our reputation for integrity, and strained relationships with TWRA staff that led to losing a training venue in 2024. I am committed to strengthening our relationship with TWRA and fostering a positive public perception of trappers as educated, ethical wild fur harvesters.
Furthermore, I aim to create new training opportunities for all Tennessee trappers and will engage with other trapping groups in Tennessee to promote inclusion and mutual support.
The National Trappers Association and Fur Takers of America serve as exemplary models, uniting the entire trapping community while retaining their individual identities. Together, they share the purpose of protecting, preserving, and educating the public on sound wildlife management principles. Similarly, I intend to work towards unifying efforts within our state for the betterment of
our association and the Tennessee trapping community. I have always quietly served in the background, but now I am willing to serve in a more visible role if you choose. This association belongs to each of us, and your voice and vote can make a meaningful impact.
For those attending this year's conventions, you will find me at the NTA and FTA national conventions, specifically at the FTA Trappers College booth. Additionally, I will be presenting a demonstration at the FTA rendezvous. Regarding TFHA events, I plan to attend the District 5 meet and our annual meet. Regrettably, I will be unable to attend the Region 1 & 2 meeting due to my commitments at the FTA Trappers College. Please feel free to visit; I look forward to meeting and conversing with you. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Together, we can preserve and keep our heritage alive.
https://www.tennesseefurharvesters.com/membership
