The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is set to present their recommendations for the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons at the upcoming Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) meeting. According to the agency's announcement, the meeting will take place April 24-25 at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building in Nashville, with the committee meeting kicking off at 1 p.m. on April 24 and the full commission convening the following day at 9 a.m.
During the March meeting of the Commission, a preview of potential new regulations was provided. Joe Benedict, the Division Chief, will be sharing an overview of the public input received since that March preview. While no changes are being proposed for deer or turkey regulations, the introduction of two new hunting areas, as well as amendments to certain statewide and individual WMA (Wildlife Management Area) regulations, are on the table. Additionally, the Fisheries Division will address a discrepancy previously overlooked in the sportfish proclamation regarding the crappie limit on Lake Halford, which has been corrected to a 20 fish daily creel limit with no more than five exceeding 12 inches per day.
An emergency rule is also in the works by the TWRA, responding to new legislation that abolishes the necessity for proctored boater safety exams. This rule seeks to define the fee structure and method for administering these exams for boaters, thus aligning with the recent legislative changes. The exact details of these proposals and rules will be clarified in the meetings set for the end of April, marking a critical juncture for Tennessee's diverse community of hunters and fishing enthusiasts.
