The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has taken decisive steps to structure wildlife and boating regulations, with the unanimous passage of wildlife proclamations and the institution of a permanent rule for boating safety exams, as reported in a recent meeting recap from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The commission's recent decision, outlined in the TWRA news release, repeals and replaces certain licensing provisions established at its April gathering. The first proclamation focuses on wildlife management areas (WMAs), public hunting areas (PHAs), and refuges, mandating specific WMA license types for various game categories. Licenses affected include the WMA Small Game Permit, WMA Big Game Permit, and the WMA Non-Quota Big Game Permit, with the additional requirement of a Reelfoot Preservation Permit when pertinent. The second proclamation reinstates "Big Game" in the title of the said WMA Permit for clarity and consistency.
Additionally, the Commission has enacted a permanent boating safety regulation aligning with new legislation that abolishes the need for proctored exams. The initial temporary emergency ruling, introduced in April, has now been made permanent. The permanent rule outlines fees associated with boating safety, setting a $10 fee for the Boating Safety Exam Permit and a $5 fee for any replacements. Licensing agents, ranging from TWRA Region Offices to the TWRA online portal, are tapped for distribution.
