The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission recently wrapped up its August meeting in Nashville, decisively approving the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's (TWRA) operational budget for the 2026-27 term set to kick off in July 2026. Lined up alongside the financial planning were discussions on hunting seasons for federal lands and a look into the Agency's ongoing marketing endeavors, as detailed in a report by TWRA.
In an effort to streamline hunting periods across various National Wildlife Refuges and federal areas, Joe Benedict, TWRA's Wildlife & Forestry Chief, laid out partner-sought revisions. The aim was to neatly align hunt dates for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as well as the 2027 spring turkey season, a move that had Commissioners nodding in unanimous accord. The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge specifically is to now feature an August (velvet) hunt, running concurrently with the state-sanctioned season, and add a second quota deer gun hunt come early November.
Turning to TWRA's public outreach strategies, Public Relations Director Emily Buck spoke to the commission, offering insight into the marketing campaigns and the Agency's financial health. She underscored the twin objectives: the drive to attract and hold on to anglers and hunters and to boost TWRA's visibility. According to the meeting report, Buck spelled out the plan to elevate participation in hunting, fishing, and boating while working to enhance Agency revenues.
The gathering also dealt with some naming business. General Counsel Torrey Grimes brought forward requests for christening several sites, leading the Commission to sign off on recommendations for Herb Parsons Lake, Duck River, and Elk River accesses. They decided to dub the fishing hub in Fayette County as “Bill Dance Lake at the Herb Parsons Refuge” for clarity and to manage easily the multiple roles of the area. The other sites are set to undergo a due diligence grind before they get their new monikers.
Amid the more routine proceedings, the meet-up paused to acknowledge exemplary service. Davidson County Wildlife Officer Jonathan Mark was distinguished as the Boating Educator of the Year, a prestigious title echoed in familial fashion with Chris Wisecarver, stationed in District 42, respected as the Part-Time Boating Officer of the Year. Meanwhile, two Wildlife Officers, Mike Raleigh and Dusten Moffitt, were decorated with the Boating and Law Enforcement Valor Awards for their gallantry and swift action during critical water rescues in Blount County and under perilous conditions respectively. Closing out the accolades, PR Division's Jason Harmon received the nod from his peers, garnishing the Employee of the Year award for his various roles, including supervising coordinators, hosting Tennessee WildCast, editing for Tennessee Wildlife magazine, and overlooking the Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping guide.
As the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission adjourned, it outlined future spending and operational strategies, emphasizing TWRA’s focus on fiscal stability, wildlife management, and public safety related to hunting and fishing in Tennessee.
