Newsroom

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. --- Visitors to Laurel Hill Wildlife Management Area should be aware that certain roads and trails will be impacted due to ongoing logging operations.

NASHVILLE --- Sportsmen are reminded that a free permit is required to participate in the 2026 Light Goose Conservation season, which will be held Feb. 15-March 31. Hunters can claim their free permit at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announces that Williamsport Lakes and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will reopen to the public on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) released “The Economic Impact of TWRA Operations and Outdoor Recreation” report, prepared by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee. This in-depth study highlights the significant role TWRA plays in both conservation and economic development across the state.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) demonstrated its commitment to public service and safety during Winter Storm Fern, working to assist communities and ensure critical infrastructure remained operational.

NASHVILLE --- The application period for the 2026 Tennessee Elk Quota Hunts is open Feb. 4-25. Applications are available and accepted at any Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional office, TWRA license agent, online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, or via the TWRA mobile app. Mailed applications will not be accepted.

TWRA Ranges closed due to Winter Storm, January 30, 2026

Tennessee Williamsport Lakes and WMA are closed until further notice, 01/29/2026

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will reopen Herb Parsons Refuge and the Bill Dance Lake State Fishing Area on Wednesday, January 28. These areas have been closed since July 7, 2025, due to several projects aimed at improving accessibility and functionality. Improvements include renovating the parking area and lowering the lake water level to enhance the fishing habitat. The goal of these upgrades is to improve both the fishing experience and overall visitor enjoyment.

NASHVILLE --- As a result of weather conditions, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will close Stones River Hunter Education Center and Firing Range on Jan. 30–Feb. 1. The TWRA expects ranges to resume normal operating hours the following week.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) received a positive chronic wasting disease (CWD) test result in a hunter-harvested deer in Humphreys County, the first positive case for Humphreys County. The 2025-26 deer season wrapped up over the weekend of Jan. 10-11, with the Young Sportsman hunt.

DYERSBURG, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) wrapped up its first meeting of 2026. The Commission approved the state’s 2026-27 fishing regulations, heard a preview of potential changes to the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) rule, approved the drone recovery rule, heard a trio waterfowl-related presentations, and elected its officers for 2026-27. To watch both days of the meeting, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) YouTube Channel.

NASHVILLE --- The 35th Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival is set for Jan. 17-18, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday) at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, and Birchwood Community Center. The festival celebrates the thousands of sandhill cranes that stop over or spend the winter on or near the refuge. It is also an opportunity to focus attention on the rich heritage of the state and the Native American history of the area.

WHITE PINE, Tenn. — Leadvale Access Area on Douglas Lake is temporarily closed to the public as crews work to repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The access area, which serves as a popular entry point for boating and fishing, sustained significant structural impacts during the storm.