NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will present its recommendations for the 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s (TFWC) March 5-6 (Thursday-Friday) meeting at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. Committee meetings start at 1 p.m. on Thursday, and full Commission proceedings begin at 9 a.m. on Friday. To watch both meetings, visit the TWRA YouTube Channel.
TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. --- The renovations at the popular trout fishing destination, Green Cove Pond, near Tellico Plains in the Cherokee National Forest, have been completed after a multi-year improvement process. Green Cove Pond will officially open on March 1, 2026, for all licensed anglers to fish this beautiful location stocked with rainbow trout.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has been presented the National Wild Turkey Federation's (NWTF) prestigious “Diamond Legacy Award” for its long-standing partnership. TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon accepted the award on behalf of the Agency at the NWTF’s 50th National Convention and Sport Show held recently in Nashville, a city that has proudly hosted the convention since 2000, with only three exceptions.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee’s statewide trapping season for six species and several small game hunting seasons will close on Feb. 28. The trapping seasons ending are those for fox, mink, muskrat, otter, least weasel, and bobcat. Among the small game seasons concluding are those for rabbit, grouse, and quail. The statewide hunting seasons for squirrel, raccoon, and opossum continue through March 15.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NASHVILLE --- The second Tennessee Young Sportsman Deer Hunt will be held Jan. 10–11, officially wrapping up the 2025–26 deer season. The regular statewide season ends the weekend before, on Sunday, Jan. 4.