NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reports the state’s spring turkey hunting season resulted in a harvest of 34,990 birds, the fourth-highest reported harvest on record. It is the best harvest since the 2020 COVID record season and ranks behind only the 2006 and 2010 seasons overall.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit will take place on October 21, 2026, at Middle Tennessee State University. All wildlife enthusiasts, including experts, birdwatchers, hunters, and anyone interested in nature, are invited to participate in this experience packed with opportunities to learn about wildlife diversity, habitats, and conservation in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE --- The application period for the 2026 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Big Game quota hunts for deer, turkey, and the Cherokee party hunts for bears is June 10 through July 22. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Entries must be submitted before midnight (CDT) July 22.
SCOTT COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the temporary closure of a portion of Montgomery Fork Road within the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) after recent rain events caused significant erosion and a hazardous road washout.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is inviting Tennesseans and visitors to take part in the Agency’s 2026 wild turkey summer observation survey. The survey is open to the public and will continue through Aug 31.
NASHVILLE --- For the second consecutive year, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is pleased to report there were no boating-related fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee’s 2026 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 6. All state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day, continuing through the following Friday, June 12.
McMinnville, Tenn ----With increased traffic anticipated over the Memorial Day weekend, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency would like to remind everyone that the Caney Fork boating access ramp, Plumlee Ford, in Van Buren County, is closed.
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks (TSP) are partnering to host Wilderness Day in the Glade on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
WHITE PINE, Tenn. — Leadvale Access Area on Douglas Lake has temporarily reopened to provide public water access while crews await materials needed to finish repairs from Hurricane Helene. Once the remaining material arrives, the access area will need to close again for approximately one week so crews can complete work to restore safe, long‑term access.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. In support of the statewide and national observance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will participate in the annual National Safe Boating Week, reminding all boaters to refresh their boating safety skills and prepare for the upcoming summer boating season.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed that a new state record for a Largemouth Bass has been established, breaking the previous mark, which was set more than 11 years ago.
NASHVILLE --- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has approved the 2025 Tennessee State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which serves as a blueprint and proactive strategy to protect the state’s fish and wildlife, aiming to prevent future listing of species and increase recovery efforts for species currently listed as threatened or endangered. It outlines the current status of vulnerable wildlife and the condition of the habitats they rely on.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A coordinated investigation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has resulted in multiple convictions for illegal hunting activities spanning both states. Violations included possession of Class I wildlife without a permit, hunting in a closed season, spotlighting, hunting without a license, hunting from a public road, and tagging violations.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee’s 2026 spring hunting season for gray, fox and red squirrels opens Saturday, May 9, and will continue through Sunday, June 14.