Newsroom

Closure Alert Winchester City Park Boat Ramp Closed Due to Renovations

NASHVILLE --- The deadline to enter the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) 2026-27 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife annual calendar is quickly approaching on March 20. All interested photographers are invited to submit up to 10 of their best photos of wildlife species native to the Volunteer State. Hunting, fishing, and boating photos are also welcome. The selected winning entries will appear in the 2026-27 calendar, which begins in August and runs through July.

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.

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