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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.

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.

Closure Notification - Old Hickory Duck Blind 32, Unit 2

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has received positive chronic wasting disease (CWD) test results in hunter-harvested deer in Dickson and Williamson counties, the first positive CWD case for both.

NASHVILLE — In the fall of 2024, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) game wardens in Wilson and Rutherford counties received information from a concerned citizen regarding extensive ongoing wildlife poaching activity near the Wilson and Rutherford County border.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has received a positive chronic wasting disease (CWD) test result in a road-killed deer in Wayne County, the first positive CWD case for Wayne County. Since Wayne County is within the current CWD Management Zone, wildlife feeding and carcass transportation restrictions are already in place.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Fisheries Division is soliciting public comments on the proposed 2026-27 fishing regulations through Jan. 5. The proposals were presented at the December meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission in Chattanooga.

NASHVILLE --- The application period for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) 2026 Spring Turkey Quota Hunts will be open Dec. 17 through Jan. 7, 2026. Applications can be submitted online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, through the TWRA On The Go mobile app, at TWRA regional offices, or at any TWRA license agent.