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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.

GRAINGER COUNTY, Tenn. — The parking area along Owl Hole Gap at a well known trout fishing location will be temporarily closed next week while construction crews work to replace a nearby bridge.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks are teaming with paddlesports leaders across the state to offer low-cost beginner kayaking classes Saturday, May 16, which kicks off National Safe Boating Week.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) popular Tennessee Angler Recognition Program (TARP) has reached the 10,000 entry milestone, from anglers who have recorded trophy-sized catches in Volunteer State waters.

Renovations of the boat ramp and dock at the Winchester City Park on Tims Ford Lake are nearing completion. Currently, the new sixty-foot-wide ramp is open for use. Placement of courtesy docks and bank armoring began the week of April 6 and is slated to be completed by May 1, 2026.

KNOXVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission set the state’s 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons at its two-day April meeting, which concluded Friday at the UT Institute of Agriculture Plant Biotechnology Building.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, conservation groups, and similar groups with stream clean-up projects during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has released the 2024-2025 Annual Report, highlighting a strengthened commitment to conserving Tennessee’s outdoor traditions through expanded habitat restoration, improved access to public lands, and enhanced enforcement of boating and wildlife laws.

NASHVILLE --- The 2026 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop will be held June 27-28 at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. Registration starts on Wednesday, April 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. However, priority will be given to first-time participants.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) Wildlife and Forestry Division will present recommendations for the 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission for review and approval at its April 16-17 (Thursday-Friday) meeting at the UT Institute of Agriculture Plant Biotechnology Building in Knoxville. Committee meetings begin at 1 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, with full Commission proceedings starting at 9 a.m. on Friday. To watch both days of the meeting, visit the TWRA YouTube Channel.

JACKSON, Tenn. --- Five hunters from West Tennessee and one Mississippi hunter recently pleaded guilty to various violations related to turkey hunting. As part of their penalties, they were ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution, along with potential fines and costs that could amount to $6,000. Furthermore, the hunters have forfeited 79 turkey beards, 17 turkey fans, one white turkey, four shotguns, and one compound bow.

Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 11, and will continue through Sunday, May 24. The Young Sportsman Hunt precedes the statewide season the weekend of April 4-5.

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. --- Otter Creek Road on Catoosa Wildlife Management Area will be closed at Otter Creek for bridge repairs starting March 27, 2026. The closure will impact those planning to hunt in areas along Otter Creek Road and the Hawn Rodge area.